Malaysia is a nation located in Southeast Asia. It is a federal constitutional monarchy that consists of 13 states and three federal territories.
The nation is bordered by Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, it’s essential to note that while most parts of the country are relatively safe, there are a few areas that you should steer clear of. As a tourist, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions and research areas that may pose a risk to your safety. By doing so, you can ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trip to this beautiful country.
If you happen to find yourself in a hazardous area during your travels, there are certain precautions you should take to safeguard yourself from potential robbery or even worse situations.
In Malaysia, there are a variety of crimes that are committed, ranging from murder to drug trafficking, money laundering, and sex trafficking. These heinous acts are unfortunately prevalent in the country and have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of its citizens. Despite efforts to combat these crimes, they continue to occur, and it is important for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from becoming victims.
Petty crimes such as purse snatching, pickpocketing, and other forms of minor theft are prevalent occurrences.
Although there has been a slight decrease in the crime rate in Malaysia, the general public’s perception of crime remains unchanged.
Although Malaysia has been ranked as the 18th most dangerous travel destination in the world, it is still possible to visit the country safely by taking the necessary precautions.
Planning a trip to Malaysia requires careful consideration of the places you want to visit. To help you prepare, we have listed some of the country’s most dangerous cities so you can take necessary precautions and be aware of any potential risks.
10 Cities in Malaysia Where Crime Rates are High
Kuala Lumpur
Located in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that boasts various iconic landmarks, including the Petronas Twin Towers and the Petaling Street flea market. As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Regrettably, it remains one of the most hazardous cities in the country.
In recent years, there has been a decrease in the number of violent crimes, including murder, rape, and robbery. According to recent statistics, there were 11,498 cases of assault crimes reported in 2021.
In 2021, there was a slight decrease in property crimes, which included house break-ins, vehicle theft, purse snatching, and pickpocketing. The reported cases amounted to 41,479.
When it comes to Kuala Lumpur, there are no neighbourhoods that are particularly unsafe during the day. However, it’s important to exercise caution when venturing out at night. Keeping your wits about you and staying aware of your surroundings can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this bustling city.
If you’re planning on taking a late-night walk, it’s advisable to steer clear of the vicinity around Kalan Chow Kit. The area is infamous for having a high concentration of drug addicts who can pose a serious threat to your safety. It’s better to be cautious and avoid the area altogether to prevent any possible instances of robbery or physical assault.
To stay safe while walking, it’s advisable to steer clear of dimly-lit side streets. These areas are often frequented by criminals who are on the lookout for their next target. It’s always better to stick to well-lit and busy streets to ensure your safety while walking.
As a tourist, it is important to be cautious of scam artists who may try to take advantage of you. Some things to be aware of include:
If you’re planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, you can have a delightful experience, provided that you exercise caution and plan most of your sightseeing during the daytime.
Petaling Jaya
PJ, short for Petaling Java, is a bustling city located in Selangor, Malaysia. Despite its vibrant atmosphere, it is often regarded as one of the most perilous cities in the country.
If you plan to visit PJ, it’s essential to be extra cautious as robberies, thefts, murders, and violent gang wars are a common occurrence in the city. Staying alert and being aware of your surroundings can help ensure your safety while exploring the area.
Taking public transportation at night can be risky due to the increased likelihood of robberies on buses. In addition, some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists. It is important to exercise caution when using public transportation, especially at night.
It’s important to be mindful of the possibility of pickpocketing, purse snatching, and mugging in the area. These types of crimes can happen frequently, so it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and belongings are secure.
Regrettably, criminal activities take place throughout the city, and the most effective approach to guarantee your safety is to refrain from walking alone at night and steer clear of stores located on dimly lit streets during nighttime hours.
Staying alert, avoiding carrying any valuable possessions, and limiting outdoor exploration to daytime hours can significantly enhance your safety.
Klang
Located in the state of Selangor, Malaysia, Klang was once the capital of the state.
Located in the western region of the state, the city shares its borders with the Kuala Langat district and the Malacca Straits.
The city offers a wide range of activities to keep you busy, but it’s important to be cautious because of the elevated crime rate.
Gang violence is a common occurrence in the city, with several criminal gangs operating within its borders.
The city is plagued by the notorious Gang 24 Apache, known for its involvement in heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and extortion. They are considered one of the most dangerous gangs in the area, causing fear and chaos among the citizens.
Petty theft, which includes activities such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, remains a common occurrence.
To stay safe, it’s best to steer clear of the streets during nighttime, as encountering a gang member is something you definitely want to avoid.
It’s important to be cautious of taxis lacking meters, as the drivers may drastically increase the fare.
It is recommended that visitors remain vigilant of their surroundings and refrain from venturing out alone during nighttime.
