Malaysia - Safety

Malaysia shares with the rest of South East Asia a threat from terrorism, including places frequented by Westerners. The US State Department updated its warning in November 2003 and stressed extra caution in the troubled eastern Malaysia state of Sabah, where the risk of kidnapping is high. Terrorists are believed to be planning to kidnap foreign tourists from the islands and coastal areas of Eastern Sabah, and boats traveling to dive sites and between the islands are possible targets. Tourists wishing to visit the resorts and islands in the state should stick to larger resorts and exercise extreme caution. Visitors should be aware that street crime such as bag snatching, pick-pocketing, and scams are a problem.