travel document for malaysia

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• Immigration

Essential Travel Documents for Malaysia: What to Carry

Are you planning a trip to malaysia make sure you have the necessary documents ready. this article provides a comprehensive list of documents you should carry when traveling to malaysia. whether it's your passport, visa, or proof of accommodation, having these documents in order will ensure a smooth travel experience. so, prepare your travel essentials to enjoy a hassle-free trip to malaysia..

Key Takeaways:

• Before traveling to Malaysia, make sure you have a valid passport and check if you need a visa.
• Prepare health documentation, such as vaccination records, and have proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds.
• Create a clear itinerary, save digital copies of your important documents, and be aware of customs regulations.

Traveling to Malaysia: Essential Documents You Need

Preparing to Visit Malaysia

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful country of Malaysia, it’s essential to have all your documentation in order. To ensure a smooth entry into the country, you must carry the right documents. Here’s a guide to help you prepare everything you need for your Malaysian adventure.

Valid Passport

First and foremost, you’ll need a valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Malaysia. This is a standard requirement for many countries and helps to avoid any last-minute travel hiccups.

Proper Visa

Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter Malaysia. Check the visa requirements for your specific country on the official immigration website of Malaysia. If you are required to obtain a visa, ensure you apply well in advance of your travel dates.

For travelers from visa-exempt countries: A return ticket is often necessary to show at the immigration checkpoint. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

Also of Interest:

Using a fixed deposit as proof of financial support for f-1 visa: will it be accepted, post-brexit immigration changes: updates to uk immigration law and visa policy.

Visa applicants typically need to present: A completed visa application form . Recent passport-sized photographs. A detailed itinerary of your trip. Accommodation bookings. * Proof of finances.

Health Documentation

Some travelers may need to show proof of vaccination, particularly if you’re arriving from a region that has cases of yellow fever. Always check for the latest health-related travel requirements or advisories before your trip.

Return Ticket

Immigration authorities might ask to see your return or onward travel ticket. This serves as evidence that you plan to leave Malaysia after your visit, aligning with visa regulations and travel laws.

Sufficient Funds

You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Malaysia. Be prepared to show bank statements or a cash amount that meets the minimum financial requirements set by the Malaysian immigration authorities.

A Clear Itinerary

Have a clear itinerary that includes details such as hotel bookings, tour reservations, and places you plan to visit. This not just satisfies immigration but also ensures a well-planned journey for you.

Other Important Tips

• Have digital copies of all your important documents saved and accessible.
• Be aware of the customs regulations concerning what items you can bring into the country.

Final Thoughts

By having all the necessary documents prepared and understanding what is expected upon your arrival, you’ll be setting yourself up for a hassle-free entry into Malaysia. Whether you visit the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, the stunning beaches of Langkawi, or the historical streets of Malacca, your trip is sure to be unforgettable.

Remember, always check the official Malaysian immigration website and travel advisories for the most up-to-date information before you travel. Safe travels!

Official Malaysian Immigration Website

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the essential documents you need for a smooth trip to Malaysia, you’re all set to embark on your unforgettable adventure. From a valid passport to a well-planned itinerary, make sure you’ve got everything in order. And if you want to dive deeper into visa requirements and travel tips, head on over to visaverge.com. Bon voyage, my fellow traveler!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What documents do I need to enter Malaysia as a tourist? To enter Malaysia as a tourist, you will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to obtain a visa. Additionally, you may be asked to show a return or onward travel ticket, proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, and a clear itinerary with accommodation bookings and tour reservations. It is always recommended to check the official Malaysian immigration website for the most up-to-date information regarding entry requirements.

FAQ 2: Do I need to show any health-related documentation when traveling to Malaysia? While there are no specific vaccination requirements for entering Malaysia, travelers coming from regions with yellow fever cases may need to show proof of vaccination. It is advisable to check the latest health-related travel requirements or advisories before your trip. Stay informed about any health documentation needed to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

FAQ 3: What are some other important things to consider when traveling to Malaysia? In addition to the essential documents, there are a few other important tips to keep in mind when traveling to Malaysia. It is recommended to have digital copies of all your crucial documents saved and easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations regarding items you are allowed to bring into the country. Keeping these additional tips in mind will help ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: A valid passport is required to enter Malaysia.
• Which of the following documents may be required for visa applicants to enter Malaysia? a) Completed visa application form b) Proof of sufficient funds c) Recent passport-sized photographs d) All of the above
• What should you have prepared to satisfy the immigration authorities regarding your itinerary? a) Hotel bookings b) Tour reservations c) Places you plan to visit d) All of the above

Verging Today

New USCIS Rules for H-1B Workers After Layoffs

USCIS issues guidelines for H-1B layoffs impacting immigrant workers at companies like Google and Walmart. Stay informed on visa terminations.

