Malaysia

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Malaysia 🇲🇾

Malaysia offers a captivating blend of modern cities, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur and historic towns like George Town to the pristine beaches and lush jungles of Borneo, the country promises a wide range of experiences for every traveler.

To stay safe and healthy during your visit, it’s important to be aware of region-specific health risks and travel recommendations. By preparing in advance, whether it’s getting the right vaccinations, packing key medications, or knowing how to prevent mosquito bites, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy your journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Travel Immunizations for Malaysia

What vaccines do I need for Malaysia? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Yellow Fever

Vaccination is not recommended or required
Proof of vaccination is only required for travelers arriving in Malaysia from (or transiting for over 12 hours through) countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.

Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Rabies

Rabies is a devastating viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito which can lead to brain infection and paralysis.

Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.
Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by salmonella from improperly prepared food or contaminated water.

Generally not recommended for Malaysia, unless traveling to rural or remote areas for extended periods of time.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Malaysia Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.
Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets.

Traveler’s diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (e.g. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use mosquito repellents to protect against infection.

Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.
Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
Zika virus: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains. Infection in pregnant women can cause serious birth defects in the baby.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Malaysia

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Malaysia

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.

Consular Assistance Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur - High Commission of Canada

Street Address: 17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Telephone: (60-3) 2718-3333

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/malaysia-malaisie/kuala_lumpur.aspx?lang=eng

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

999 for emergency assistances

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RN, BSN