4 Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the state capital of Malaysia.
The city is also known as JB, where travellers can experience a variety of cultural activities.
For decades, JB has been infamous for its high crime rate and is far more dangerous than other urban neighbourhoods in the country.
Robberies, snatch theft, carjacking, kidnapping, and rape are the most common crimes.
Gangs in the city bring violence, narcotics, and a variety of other crimes.
There are a few areas that tourists are advised to avoid, including:
- The Larkin Bus Terminal should be avoided due to thievery and human trafficking.
- Taman Pelangi is a crime hotspot that was notorious for murder in 2017.
- At night, Jalan Wong Ah Fook should be avoided since it transforms into a red-light district with high crime rates.
- Taman Molek is a high-crime residential neighbourhood where kidnappings and explosions have happened.
- Stulang Laut is a beachside area where a deadly motorcycle gang lives.
5 Kuching
Kusging is the state capital of Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest populated state.
The city is situated on the Sarawak River near the state’s southwest tip.
Because crime rates are greater in densely populated regions, you should exercise caution when visiting Kuching.
Violent crimes do occur, but not as frequently as theft.
Pickpocketing, handbag snatching, and auto theft are all common, so be cautious when strolling down the street.
Corruption and bribery are rampant in the city, yet most tourists are not concerned.
When going out at night, tourists should stick together and not bring anything precious with them.
It’s also a good idea to keep your phone and camera out of sight.
Also, avoid utilizing unregistered taxis because drivers frequently inflate fares, which is unlawful.
6 Shah Alam
Shah Alam is located in Selangor, Malaysia’s state capital.
It is part of the Petaling District as well as a tiny piece of the nearby Klang District.
Shah Alam is home to many popular tourist attractions, including:
- Garden of Islamic Arts
- Sultan Alam Shah Museum
- i-City
Shah Alam is one of Malaysia’s most difficult areas to obtain alcohol, but it hasn’t stopped violence in the city.
Students frequently come to the city, which is said to be one of the reasons crime rates are so high.
Murders and thefts are not commonplace in the city.
People are mugged, pickpocketed, or have their purses snatched on a daily basis, and there have been numerous reports of sexual harassment of women in this neighbourhood.
Tourists should avoid walking around the city alone and take care to avoid being robbed.
7 Kajang
Kajang is a town in Selangor’s Hulu Langat District.
Tourists can visit the town’s many retail complexes and restaurants.
The town is well-known for its skewered barbecued pork.
The crime rate in Kajang is lower than in other areas, such as Kuala Lumpur. However, visitors should be cautious.
Thefts such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and car theft are somewhat high, whereas violent crimes such as murder, assault, and armed robbery are comparatively low.
Taxi and ATM scams are very widespread.
You should avoid travelling alone at night in Kajang and avoid carrying too much money or valuables.
Many entrance points in the areas allow criminals to easily enter and exit.
8 Subang Jaya
Subang Jaya is a city in Selangor’s Petaling District.
It has a population of 642,100 people, making it Malaysia’s sixth-largest city by population.
There are numerous colleges and universities in the city, and there are numerous activities for international students and tourists.
Unfortunately, the city has a bad reputation for having a high crime rate, and it has more crime than other districts in Selangor.
Despite the fact that the city’s crime rate has decreased, 1,465 criminal cases were registered in 2018.
Violence occurs, although not as frequently as theft and vandalism.
Corruption and bribery are also severe issues in the city, but they rarely affect tourists.
Tourists are frequently victims of taxi and ATM fraud, so you should be cautious.
It is better to travel through the city with another person and avoid carrying too much money or valuables.
Also, try to avoid walking about at night.
9 Tawau
Tawao is the capital of Sabah, Malaysia’s Tawau District.
The city offers a variety of activities, including shopping, great eating, and the yearly Tawau International Cultural Festival.
Although crime in the city has decreased in recent years, theft in homes and on the streets, as well as automobile thefts, has climbed dramatically.
While crime is not as prevalent in Tawau as it is in other Malaysian towns, visitors should be cautious of their surroundings at all times.
It is better to avoid dark streets at night and travel with another person in well-lit regions.
You should also leave your valuables at the hotel.
10 Ipoh
Perak’s capital city is Ipoh in Malaysia.
It is located along the Kinta River and has a population of 657,892, making it Malaysia’s fourth largest city by population.
Ipoh has many museums for tourists to explore, as well as street art and limestone caves.
The crime rate in Ipoh is relatively high, and the most common crimes include:
- Assaults
- Muggings
- Car theft
- Vandalism
- Armed robbery
- Verbal abuse on the streets
More News:
- Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Georgia (Updated 2023)
- Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska (Updated 2023)
