Is Malaysia Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Malaysia
Safety rating
Women living in Malaysia consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Malaysia consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.3 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 55.3% percentage of women in Malaysia have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 59 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.9/5 | Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Safety using public transport: | 3.9/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 2.3/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.9/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.7/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.7/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.5/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is safe overall. But like most cities, caution is required. Don't walk down empty streets at night. Don't openly flex cash or expensive jewelry on the streets. Don't dress overly provocatively and not expect stares.
Posted: April 2, 2025
Christen
Kuala Lumpur
Being in the city area definitely makes it safer - just be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings safe and you should be alright! Use e-hailing or the MRT for transportation and you should get by pretty well!
Posted: March 25, 2025
Fatimazahra
Kuala Lumpur
It’s okkay. But everyone keeps telling me to hide my phone and electronics. So i keep an eye on my bag often to check it. Else it’s safe enough to travel, eat at restaurants and stuff like this…. Also the people are really welcoming and nice.
Posted: March 19, 2025
Intan
Kuala Lumpur
Generally safe for women to walk alone when its daylight. But I am someone who doesnt really go out much at night, maybe its better if youre sitting alone in a car rather than walkin in the streets. many public transport
Posted: March 17, 2025
Aaqilah
Penang Island
Generally safe but be aware of petty crimes eg snatch theft, pickpockets etc. Keep your wits about you. Don't show off any flashy valuables. Don't leave valuables unattended eg in restaurants or bus station. Violent crimes are rare
Posted: March 9, 2025Penang Island
Honestly, I feel like it’s safe here but it doesn’t means crime won’t happen at all. You can easily blend in with people or get assisted too since most of us are at least bilingual. Walking alone is fine but always be near crowds. Avoid dark alleys if you are alone since it’s risky and harder to ask for help if anything happens.
Posted: February 22, 2025Kuala Lumpur
spent 3 months here and i can say it’s a safe city, except some streets at late night. i haven’t seen any thief. walking alone is also alright but you might get some verbal abuse, that’s it. also need to be careful with grab drivers as well, some of them tried to get my phone number or social media.
Posted: February 1, 2025Malaysia
Sometimes there are thieves, beggars and scammers. But it is rare to find robbery, sexual harassment, kidnapping, violence... Just take care of your own belongings... It is a safe country to travel to and every Malaysian knows basic English so you can always ask for some help.
Posted: January 30, 2025
siti
Muar
A good place for solo female travelers. At night, there is a park for people who remain active until 10 PM. I also noticed many police patrols after 2 AM. The nightlife is more focused on dining at seafood restaurants, with not much in terms of nightclubs. If you are out until 10 PM for dining or meeting friends at a restaurant, it is safe.
Posted: January 12, 2025Puchong
Everyone is generally friendly and helpful. I have walked around my neighbourhood at midnight alone and it’s safe. I just don’t personally do that often just in case there are drunk people on the streets.
Posted: January 3, 2025Is Malaysia worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 32 experiences from female travelers
Pangkor Island, Group travel
Went there during weekdays and theres very little tourist on the island. We were tge only guest for our hotel. I get around by renting a car but renting bikes would be so much fun. luckily bcs theres bery little tourist, not much car on the road and that helps a lot since their road is very narrow. 2 full days is enough to explore the entire island but I stayed for 3 days just to chill. Most interesting activity is feeding the hornbills. i didnt do water activities, just went there to see the scenery.
Posted: March 17, 2025Langkawi, Solo travel
Langkawi is made for tourists. Although I hate these kinds of places, the island is amazing. It used to be a hippie-gathering place, so there's a lot of reggae and hippie vibe all over the island. For women who are traveling and looking for a hostel, check out Bunga Hostel. The owner is a friend of mine, and she has created a hotel only for women. It's a creative place for solo female travelers.
Posted: January 16, 2025Experienced: April, 2022Meet locals in Malaysia
Sangeetha
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Joanne
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Selling off my businesses that I have built for the past 14 years, to chase a new dream — something bigger, more meaningful, and a little scary (in the best way). I’m a diver, traveller, and lover of deep chats over sunsets. Looking to meet travel buddies and soul sisters who are just as ambitious and adventurous. If you’re building your dream life and want to swap stories, hike mountains, dive reefs, or just wander without a plan — let’s link up.
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Safety in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Kota Kinabalu
Malacca
Sandakan
Kuala Terengganu
Petaling Jaya
Nilai
Putrajaya
Shah Alam
Klang
Kulim
George Town
Taiping
Jenjarom
Frequently asked questions
Is Malaysia safe?
Is Malaysia safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Malaysia?
What is the crime rate in Malaysia?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Malaysia?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Malaysia?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Malaysia?
What is the risk of burglary in Malaysia?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Malaysia?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Malaysia?
