Tropical Health
DEHYDRATION & SUNBURN
The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against
sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through
perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared travelers. Drink
plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss. Make sure you pack clothing
suitable for a warm humid climate.
MOSQUITOES
Due to the constant humid climate, mosquitoes tend to be present throughout the
year. The three most significant diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are Malaria,
Dengue Fever and Japanese B Encephalitis. To repel mosquitoes, ticks and other
arthropods, apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or clothing.
The risk of malaria for most tourists visiting Peninsular Malaysia is extremely
small. There is insignificant risk in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other major
cities. However, in East Malaysia, the risk of malaria is present throughout the
year. Even in these regions, the risk is mainly off the coastal plains and
towards the border areas. Generally, prophylaxis is recommended for those
visiting Sabah or Sarawak.
YELLOW FEVER
There is no risk of yellow fever in Malaysia. A certificate of yellow fever
vaccination is required for entry if you are coming from countries in South
America or sub-Saharan Africa.
FOOD
Generally, the level of food hygiene throughout the country is high. However,
make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food from street vendors should
be treated with care. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly)
drinks in cans or bottles. If possible, avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and
ice cubes. Bring along iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water
if bottled water is not available. Also, wash your hands often with soap and
water. As an extra precaution, bring along anti-diarrhoea medication and an
antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhoea.
VACCINATIONS
Recommended vaccines:Poliomyelitis (childhood booster), Tetanus (childhood
booster), Typhoid (food & water borne diseases), Hepatitis A (food & water borne
diseases).
For those venturing outside cities and towns, further recommended vaccines are
Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tuberculosis and Meningitis. For
those visiting Sabah and Sarawak, Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Vaccine COVID-19
Foreign travellers are required to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance with
minimum value of USD 20,000.
Fully vaccinated travellers will be issued a
“Digital Traveller's Card” and it will be reflected on their MySejahtera app.
Partially or unvaccinated travellers will be issued a digital Home Surveillance
Order (HSO) and it will be reflected on their MySejahtera app.
Travellers who do not have a traveller card display or HSO instructions on
MySejahtera app are not allowed to continue their journey.