U.S. Department of State
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk.
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Is Malaysia safe? 🇲🇾
Asia · Updated
As of August 2026, Malaysia scores 83/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates Malaysia Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Of the 12 Malaysia destinations assessed, Cameron Highlands scores highest (85/100), while Johor Bahru scores lowest (78/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 3Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Eastern Sabah coastal islands FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 1Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
Canada's official risk level for Malaysia: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
Malaysia destinations by safety score
#1🇲🇾Cameron HighlandsVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#2🇲🇾KuchingVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#3🇲🇾IpohVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#4🇲🇾MalaccaVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#5🇲🇾LangkawiVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#6🇲🇾DalatVery Safe · updated 29 July 202685#7🇲🇾George TownSafe · updated 29 July 202684#8🇲🇾Kuala LumpurSafe · updated 28 July 202684#9🇲🇾KuantanSafe · updated 29 July 202683#10🇲🇾Petaling JayaSafe · updated 21 August 202682#11🇲🇾Kota KinabaluSafe · updated 29 July 202679#12🇲🇾Johor BahruSafe · updated 29 July 202678
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03 · Evidence Signals
Malaysia safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryUS State Dept · Canada | Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions · 2 govts | 100 | US State Dept · Canada |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2023 | 0.7 / 100k | 96 | World Bank Open Data (2023) |
| Feel safe walking alone after darkUN SDG Global Database · 2021 | 90.5% | 96 | UN SDG Global Database (2021) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 72/100 | 72 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 63/100 | 63 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 13.9 / 100k | 56 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
Malaysia safety FAQ
Is Malaysia safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Malaysia Level 1 of 4 — Exercise Normal Precautions. On our composite index Malaysia averages 83/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 21 August 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Malaysia?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Cameron Highlands currently scores highest at 85/100 (Very Safe). Johor Bahru scores lowest at 78/100.
Where does this Malaysia safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.