Malaysia DOs and DONT'S

itspete

The bag snatching on motor bikes and such things have been in the press for years and years! It has been front page news as far back as I can remember. Everyone, that's Malaysians, know all bout this and living safely, so why are travel agents not giving advice on this and other types of crimes and safety for children and so on? It's on all the Ex-Pat sites in Malaysia!!!! Some link up with Travel Agents, Governments and the like. I have never been informed of safety from anyone in the travel industry, period! Why is that do you think. Almost all Malaysians live in houses that have bars on the windows and doors. Others live in Guarded Condominiums . That's been going on for a very very long time. So safety is a 'Big Thing', period!
Back packers are generally considered as not worth the bother, although some have been mugged etc when traveling in poorer areas and late at night.
Foreigners are high-end targets, yes that's children too, as they spend and spend as though it's 'Sale Day' every day. Unfortunately, this does cause many problems from social to monetary. Most Foreigners do not dress appropriately with respect to the country they visit. This is generally is disapproved of. Ladies walk about in shorts and tea-shirts and the like. It's a Muslim country, so respect their laws and culture (as if you don't have enough problems in your own countries for those reasons)! Spend wisely and don't just buy because you can. Do what the locals do!! Learn a bit of the Malay language and dress appropriately. Just because people smile does not mean they like you!! Before you go visiting any country, check the Ex Pat web sites of that country. Check that countries government site. They are packed with information, guide lines on safety and so on.
Providing you follow simple rules and make them a 'habit', then everything can be enjoyed. One thing though, do not travel late at night through to the early hours of the morning. The Malaysian people will tell you what's what on that subject, if you ask politely!