Malaysia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Malaysia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated February 22, 2026
Malaysia recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Malaysia #166 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 65% over the past decade (from 2.1 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Malaysia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#30 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 65% over the past decade (from 2.1 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Malaysia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Malaysia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
1(2017)
Military Spending
1.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Malaysia:
Exercise normal precaution in Malaysia . Some areas have increased risk . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to risk of kidnapping .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Malaysia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated February 26, 2026).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and copycat organizations aspire to attack U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists often use knives, firearms, and vehicles to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists and/or foreigners Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Malaysia remains a transit point and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for members of terrorist groups. Information from credible sources suggests that there is a continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning attacks against foreigners, including U.S.
Crime
Petty theft and crime in Kuala Lumpur continue to be concerns. The most common crimes are purse snatchings, pickpocketing, smash-and-grab thefts, and residential burglaries. These crimes are committed against locals and foreigners alike. Avoid wrapping purse straps around arms or shoulders to avoid injury. Violent and more serious crimes are less common. Taxi drivers in central Kuala Lumpur have perpetrated violent crimes against passengers. It is safer to use a ride-hailing app or book a taxi by phone rather than hailing a taxi on the street. This is particularly true after dark. Criminals sometimes rob motorists stuck in traffic or stopped at a light. Keep valuables out of sight while driving and remove them from the car when parked. Do not leave GPS devices on the windshield or dashboard.
Demonstrations occur frequently.
They can occur due to political issues, on holidays, or during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. It’s best to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Local law pertaining to peaceful assembly prohibits non-Malaysians from participating in public protests.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Sophisticated internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Malaysia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings or dating profiles. Sometimes they start with unsolicited emails, letters, text messages, or social media messages. Scammers frequently pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Contracts with promises of large commissions Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers Bank overpayments
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police by calling 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +60 3-2168-5000. We encourage crime victims to obtain a police report from local authorities. For advice on how to file a police report, call the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur at +60 3-2115-9999 or 3-2266-2222. In some areas, there are small "Tourist Police” stations. Staff at these Tourist Police stations are familiar with helping international visitors. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
If you are a U.S. citizen and a victim of domestic violence, contact the Embassy at +60 3-2168-5000. Local “One Stop Crisis Centers” are in all government hospitals. They offer medical care, temporary shelters, legal aid, and counseling. These services are available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Tourism
Malaysia regularly checks safety standards across the tourism industry. Clear signs identify hazardous areas and activities. Professional staff are usually there to help with organized activities. Medical care is widely available throughout the country if you get hurt. In remote areas, particularly in the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak, first responders may take longer to reach patients than in large cities. We encourage U.S. citizens to get medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Malaysia Population & Demographics
Population of 35,557,673, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malaysia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Malaysia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Malaysia?
Malaysia has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #166 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Malaysia?
Malaysia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Malaysia compare to other countries?
Malaysia's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.