On the whole, Malaysia is a safe place to travel; however, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch theft are on the rise in crowded areas—be especially alert in train and light-rail stations and bus terminals. There have been pickpockets in the Batu Caves area as well. Also beware of purse snatchers who operate in Bangsar and other popular nightspots. Some thieves will try to snag your belongings as they zip by on a motorcycle, so always carry your bags on the side away from the street. Be mindful of your belongings when dining alfresco and do not leave them unattended. If you have to carry a bag of some sort, make sure it is attached securely to your body. Small backpacks are best. Avoid obvious signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, which could appeal to snatch thieves. Do not resist if you are being robbed, as some can be quite violent.
Hustlers and con artists also operate in Kuala Lumpur, but they are usually quite easy to spot and rarely resort to violence. A good rule of thumb is what your grandmother told you: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It's unlikely that such people will be a persistent nuisance, but if they are, look for one of the tourist police, who wear dark blue uniforms and have a checkered hatband on their hats. They are common in areas most tourists frequent.
The threat posed by Islamic fundamentalist terrorist groups is ever-present in Asia, and it's no different in Kuala Lumpur. Though the Malaysian government has done a good job preventing such attacks, it is difficult to know where and when terrorist groups will strike.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do speak softly and politely at all times; Malaysians rarely are noisy. Likewise, don't show anger or irritation in public no matter how justified you feel it is. To Malaysians it is unseemly and makes them very uncomfortable. A reasonable, calm persistence will get you much further.
Don't rush into a topic too quickly. A few minutes spent socializing will pay off enormously in both business and personal situations.
Do consider getting a foot massage. Malaysians have mastered the art of foot reflexology, and it is absolute bliss at the end of an arduous day of sightseeing and shopping. You can find foot massages in many health spas, most hotels and in the specialized massage shops along Jalan Bukit Bintang. While the approach by persistent selling staff may appear a little seedy, the foot massages are mostly done at streetlevel, within full view of the outside world.
Don't be alarmed if people approach you wishing to chat. Malaysians are generally curious about and friendly with visitors. Often, if you look lost or uncertain, they try to be helpful. Of course, exercise some prudence with these contacts as well.
Do learn a few phrases of Bahasa, the language of Malaysia. Although most people in Kuala Lumpur speak at least some English, it will please them enormously to hear you attempt their language. Here are some examples: terima kasih (thank you); tolong (please);
apa khabar (how are you?); and last but not least, tandas? (toilet?).
Do carry some coins with you. You are often expected to pay 20-30 sen to enter a public toilet. You might also want to have a small packet of tissue tucked away since toilet paper is not always available.