Trending Today

H-1b 2025: will there be a second lottery.

The USCIS announced the completion of the initial H1B 2025…

Understanding the B1/B2 Visa 6 Month Rule: Stay Duration Explained for Multiple Entries

Learn about the B1/B2 visa 6 month rule and understand…

U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Guide with Sample Letters

Learn how to write an invitation letter for a U.S.…

How To Find Your Travel Document Number on Visas, Passports, and Green Cards

Looking for your Travel Document Number? Learn where to find…

Where to Find US Visa Number on US Visa

Traveling to the United States requires a valid U.S. visa,…

Top 10 B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Questions with Answers

Prepare for your B-1/B-2 Interview with these 20 sample questions…

Complete EB1A Visa Guide: Understanding the EB1A Green Card

The EB1A Visa offers a streamlined US immigration route for…

Maintaining Permanent Residency Status in Australia While Living Abroad: A Guide for Australian Permanent Residents

If you are an Australian permanent resident planning to live…

Guide to Filling Out the Customs Declaration Form 6059B in the US

Learn how to complete the CBP 6059B Form, the U.S.…

Required Documents for a U.S. Visitor Visa Interview

When preparing for a U.S. visitor visa interview, it is…

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Articles AirAsia Flights: What travel documents do I need? Do I need a Visa?

A place where you can easily find solutions and ask questions

19/07/2024 • FAQs

Information.

• AirAsia Berhad (AK)
• AirAsia Cambodia (KT)
• Thai AirAsia (FD)
• Indonesia AirAsia (QZ)
• Philippines AirAsia (Z2)
• AirAsia X Berhad (D7)
• Thai AirAsia X (XJ)  

Entry requirements into Malaysia

All foreign travellers are allowed to enter Malaysia regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status and do not require a pre-departure or on-arrival COVID-19 test. There are no quarantine orders related to COVID-19 enforced by the Malaysian Government upon arrival.

All foreign travellers must meet the following requirements before entering Malaysia:

• Have a passport that is valid for more than 6 months upon arrival in Malaysia
• Obtain a visa if you hold a passport of a country that requires a visa to enter Malaysia
• Obtain a legalized statement from your GP if you are bringing medication that falls under the “opiumwet” “Malaysia Dangerous Drugs Act”.
• Possess a ticket to a third country or a valid return ticket, as well as enough cash to cover your expenses while visiting Malaysia.
• Fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days prior to your arrival
• Refer to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s Traveler’s Guide for information on dutiable goods and tax rates.

This website is meant for Consular Services at the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague. For more information about the Embassy, please visit: The official website of the Embassy.

• Rustenburgweg 2
• 2517 KE, The Hague
• [email protected]
• 070-350 6506

Opening hours

• Monday - Friday
• 09:00 - 16:30
• Lunch break: 13:00 - 13:30

Useful links

• Consulair Dienstcentrum
• Wisma Putra
• Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara
• Education Malaysia Global Services
• Expatriate Service Division
• Immigration Department Malaysia

Privacy Overview

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Malaysia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, malaysia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Malaysia.

If you decide to travel to Malaysia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Malaysia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 

Eastern Area of Sabah State – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, malaysia map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

MYHRMIS Mobile

• Introduction
• Department History
• Organization Chart
• Malaysian Immigration Attaché
• Achievements & eAwards
• Client Charter Achievement
• Our Anthem & Oath
• Malaysian International Passport
• Passport Recipient and Issuance Offices
• Restricted Passport to Brunei
• Foreign Worker
• Entry Permit
• Malaysia My Second Home (MMH2) – En
• International travel
• Domestic Travel (Domestic)
• Enforcement
• Visa Requirement by Country
• Visa With Reference
• Apply for Visa
• Security Bond/Bank Guarantee Rates
• Endorsement of Exemption Section 66
• INTRODUCTION
• ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
• REGULATORY AGENCY
• APPLICATION FORM
• Important Link
• Certification of Identity
• Special Programme
• Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment)
• Employment Pass
• Long Term Social Visit Pass
• Short Term Social Visit Pass
• Professional Visitor Pass
• Student Pass
• Residence Pass

