Medications

• Violating the drug laws of Malaysia, even unknowingly, will result in heavy fines, imprisonment or death. The penalties for illegal drugs in Malaysia are extremely severe. Those convicted of drug possession can expect long jail sentences and drug smuggling is punishable only by death.
  
  Because of these severe penalties, it is highly recommended that handicapped travelers who take any type of medications have a written note from their physician. Also, leave all medications in their original prescription bottles or boxes. Do not bring any medications into Malaysia without a doctor's note and this includes nonprescription medications.
  
  

Register with U.S. Embassy

• The State Department recommends that all travelers to Malaysia register with the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia. They have made it possible for travelers to register over the Internet, free, at the State Department's travel registration page.
  
  Once registered, the U.S. Embassy would have the appropriate information on hand to assist disabled tourists or provide English-speaking doctors if needed. By registering, disabled travelers give themselves added security should they become ill, a victim of crime or in an accident.
  
  

Hotel Accessibility

• Many of the upscale and larger hotel chains in Malaysia are handicap accessible. However, finding a less expensive or budget hotel with wheelchair accessibility may be difficult. Prior to making reservations, it is highly recommended that disabled travelers call the hotel directly to ask about wheelchair ramps, handicap parking and bathrooms that accommodate wheelchairs.
  
  

Getting Around

• When in Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur, disabled travelers should expect a combination of modern skyscrapers and ancient walkways with cracks and potholes. Some parts of Kuala Lumpur are very modern, but walkways are used as outdoor dining and sitting areas creating difficulties for wheelchairs to pass.
  
  Vehicle transportation around Kuala Lumpur is also a challenge since many of the buses, bus stations and train stations are not yet fully handicap accessible. Malaysia is making progress in the modernization of these facilities, but disabled travelers should expect mobility challenges.
  
  The most convenient way for disabled travelers to explore Malaysia is by taxis. In Kuala Lumpur, taxies are more efficient than the local rail transit or bus systems. Disabled travelers should expect to be charged extra by drivers for storing wheelchairs or providing assistance. In addition, it is not unheard of to be refused service by drivers if you are disabled. For the sake of convenience, disabled tourists may wish to charter taxies for the day.
  
  For travel outside Kuala Lumpur, taxies are available for charter to Johor Bahru, Melaka, Ipoh and Penang. Disabled travelers should negotiate costs for specific assistance before chartering a taxi to avoid hidden costs or refusal of services. Prices also should include gas, tolls and other incidentals when traveling outside Kuala Lumpur. Traveling outside Kuala Lumpur by train or bus is very difficult for disabled travelers, because of the lack of handicap-accessible facilities.
  
  

Safety and Security

• Malaysia's strict laws have made violent crime against tourists uncommon. Most common crimes against tourists include credit card fraud, purse snatching and pick pocketing. To report a crime, Malaysia has a national emergency number 999.
  
  Disabled travelers to Malaysia must know that the U.S. State Department does have concern for U.S. citizens. The terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah has a presence in Malaysia. This organization has links to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups, disabled travelers should be aware that Western areas in the region are possible terrorist targets. In addition, another known Malaysian terrorist organization called Abu Sayyaf has kidnapped foreigners for ransom. Physically challenged travelers to Malaysia need to be diligent and take precautions when visiting remote areas or popular tourist attractions.