Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just the regular big city stuff/overall pretty safe. - May 2022
Typical petty crime. I feel perfectly safe here as a single woman. That being said, I always live in big cities and thus don't walk around at night! - Aug 2018
There is some petty crime, mostly purse snatching. If you're going to wear a purse where it on one shoulder so if it gets grabbed you can just let go of it easily (the snatchers come by on motor bikes). The best thing to do is to not carry a large bag at all, just bring whatever you need in a small clutch or wristlet that you can tuck up under your arm. Situational awareness is key, but the crime is similar to any major tourist city. There is virtually no violent crime, but most people don't walk alone at night in unpopulated areas just to be on the safe side. - May 2018
There is petty crime, you need to be careful when walking with a bag or purse outside. Most apartment buildings have excellent security. - Apr 2017
There are reports of purse snatchings and so you are always advised to keep your bags across your body and away from the road while out walking and not to carry/wear valuables. In your car, you're recommended to keep bags out of sight, especially if driving alone. Having said that though, I haven't felt unsafe here and I walk around a lot with other female friends during the day or with my husband and children in the early evenings. Keep your wits about you and stay alert as you would in any other city. - Apr 2017
The security concerns are primarily nonviolent theft, such as purse snatching (from pedestrians and from vehicles). Break-ins are an issue in ground-floor or townhouse-style housing, which is why most embassy housing is in high-rise apartment buildings. The terror threat here is not any more critical than in other large cities, to my knowledge. - May 2016
Yes, petty theft affected many at the Embassy. Thieves breaking car windows - with the driver inside - to snatch visible bags. Motorcyclists grabbing purses from pedestrians. Local staff homes being broken into. - Feb 2015
There has been a recent increase in crime and that's scary, but like any cosmopolitan city, you need to carry your bags away from the road, be careful with your belongings, don't get into fights and if someone does try to snatch your bag, let it go. Be careful while taking cabs at night. - Aug 2013
Petty crime has increased. If you live a stand alone home and do not have private security, house invasions or burglary is common. Car theft or vandalism common, and drive by motor bikes purse snatching is also a factor. - Aug 2011
Generally no; Malaysia is a secular Muslim country, and Malaysians are generally quite hospitable. - Mar 2011
Houses have been broken into. The Embassy is trying to steer people into modern new apartments. There is the occasional purse snatching story here. - May 2009
Pretty safe but I know some women have been mugged. - Mar 2009
Some petty crime, crooks riding motorbikes will grab purses if you walk too close to road. Police are not reliable investigators. - Jul 2008
There have been break-ins. - May 2008