Required Documents

• Border Pass (Malaysia – Indonesia)
• Border Pass (Malaysia – Thailand)
• Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH)
• Restricted Travel Documents
• Document In Lieu of Internal Travel Document
• Prohibited Immigrant
• Frequently Committed Offences
• Entry Requirements for Ship Crew Member (Seaman)
• Address & Location
• Operation Hours
• Staff Directory
• Chief Information Officer
• Frequently Ask Question

Wednesday : July 24, 2024 - 7.32 am

• E-Participation
• Tenders & Quotations
• Statistic Of Online Services Transaction

Immigration Department of Malaysia Headquarters (Ministry of Home Affairs)

No. 15,  1-7 Floor, (Podium) Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62550 Putrajaya. T : 03-8000 8000 (MyGCC)

Portal Feedback: [email protected]

Copyright © 2021 | Immigration Department of Malaysia (Ministry of Home Affairs) Best viewed using the latest browser: Mozilla Firefox 4, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 10.0 and above, with a resolution greater than 1024 x 768

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Malaysia travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – removed demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur information; Health – removed outdated medical services information; Natural disasters and climate – editorial change

Last updated: July 16, 2024 10:01 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, malaysia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Malaysia due to the threat of criminality and terrorism.

East coast of Sabah - Avoid non-essential travel

• Kinabatangan

Back to top

East coast of Sabah

Eastern Sabah is deemed a Special Security Area by the Malaysian government. Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by Philippine militants remains, especially in the coastal areas. Tourist resorts, restaurants and watercrafts are targeted as well as resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan. The risk increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall. Land- and water-based curfews, including a Movement Control Order, are in effect in the coastal areas of Eastern Sabah.

The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) includes:

Check local media or with local police for the most recent curfew information. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations

Large-scale demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations are usually accompanied by a heightened police presence and traffic delays. Law enforcement officials have deployed crowd control measures such as tear gas and water cannons, and participants and bystanders have been injured.  It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Violent crime against foreigners is not common. Petty crime, however, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and snatch-and-grab incidents is prevalent, especially in tourist areas and at the airport. Thieves on motorcycles frequently grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, often resulting in injury. Women walking alone or with children are common targets.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Try to limit the number of valuables you carry
• Wear your purse facing away from the street and don't put the strap over your shoulder or wrap it around your arm
• Don't leave valuables unattended in vehicles

Scam artists operate in Malaysia. Male travellers, usually alone, have been approached in public places with invitations to participate in card games offering attractive opportunities for winning large amounts of money. Victims have lost thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed. Companies have also been the target of scams. Scammers will often pose as representatives from phony loan companies and fabricate documents, emails and receipts to appear legitimate. They then ask for up-front payments in order to facilitate the fake loans. Don't enter into agreements without conducting appropriate research.

There are reports of travellers encountering serious problems after responding to advertisements to do volunteer work with some adventure or environmental organizations. If you are interested in doing volunteer work abroad, conduct careful research before making a commitment.

Internet dating and other financial scams are common. Foreigners, including Canadian expatriates, may be targeted.

Credit cards and debit cards should be safeguarded at all times as theft, fraud and skimming does occur. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, even in international hotels. Swiping your own card may not always be possible.

• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures; however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Public transportation

Touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including at the KLIA2 terminal, attempt to get travellers to take their “taxi” into town. Several incidents of robbery and/or assault have occurred, as well as gross overcharges by such individuals. Take registered airport taxis only: before leaving the customs and arrivals hall, obtain a coupon from the airport taxi stand near the exit.

Many taxi drivers will often refuse to use the meter even though it is illegal not to use it. You should either look for another taxi or agree on a rate before entering the taxi.

If possible, book taxis by phone. Use a taxi desk or a trusted application on a smartphone, and confirm that the identity of the driver matches that of the photo in the dashboard and seatback.

Taxis are not permitted to pick up additional passengers. If they do, disembark when it is safe to do so.

Report any taxi-related problems to the SPAD (Malaysian body regulating public land transportation) at 1 800 88 7732. English-speaking operators are available. Be ready to provide details such as the vehicle number, the taxi company name as well as the time, date, locations and the nature of the incident.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Signage is in the local language. In some remote areas, there may be a lack of guard rails.

Be extra cautious when driving in the rain as your visibility may be impaired.

Aggressive driving habits by motorcyclists, including driving between vehicles, may pose a risk to foreign drivers who may not be accustomed to these driving techniques.

Bus accidents have occurred on long-distance tour buses, particularly at night. Choose a reputable tour company and avoid overnight routes.

Maritime travel

Boat accidents occur. Don't board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around Malaysia, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Malaysian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Malaysia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

For stays of over 90 days, you must apply for an extension at any Malaysian Immigration office.

