VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKL #0659/01 2220931
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 100931Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3078

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000659 
 
CODEL 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR PRM/PAMELA LEWIS AND EAP/MTS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL MY
SUBJECT: WELCOME CABLE FOR STAFFDEL LERNER-KAGUYUTAN 
 
¶1. (U) Embassy Kuala Lumpur warmly welcomes the August 12-16 
visit to Malaysia by Ms. Robin Lerner and Ms. Janice 
Kaguyutan.  The purpose of the trip is to gain insight into 
the refugee and trafficking in persons (TIP) situation in 
Malaysia. Post is concurrently generating a schedule for 
staffdel's review. 
 
¶2. (U) Embassy control officer is Political Officer Greg 
D'Alesandro, Telephone: (603) 2168-4831, Fax: (603) 
2168-5165, Cellular: (60) 12-393-6973, E-mail: 
d'alesandrogx@state.gov. 
 
¶3. (U) Hotel and Airport Transfer: Reservations have been 
made at the Hotel J.W. Marriott in Kuala Lumpur for August 
12, 2009 for a non-smoking room at US $97 net with breakfast 
(183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia, Tel: 
(603) 2715-9000 FAX: (603) 2715-7013).  Confirmation numbers 
are: 230079 and 230082.  We have requested an early check-in 
for August 12.  Travelers should  take the airport taxi 
directly to the Marriott; Embassy staff will not be at the 
airport.  The cost will be approximately 92 Malaysian Ringgit 
(approximately $26). 
 
¶4. (U) Malaysia Security Threat Assessment: 
 
¶A. Crime: Malaysia's overall crime rate is medium and violent 
crimes involving tourists are relatively uncommon.  Most 
criminal activity directed against foreigners is limited to 
non-violent crimes such as petty theft, credit card fraud, 
and residential burglary. Purse snatchings are common, and 
usually perpetrated by thieves on motorcycles or in cars who 
grab purses and then speed off. These thefts occur at all 
hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses. Women 
walking by themselves or with small children are the most 
common targets. People have been injured or killed by being 
pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the thieves 
speed off. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and 
tucked under the arm and the strap held, but not wrapped 
around your arm or shoulder. If your bag is grabbed, 
immediately let go of it and do not put up a struggle. To 
avoid becoming the victim of a purse snatching, be alert and 
aware of your surroundings.  Walk facing traffic, preferably 
with a group of people, and avoid poorly lit streets and 
narrow alleys. If possible, walk on the sidewalk away from 
the curb. Keep a low profile and do not carry large sums of 
cash or wear expensive jewelry. If possible, leave wallets or 
purses at home and just carry necessary cash and ID in a 
front pocket. 
 
Credit card fraud continues to be a problem in Malaysia. 
Travelers should avoid using credit cards, if possible. 
Credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all 
times. Visitors are encouraged to bring traveler's checks to 
pay hotel bills directly. Unfortunately, the Embassy Cashier 
does not have sufficient cash reserves to support cash 
payment of hotel bills for visitors. ATM machines are 
prevalent throughout Malaysia and there have been few reports 
of fraud connected with their use. Travelers, however, should 
only use ATM machines co-located with a bank.  ATM users 
should also exercise the same types of caution using ATMs as 
in the U.S. Personal checks can be cashed at the Embassy 
Cashier for daily operational needs. 
 
If you need emergency police assistance, contact the Royal 
Malaysia Police by dialing 999 or 03-2115-9999. The Fire 
Brigade can be reached by dialing 994. 
 
¶B. Terrorism: Travelers should consult the Department's 
Consular Information Sheet for updated information concerning 
travel to Malaysia, especially if travel to the coastal areas 
of eastern Sabah or Southern Thailand is planned. Travelers 
should also be aware of the Department's periodic Worldwide 
Cautions re-emphasizing that US citizens abroad may be 
targets of terrorist actions. The Consular Information Sheet 
and Public Announcement are available on the Department 
website at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶C. Vehicle safety: Vehicles in Malaysia are right-hand drive 
and traffic moves on the left side of the road. Traffic in 
Malaysia is heavy, especially in and around the capital of 
Kuala Lumpur. Motorbikes weave in and out of traffic, posing 
a hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Laws against 
drinking and driving are strictly enforced with stiff 
penalties. There have been recent incidents of road rage from 
individuals in the aftermath of accidents. You should avoid 
escalating any confrontations if you are involved in an 
accident. 
 
¶D. Criminal penalties: Many criminal penalties are quite 
severe in Malaysia, and they are enforced uniformly. 
Firearms offenses carry strict penalties. There is a 
mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking. 
 
¶E. Counterfeit and pirated goods, including CDs, DVDs, 
software packages, and consumer goods, are widely available 
in Malaysia. Transactions involving such products are illegal 
and bringing back to the United States may result in 
forfeitures and/or fines by U.S. Customs. For further 
information, contact CBP (http://www.cbp.gov/). 
 
¶F. Airline restrictions: Malaysia, as well as many other 
countries in Asia and around the world, has imposed 
restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage. Travelers should 
check on the current guidance at the airports they are 
transiting and departing from prior to packing their carry-on 
bag. 
 
¶G. Emergency contact information: U.S. citizens are 
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. 
The Embassy can be contacted by telephone at (603) 2168-5000, 
or by e-mail at klconsular@state.gov. If you need security 
assistance please contact the RSO at 2168-5111 or 2168-5033. 
After hours, contact the Marine Security Guard at Post One at 
2168-4959. For other after-hours emergencies, please contact 
the Embassy duty officer at (012) 218-4691. 
KEITH