• With the increase in tourists and business travelers from Japan, there has been a surge in reports of theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, online scams via email or websites, and more recently, thefts occurring on airplanes.
• In central Kuala Lumpur and popular tourist spots, incidents of pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent. There are also criminal groups targeting foreigners and tourists, and the number of such crimes may rise in the future.
Residents and short-term visitors are urged to adopt basic crime prevention habits to avoid becoming victims of theft, such as not placing wallets or mobile phones in back pockets and carrying shoulder bags in front of you.
• The number of online scam cases through email and websites is also increasing. Recently, the most common scams involve investment fraud, promising “high returns,” followed by cases where goods ordered online do not arrive or counterfeit items are sent. There have also been reports of telephone scams by individuals posing as bank employees.
• Recently, there have been reports of valuables stolen from carry-on luggage during flights. Whether on domestic or international flights, it is recommended to keep valuables like cash as close to your person as possible, rather than placing them in the overhead compartments. When using the restroom on the plane, it is advisable to carry cash, credit cards, and passports with you.
Given the above, residents and short-term visitors should be aware of the local crime situation (as detailed below) and take precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime. It is also essential to maintain a high level of awareness of personal safety.
Recent Reports of Major Crimes:
1. Pickpocketing, Bag Snatching, and Scams
• Pickpocketing:
• Wallets or other items were stolen from backpacks or body bags while riding escalators.
• Surrounded by groups on trains or buses, victims had wallets taken from their bags.
• Wallets were stolen from bags while waiting at traffic signals.
• In some cases, thieves only removed credit or cash cards from wallets and returned the wallets to their original place to delay detection.
• While visiting Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, wallets were stolen from backpacks or body bags while climbing the stairs.
• Bag Snatching:
• While dining at a restaurant in Jalan Alor, a popular food street in Kuala Lumpur, a bag placed beside the chair was stolen when the owner was not paying attention.
• Snatching:
• Walking on the sidewalk, shoulder bags held on the road side were snatched.
• Mobile phones were snatched by passing motorcycles while waiting at traffic signals.
• Walking in the Bukit Bintang area in Kuala Lumpur, a bag containing a passport was snatched by two individuals on a motorcycle.
• Scams:
• Emails inviting participation in “investment projects with high returns” or to “open foreign investment accounts for large profits.”
• Suspicious calls from individuals posing as bank employees, stating “There is a problem with your account, and you need to make a payment to resolve it,” or “A credit card has been fraudulently created in your name and used.”
• Suspicious calls from individuals posing as police or government officials, claiming “Your phone number is listed online for promoting online fraud.”
• Other:
• Recently, there have been reports of suspicious individuals approaching people on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, asking for money, saying, “I lost my wallet, please lend me some money,” or “Can you show me some Japanese money?”
Main Countermeasures:
1. Pickpocketing
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables when going out.
• If you must carry valuables, do not keep them in one place; instead, distribute them.
• Do not put wallets or valuables in visible places like outer pockets of backpacks or back pockets of trousers.
• Always hold bags in front of you, and avoid wearing backpacks on your back while walking or riding escalators.
• Be cautious of distractions created by groups of criminals, who often work together to divert your attention before committing the crime.
• Be vigilant even when using ATMs or talking on your smartphone, as these are times when your guard may be down.
2. Bag Snatching
• When placing your bag in a restaurant, make sure it is within sight or keep it close to your body (e.g., keep it in constant contact).
3. Snatching
• When walking on the sidewalk, avoid carrying bags on the road side.
• Always be alert to motorcycles with two riders.
4. Scams
• Do not share personal information (including PINs) over the phone or email.
• Do not return calls or emails from unknown sources.
• Never hand over your credit or cash cards to others. When making payments with a cash card, ensure that your PIN is not visible and do not hand over the card carelessly to store clerks.
• If something feels off, do not act impulsively; instead, consult with the police or your embassy first.
Actions to Take if You Are a Victim of Crime:
• If you fall victim to a crime, report it to the police (submit a police report) and take steps to prevent further misuse, such as canceling cash or credit cards immediately.
• If your passport is lost or stolen:
To leave Malaysia, you will need to have your passport reissued and visit the Malaysian Immigration Department to verify your stay status. The passport is an official document that proves your identity as a Japanese citizen outside Japan, and it is of utmost importance next to your life. Please recognize the importance of your passport and take care to prevent loss or theft by not placing it in easily accessible pockets.
For more information on lost passports in Malaysia.
Emergency Contacts:
• Police: 999
• Police Station Contact Information: Malaysia Police Stations
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