Immigration Department of Malaysia – Government of Malaysia

A special visa is available to individuals who participate in the Malaysia My Second Home or Mm2h program.

Other entry requirements

You must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This is an online pre-arrival form and can be filled in up to three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia.

First time visitors to Malaysia need to go to immigration upon arrival. You must present your passport and a complete MDAC for border officers to validate before leaving the immigration counter.

Canadian travellers can use the e-gate facilities to enter and exit Malaysia.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card – Immigration Department of Malaysia

Employment pass

Before you apply for an employment pass (at an immigration office or a Malaysian high commission overseas), your prospective employer must apply for approval from the Standing Committee for Malaysianisation or the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority to fill the position with an expatriate. While waiting for the approval, your employer can apply to bring you into the country on a social visit pass (for example, temporary employment). We strongly recommend against this last step: you should obtain your employment pass before arrival because it is very difficult to change visa status once in Malaysia. Foreigners are limited to three visit pass extensions, after which they must leave the country or a fine will be imposed for overstaying.

Foreigners are required to register their biometrics (fingerprints) at their port of entry. Children under 12 years of age and diplomats accredited to Malaysia are exempt from this process.

Screening measures

Malaysian authorities have implemented screening measures in response to various virus outbreaks. Travellers entering Malaysia from Canada may be subject to a body temperature check. In some cases, travellers may be isolated and treated.

Drug screening

Custom officers can subject you to a drug screening test at the point of entry to Malaysia. If you test positive for drugs, you can be arrested and prosecuted, even if the drugs were consumed prior to your arrival in the country.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 2 July, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Payment is expected at time of service and can be made either in cash or by using a major credit card.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Some aspects of Shari’a (Islamic) law have been introduced in Malaysia. Muslim travellers may be subject to these laws. In some states, such as Kelantan and Terengganu, particularly strict regulations on alcohol and public decency can be applied.

Religious preaching to Muslims, including distributing non-Islamic religious materials, is illegal.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face the death penalty. Possession of as little as 15 grams of some prohibited substances will be considered trafficking.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as your passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Traffic drives on the left.

Canadian driver’s licenses are valid in Malaysia and can be used locally for a period of 3 months. After this time, you can either drive with an international driving permit, or apply for a Malaysian driver’s license at a certified driving institute.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• Certified driving institutes

Seat belts are mandatory. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect fines or imprisonment and could have their driver's licence suspended or revoked.

The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.

It is common to receive on the spot fines for disobeying traffic laws.

Marine transportation

Foreign vessels travelling in the waters off Sabah are subject to Malaysian law and must use routes designated by Malaysian authorities. Vessels must also fly both a Malaysian flag and the flag of their home country.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Malaysia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, and transgender individuals have been arrested. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Malaysia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Malaysia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Malaysia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Malaysia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malaysia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malaysia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

The majority of the population is Muslim. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and avoid discussions on race or religion.

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency is the ringgit (MYR).

Some major hotels don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are readily available across the country.

A special permit is required to bring in more than US$10,000 in the form of cash or other negotiable items. Without the permit, excess amounts are seized upon arrival. Visitors may leave the country with only the amount of currency declared on the Traveller’s Declaration Form on arrival.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Malaysia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Monsoon season

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from November to March. Severe rainstorms have occasionally caused flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Unrestricted burning periodically causes atmospheric pollution (haze) to rise to unhealthy levels in various parts of the country, especially from June to October. Levels change quickly and should be closely monitored.

• Level of air pollution  – Department of Environment of Malaysia
• Recommendations on reducing health risks  – Ministry of Health of Malaysia

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Types of Malaysian Passports

Malaysian Passport (Malay: Pasport Malaysia) is the valid travel document issued to citizens of Malaysia by the Immigration Department of Malaysia for the purpose of traveling abroad. The Passport Act of 1966 is the main legislation governing the production of passports and travel documents, the possession of passports and travel documents by Malaysian entering and leaving Malaysia and related matters.

Malaysian passport applications and renewals is very easy and simple as long as you fulfill the requirements. The new passport usually issued one hour after payment for normal cases.

