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:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. The geographic area in Sabah State subject to Level 2 carveout with a K indicator was revised. Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 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. Advisory summary Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
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.