Visiting Malaysia as a tourist

Maldivian nationals do not need a visa to enter Malaysia as a social visitor.  On entry, you are normally given a 30-days visa, which may be extended by a further 30 days by the Immigration authorities. 

Visas for longer stay or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before travel or through the Headquarters of the Malaysian Department of Immigration in Putrajaya.

Student Visa

Information about Student Pass (Visa) and other visas are available on the Malaysian Immigration website www.imi.gov.my. The educational institute in which you enrol will assist in arranging your student visa. Please check with the particular institute to obtain details of the procedure to be followed. The basic procedure for obtaining a Student Pass is available on the High Commission website.

Malaysian immigration authorities grant Social Visit Pass only to immediate family members of students who are pursuing Post-Graduate courses.  Requests for social visit pass for immediate family members of Undergraduate or other students are considered on a case by case basis by the Malaysian immigration authorities. However, with a supporting letter from the High Commission, visa is normally granted to immediate family members.

Overstaying

Please ensure that you do not overstay your visa. Also do not breach the terms of your visa (eg. engaging in employment when your visa terms clearly forbid you to do so) Overstaying in Malaysia after the expiry or cancellation of visa can lead to a fine of not less RM 10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 5 years. You may be refused re-entry based on previous record of overstaying.

The Malaysian authorities are currently running a vigorous campaign against illegal immigrants and are therefore inspecting immigration documents, such as work permits, very closely. Malaysian immigration authorities have routinely detained foreigners who have overstayed their visas. 

Malaysian Immigration rules require you to carry your passport at all times unless you have a valid Malaysian Immigration issued identification such as an I-Kad or Work Permit. 

If you are a student check with your college when you would be issued your I-Kad. Also, check your visa status periodically while in Malaysia and strictly follow immigration regulations and laws.

Passport

Your passports should have minimum 6 months validity or entry may be refused. If you are travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) you need to carry your passport to enter East Malaysia. The High Commission receives a significant number of reports of stolen, lost or damaged passports. You are advised to take all necessary precautions to keep your passport safe.

General

Since January 2008, foreigners are not required to fill the embarkation/disembarkation card when entering Malaysia.

Health

If you are bringing in prescribed medicines for personal use, please ensure that you carry it in your hand luggage and have the doctor’s prescription ready at hand to show to the immigration authorities if required.

Check with your doctor what vaccinations or other health precautions you may need before travelling.

It is advisable that you obtain comprehensive medical/travel insurance covering all eventualities, before travelling as medical care in private hospitals can be very expensive.

Take precautions against periodic outbreaks of  diseases such as Dengue Fever, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and Chikungunya. The most recent large-scale outbreaks of HFMD were in Sarawak in July 2006.

In April 2008, there were reports of Chikungunya in Johor. Dengue is endemic in certain parts of Malaysia, including Selangor, and so far this year 21,704 cases were reports, 53 of them resulting in death. Chikungunya and Dengue are caused by Aedes mosquitoes, and there is no vaccination or immunisation. The disease can be prevented by using insect repellents, mosquito coils/mats/nets and proper clothing that cover your body.

For further information on precautions against specific diseases check the WHO website   http://www.who.int/en/. 

Drugs

Malaysia has very strict laws regarding drug offences. Penalties for all drug offences are very severe, including mandatory death sentence in case of trafficking. In the case of possession, you may be imposed a custodial sentence which could also include whipping.

If you are suspected of having used drugs before your visit, you could be asked to take a urine test and if proved positive, you could be referred for rehabilitation treatment or be deported.

Firearms

The importation of unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia is prohibited. Possession can carry the death penalty.

Exchange Control

You are allowed to bring in or take out up to 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit per person without prior approval.

There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency (notes and or travellers' cheques) you may import. 

Non-residents may export foreign currency (notes and or travellers' cheques) up to the amount they previously imported, provided they have documentary evidence of the amount they imported. Penalties for offences under the Exchange Control Act 1953 are a fine of up to 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit, three years' imprisonment or both.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Kuala Lumpur is a large cosmopolitan city and as such you are advised to take every safety precaution that you may take in any large city.  These would include being aware of the dangers of various street crimes such as pick pocketing, bag snatching, etc. to which you may be exposed.

The Malaysian authorities regularly forewarn and create awareness through the local media about scams and cheating. Common forms of scams and cheating involve text messages or emails informing that have you won a contest, requesting your assistance for transfer of funds, selling ‘winning’ tickets for cash, etc.

Some suggestions that you might like to take note of include:

• Be aware of scams such as text messages or emails informing that you have won a contest, requesting your assistance for transfer of funds, selling ‘winning’ tickets for cash, carjacking of vehicles after staging accidents, etc
• Don’t give out your personal details or bank card information to unknown people, in person, via email, phone or sms. 
• Don’t let unsolicited sales or marketing people into your homes.
• Take particular care of your passport, as passport loss and damage is significantly high.
• Avoid carrying valuables with you and be aware of your surroundings when you are out on the streets.
• Do not leave possessions in an unattended vehicle. 
• There are reports of Credit/Debit card fraud. Therefore, take great care when making payments by credit card or withdrawing money from ATM.

Police permission is required for certain kinds of public gatherings in Malaysia.  You should therefore avoid street gatherings and demonstrations, which might place you at risk.

Between the months of October to February Malaysia is affected by seasonal storms, which occasionally result in heavy flooding. Heavy flooding is also experienced in parts of Kuala Lumpur and surrounding Klang Valley area.

Local Customs

While Malaysia is a multicultural society, it is also predominantly a Muslim country.  As a Maldivian you probably are aware of religious sensitivities that may be prevalent in Malaysia.  As a Muslim you may also be subjected to local Shari'a law.