Types of Malaysia Passports

The Malaysian Government issues 4 types of passports to its citizen:

  1. Malaysia International Passport The Malaysia International Passport (Malay: Pasport Antarabangsa) is the ordinary passport issued to Malaysian citizens for international travel. It features a red cover with National Emblem of Malaysia printed in golden color. The international passport has incorporated biometric features since 1998. Besides used to traveling abroad, the Malaysia International Passport can also used as alternative by citizens (except Sabahan and Sarawakian) from Peninsular Malaysia to enter the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. These two states have autonomy in immigration affairs and citizens travelling directly from Peninsular Malaysia may produce a Malaysian identity card, or birth certificate for children below 12 years, obtain a special immigration printout form (Document in Lieu of Internal Travel Document, IMM.114) at immigration counters for social/business visits up to 3 months, and keep the form until departure. The 50-page ICAO e-passport is valid for 5 years and costs RM200. Senior citizens, children below 13 years old, Hajj pilgrims, and students below 21 years old with proof to study abroad are entitled to half price from normal price. Disabled people are entitled to have their passports issued free of charge. 2. Restricted Passport The Malaysian Restricted Passport (Malay: Pasport Terhad) to Brunei Darussalam is a valid travel document issued to Malaysian citizens residing in Sabah, Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan for the purpose of entering Brunei Darussalam. Applications for the Malaysian Restricted Passport can be made at the Immigration Office in Sabah , Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan . Malaysian Restricted Passport is valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issue and it is costs RM50. 3. Official Passport The official passport (Malay: Rasport Rasmi) is issued exclusively to Malaysian government officials travelling on official business. It is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia upon request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra).

4. Diplomatic Passport The diplomatic passport (Malay: Pasport Diplomatik) is a type of international identity document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs defining the positions of diplomats and grants them privileges. Diplomatic passports are issued to government officials and their families who have been sent abroad for official duties.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Documents Library

Commercial Truck Manifest

This document provides guidance to the trade community on import regulations regarding commercial truck transportation. Information found within the document pertains to processes, data elements, and errors to avoid.

CBP Publication Number

Language selection

• Français fr

Travelling with your dog

If you're travelling internationally and returning to Canada with your dog, there are some essential steps you'll need to take.

Many countries, including Canada, have stringent requirements for dogs entering from abroad, to prevent the spread of diseases.

Some dog import requirements must be completed at specific times. It is your responsibility to make sure that your dog meets all the requirements and you have all the relevant documents prepared before travelling to or from Canada. If you fail to do so, your dog may be refused entry.

Long journeys can also have a serious impact on your dog's health and well-being.

On this page

Travelling to the united states, travelling to canada.

On August 1, 2024, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is changing their requirements for dogs entering the U.S.

Get your dog ready to meet the new U.S. requirements.

1. Meet Canada's dog import requirements

If you're travelling to or returning to Canada with your dog, you will need to meet specific import requirements. These requirements depend on various factors, such as

• the country of origin
• the age of the dog
• the purpose of the import, and
• whether or not the dog will be accompanied by the owner to Canada

Before you plan any travel arrangements, find the requirements for your specific situation .

It is your responsibility to make sure that all the requirements are met before travelling to Canada.

If you're travelling to another country from Canada, you will also need to meet the other country's import requirements .

2. Consult a veterinarian

Talk to your veterinarian to consider the risks of travelling and confirm that your dog is healthy and has all the required tests, vaccinations and treatments to enter Canada and the country you are travelling to. Ensure that all of your dog's records are ready and up-to-date, and that the required documentation is completed.

3. Prepare for travel by air

Airlines may require additional documentation or have additional requirements when travelling with an animal by air. Check with your airline to determine what requirements are needed for your situation.

You'll also want to do some preparations in advance, such as finding the appropriately sized crate and training your dog to its new surroundings. See more detailed information on travelling by air from the International Air Transport Association.

4. Copies of the required documentation

Print out hard copies and retain digital versions of all the documents that support the necessary import requirements.

It is your responsibility to make sure that all the information in your documents is correct before travelling to or from Canada.

Dogs that don't meet the CFIA's requirements

If a dog arrives at the border and does not meet Canada's import requirements, the situation will be reviewed and a decision made regarding the animal's eligibility to enter Canada. Depending on the facts of the case and the non-compliance(s) with CFIA requirements, the animal may be ordered to be removed from Canada, fines may be applied or legal actions may be pursued.

Adopting or buying a dog from abroad

Dogs acquired from outside of Canada will also need to meet import requirements. It is your responsibility as the dog owner to make sure the dog is eligible to be brought into Canada.

Do your research and ask these questions before making a commitment.

Bringing animals to Canada

Find out what you need before you travel with your pet or import an animal.

New CDC requirements for dogs travelling to the U.S.

Starting August 1, 2024, dogs travelling from Canada to the United States will need to meet new import requirements.

