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Reviewed: 29 July 2009, 11:35 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is high risk to your security in coastal areas and offshore Islands and dive sites remote from the main towns of eastern Sabah (from Kudat in the North and around the coast to Tawau) and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. Terrorist and criminal groups have in the past kidnapped foreigners from the islands and coastal areas of eastern Sabah. The Malaysian and Philippine authorities have implemented counter-terrorism measures, but further kidnappings cannot be ruled out.
New Zealanders are advised against crossing the Malaysian border into Thailand by land because of ongoing violence due to insurgency in the southern Thai provinces.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Malaysia and we advise caution. Malaysia shares with the rest of South East Asia a threat from terrorism. New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious around places where foreigners gather, including hotels, landmark sites, and resorts popular with foreigners. We recommend you avoid demonstrations, rallies and protests, as some have resulted in violence.
Piracy is a problem in South East Asian waters, particularly in the Straits of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. We advise against travelling by sea to the Southern Philippines. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report: www.icc-ccs.org.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Malaysia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Malaysia are encouraged to record their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Southeast Asia
For other countries' travel advice
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States - Canada - Australia
Contact details are
Street Address Level 21, Menara IMC, 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
50250, Malaysia
Telephone +60 3 2078 2533 Facsimile +60 3 2078 0387
Email nzhckl@streamyx.com
Website New Zealand Embassy Kuala Lumpur [external link]
Office Hours Mon-Thurs 0800-1630 hrs, Fri 0800-1600 hrs
Street Address Lot 8679, Section 64, Pending Commercial Centre, 93762 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Postal Address PO Box 3201, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Telephone +82 482 177 Facsimile +82 482 279
Email shazwi69@tm.net.my