Advertisement

Chaos and Confusion: Tech Outage Causes Disruptions Worldwide

Airlines, hospitals and people’s computers were affected after CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, sent out a flawed software update.

• Share full article

By Adam Satariano ,  Paul Mozur ,  Kate Conger and Sheera Frenkel

• July 19, 2024

Airlines grounded flights. Operators of 911 lines could not respond to emergencies. Hospitals canceled surgeries. Retailers closed for the day. And the actions all traced back to a batch of bad computer code.

A flawed software update sent out by a little-known cybersecurity company caused chaos and disruption around the world on Friday. The company, CrowdStrike , based in Austin, Texas, makes software used by multinational corporations, government agencies and scores of other organizations to protect against hackers and online intruders.

But when CrowdStrike sent its update on Thursday to its customers that run Microsoft Windows software, computers began to crash.

The fallout, which was immediate and inescapable, highlighted the brittleness of global technology infrastructure. The world has become reliant on Microsoft and a handful of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike. So when a single flawed piece of software is released over the internet, it can almost instantly damage countless companies and organizations that depend on the technology as part of everyday business.

“This is a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core internet infrastructure,” said Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of Britain’s National Cyber Security Center and a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.

A cyberattack did not cause the widespread outage, but the effects on Friday showed how devastating the damage can be when a main artery of the global technology system is disrupted. It raised broader questions about CrowdStrike’s testing processes and what repercussions such software firms should face when flaws in their code cause major disruptions.

How a Software Update Crashed Computers Around the World

Here’s a visual explanation for how a faulty software update crippled machines.

While outages are common, often caused by technical errors or cyberattacks, the scale of what unfolded on Friday was unparalleled.

“This is historic,” said Mikko Hypponen, the chief research officer at WithSecure, a cybersecurity company. “We haven’t had an incident like this.”

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike’s chief executive, said that the company took responsibility for the mistake and that a software fix had been released. He warned that it could be some time before tech systems returned to normal.

“We’re deeply sorry for the impact that we’ve caused to customers, to travelers, to anyone affected by this,” he said in an interview on Friday on NBC’s “Today” show.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, blamed CrowdStrike and said the company was working to help customers “bring their systems back online.” Apple and Linux machines were not affected by the CrowdStrike software update.

A White House official said the administration was in “regular contact” with CrowdStrike and had convened agencies to assess the impact of the outage on the federal government’s operations.

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011 by Mr. Kurtz and others, has built a reputation over the years as a firm that could solve even the toughest security problems. It was tapped to investigate a 2014 hack of Sony Pictures and the 2016 hack of the Democratic National Committee, which exposed Hillary Clinton’s emails.

But problems stemming from CrowdStrike’s products have surfaced before. In April, the company pushed a software update to customers running the Linux system that crashed computers, according to an internal CrowdStrike report sent to customers about the incident, which was obtained by The New York Times.

The bug, which did not appear to be related to Friday’s outage, took CrowdStrike nearly five days to fix, the report said. CrowdStrike promised to improve its testing process going forward, according to the report.

On Thursday, the tech issues began when Microsoft dealt with an outage on its cloud service system, Azure, which affected some airlines .

Then CrowdStrike sent an update for its software called Falcon Sensor , which scans a computer for intrusions and signs of hacking. If everything had gone according to plan, CrowdStrike’s software would have received minor improvements and customers would have hardly noticed.

Instead, when CrowdStrike’s faulty update reached computers running Microsoft Windows, it caused the machines to shut down and then endlessly reboot. Workers around the world were greeted with what is known as the “blue screen of death” on their computers. Insufficient testing at CrowdStrike was a likely source of the problem, experts said.

As computers restarted themselves over and over, known as the “doom loop,” there was little CrowdStrike could do to fix the problem. Tech staff at affected companies were faced with a choice: walk around to each machine and remove the bit of flawed code, or wait and hope for a solution from CrowdStrike.

The problems cascaded instantly. At Sydney Airport in Australia, travelers encountered delays and cancellations, as did those in Hong Kong, India, Dubai, Berlin and Amsterdam. At least five U.S. airlines — Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Spirit and United — grounded all flights for a time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

How the airline cancellations rippled around the world (and across time zones)

Share of canceled flights at 25 airports on Friday

50% of flights

Ai r po r t

Bengalu r u K empeg o wda

Dhaka Shahjalal

Minneapolis-Saint P aul

Stuttga r t

Melbou r ne

Be r lin B r anden b urg

London City

Amsterdam Schiphol

Chicago O'Hare

Raleigh−Durham

B r adl e y

Cha r lotte

Reagan National

Philadelphia

1:20 a.m. ET

Health care systems were crippled, forcing hospitals to cancel noncritical surgeries. In the United States, 911 lines went down in multiple states, though many of those problems were being resolved later on Friday. Britain’s National Health Service also reported issues.

“We knew we had a catastrophe on our hands,” said B.J. Moore, the chief information officer for Providence Health, which has 52 hospitals in seven states. He said 15,000 servers were down and 40,000 out of Providence’s 150,000 computers were affected, adding that it was “worse than a cyberattack."

The United Parcel Service and FedEx said they were affected. Customers with TD Bank, one of the biggest banks in the United States, reported issues accessing their online accounts. Several state and municipal court systems closed for the day because of the outage.

At CrowdStrike, engineers described an atmosphere of confusion as the company struggled to contain the damage.

Executives urged employees not to speculate on why the mistake happened and directed them to focus on a fix for the computers that were affected, said two engineers who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Computers not connected to the cloud required a physical fix to the error introduced by CrowdStrike, they said, which could take weeks.

Within several hours of the faulty software going out, CrowdStrike sent out a software patch as a fix that would stop computers from endlessly rebooting.

Lukasz Olejnik, an independent cybersecurity researcher and consultant, said the outage would still take time to resolve because a suggested solution for some organizations involved rebooting each computer manually into safe mode, deleting a specific file and then restarting the computer.

While that is a relatively straightforward process, security experts said, it may not be easy to do at scale. Those with organized and well-staffed information technology teams could potentially fix the issues more quickly, Mr. Olejnik said.

Unlike the iPhone software updates that Apple sends to customers, the incident highlighted information technology systems that operate in the background. The CrowdStrike issues were compounded because the software being updated performed critical cybersecurity tasks, giving it access to scan a computer to look for viruses and other malicious attacks.

Cybersecurity tools operate quietly in the background to defend computers against attacks. The software is frequently updated with new defenses as hackers develop fresh methods of attack, but constant updates mean there are many opportunities for mistakes to happen.

“One of the tricky parts of security software is it needs to have absolute privileges over your entire computer in order to do its job,” said Thomas Parenty, a cybersecurity consultant and a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst. “So if there’s something wrong with it, the consequences are vastly greater than if your spreadsheet doesn’t work.”

On Friday, the stock price of CrowdStrike, which reported $3 billion in annual revenue last year, closed down 11 percent.

CrowdStrike’s stock price so far this year

The company faces questions about what liabilities it and other software makers face for major disruptions and cybersecurity incidents. The consequences for significant outages can be so minimal that companies are not motivated to make more fundamental changes, experts said. While a car manufacturer would face stiff penalties for faulty brakes, a software provider can often issue another update and move on.

“Until software companies have to pay a price for faulty products, we will be no safer tomorrow than we are today,” Mr. Parenty said.

Meaghan Tobin , Aaron Krolik and Jill Cowan contributed reporting.

Adam Satariano is a technology correspondent for The Times, based in London. More about Adam Satariano

Paul Mozur is the global technology correspondent for The Times, based in Taipei. Previously he wrote about technology and politics in Asia from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul. More about Paul Mozur

Kate Conger is a technology reporter based in San Francisco. She can be reached at [email protected]. More about Kate Conger

Sheera Frenkel is a reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, covering the ways technology impacts everyday lives with a focus on social media companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram and WhatsApp. More about Sheera Frenkel

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Going and being abroad

Malaysia: Knowledge Base profile

• HM Passport Office

Published 19 July 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/malaysia-knowledge-base-profile/malaysia-knowledge-base-profile

Version 2.0

About: Malaysia

This document contains useful information about Malaysia which will assist His Majesty’s Passport Office staff process passport applications.

If you have any questions about the document and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the document has factual errors then email Guidance team.

If you notice any formatting errors in this document (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the document then you can email Guidance team.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the document was published:

version 2.0

published for Home Office staff on 15 July 2024

Changes from last version of this document

This document has been updated with minor formatting changes.

Malaysia: names

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about names in Malaysia.

There are different naming customs in Malaysia depending on the customer’s ethnic background:

Chinese naming conventions

Malaysian naming convention

The Chinese naming convention consists of a surname, followed by the forename of the person (this can be one or two words). For example, if a person is named Tan Yun Han, Tan is the surname and Yun Han is the given name. Some people also adopt an English forename, as a third forename.

The Malaysian naming convention includes adding to the name:

‘bin’, meaning ‘son of’

‘binte’ or ‘bte’, meaning ‘daughter of’

An example of a Malaysian name is Hasinah bte Ali, meaning Hasinah, daughter of Ali. Where the father’s name is included, this is usually just his forename. However, some parents chose to include the full name of the father.

Change of name

Parents can change their child’s name on the birth certificate if the child is under 1 year old and they make an application for amendment of particulars.

Married women in Malaysia do not take their husband’s name. They keep their birth name.

Name alignment

The Malaysia authorities can put an observation in the Malaysia passport referring to the customer’s married name as the personal details page of the Malaysia passport cannot be changed.

HM Passport Office will not ask a customer to align their Malaysia passport, if they apply for their British passport in their married name and the Malaysia passport has an observation showing their married name.

Malaysia: nationality

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about nationality in Malaysia.

Dual nationality is not recognised in Malaysia.

If a child is born before the parents’ marriage is registered, the child’s nationality status will come from their mother.

Malaysia: legitimacy and parental responsibility

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about legitimacy in Malaysia.

Malaysia recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

legitimate:

if parents were married at the time of the birth

from the time of the marriage if the parents marry after the birth and the father is domiciled in Malaysia at the time of marriage

illegitimate if their parents never marry

Parental responsibility

The mother alone has parental responsibility for any illegitimate child.

Malaysia: adoption

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about adoption in Malaysia.

Adoption is legal in Malaysia.

Malaysia: surrogacy

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about surrogacy in Malaysia.

Surrogacy is illegal in Malaysia.

Malaysia: civil partnerships and marriage

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about civil partnerships and marriage in Malaysia.

Civil partnerships and same sex relationships are not recognised in Malaysia.

There are two types of marriage in Malaysia, civil and religious. Where the marriage is a religious one the clergyman must be an appointed Assistant Registrar of Marriages.

Malaysia: documents

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about documents in Malaysia.

Birth and marriage certificates were standardised in year 2000. Previously births were registered at police stations or with the head chief of a village.

Birth certificates

People born in Malaysia, register their birth directly at the National Registration Department (NRD) (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN)) located in each state or region.

Malaysians who are born outside Malaysia, the registration is made at the Malaysian embassy and then submitted to the NRD (JPN) headquarters in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Prior to 1 July 2011 all birth certificates were pale green in colour. After this date, the National Registration Department re-issues these older certificates using different colour paper. It re-issues:

pale green certificates (with a personal identification number, bar code) to Malaysian citizens

light pink certificates to non-Malaysian citizens

Since 1 July 2011, the registration department issues:

Malaysian citizens with green birth certificates (with a barcode)

non-Malaysian children who have:

1 Malaysian parent, a green birth certificate (with barcode) and the word ‘Bukan Warganegara’ to show they are not Malaysian

2 non-Malaysian parents, a red birth certificate

If a child is born outside of marriage to Muslim parents, the father’s name will not be listed on the birth certificate.

Marriage certificates

Any marriage not registered with the National Registration Department in Malaysia is invalid. The following marriages cannot be registered:

inter-religious marriage; or

where both spouses are foreign citizens (not citizens of Malaysia)

Identity documents

Malaysia issues a national identity card for citizens. All citizens are required to apply for and carry their identity card from the age of 12.

The name field on a Malaysia passport is one field. Forenames and surnames are not separated on a Malaysia passport and appear forename followed by surname. Where the customer’s name follows a Chinese naming convention, they may have their names shown as surname first, followed by their forename.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• India Today
• Business Today
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• India Today Hindi
• Reader’s Digest
• Aaj Tak Campus

Woman uses forged documents to travel to Pakistan, case filed

The woman, nagma noor maksood ali alias sanam khan, allegedly forged her documents and used it to get a fake passport..

Listen to Story

• Woman forged Aadhar, PAN, among other documents to obtain passport
• Incident took place between May 2023 and May this year
• Police also booked another man in the case

A 23-year-old woman in Maharashtra is in legal trouble for allegedly travelling to Pakistan with a fake passport and visa.

The woman, identified as Nagma Noor Maksood Ali alias Sanam Khan from Thane, allegedly changed her name and got Aadhaar card, PAN card and her daughter's birth certificate from Lokmanya Nagar in Thane, as per a report by news agency PTI.

She then submitted these forged documents with the passport application, police said, adding that she got a fake passport based on the documents.

The woman managed to obtain a passport on the basis of the forged document and travelled to Pakistan.

The incident took place between May 2023 and May this year.

A case has now been filed against the woman. The police have also booked an unidentified man in connection with the case.