About
Crime & Safety
The government recently released figures showing a rise in the crime rate of 13.4 % in 2007. The greatest number of felonies by far were gang robberies without the use of firearms. Public anxiety has made the rising crime rate a major issue in the upcoming federal elections. Kuala Lumpur, nevertheless, remains a safe city, although it is best to avoid Pudu and Sentul after dark. Stay away at all times from Jalan Choo Cheng Khay which is the scene of much drug-related crime.
There is a demerit system for driving infractions although it is laxly administered. In theory, for instance, you lose two points for speeding or illegal parking, even though both are endemic in Kuala Lumpur. Driving while intoxicated is treated somewhat more seriously. If a breathalyser test reveals that you are over the legal limit, your car is temporarily impounded and a fine of RM300 is levied.
All traffic accidents by law must be reported to the police, but especially any in which there are casualties. Not reporting an accident is a serious offence.
Should you be arrested, you will be read your rights and allowed to contact a lawyer (the state does not provide lawyers). You will be taken to a police station holding cell, and how long you can be held without charge depends on the severity of the crime of which you are suspected. In the case of homicide, for instance, it is seven days. Bail may be set by a magistrate.
At present, the prison system is not particularly rehabilitative in nature except for those convicted of drug-related offences. Because of the problem of persistent overcrowding, however, it is moving in that direction. Prisoners have the right not to be physically mistreated; Malaysian prisoners do not lose their right to vote. Visiting hours vary from institution to institution. As an effort to alleviate crowded conditions in penal institutions, parliament passed a bill instituting a parole system in December 2007. However, it will be some time before the infrastructure to implement the parole system is in place. Malaysia has the death penalty and it is administered equally to convicted Malaysians and expats. Death is by hanging for homicide and possession of drugs in quantities suggesting intent to sell. Two hundred grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin will get you the rope. If you are tempted by drugs, please take the next sentence very seriously. Don’t do it.
There is a demerit system for driving infractions although it is laxly administered. In theory, for instance, you lose two points for speeding or illegal parking, even though both are endemic in Kuala Lumpur. Driving while intoxicated is treated somewhat more seriously. If a breathalyser test reveals that you are over the legal limit, your car is temporarily impounded and a fine of RM300 is levied.
All traffic accidents by law must be reported to the police, but especially any in which there are casualties. Not reporting an accident is a serious offence.
Should you be arrested, you will be read your rights and allowed to contact a lawyer (the state does not provide lawyers). You will be taken to a police station holding cell, and how long you can be held without charge depends on the severity of the crime of which you are suspected. In the case of homicide, for instance, it is seven days. Bail may be set by a magistrate.
At present, the prison system is not particularly rehabilitative in nature except for those convicted of drug-related offences. Because of the problem of persistent overcrowding, however, it is moving in that direction. Prisoners have the right not to be physically mistreated; Malaysian prisoners do not lose their right to vote. Visiting hours vary from institution to institution. As an effort to alleviate crowded conditions in penal institutions, parliament passed a bill instituting a parole system in December 2007. However, it will be some time before the infrastructure to implement the parole system is in place. Malaysia has the death penalty and it is administered equally to convicted Malaysians and expats. Death is by hanging for homicide and possession of drugs in quantities suggesting intent to sell. Two hundred grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin will get you the rope. If you are tempted by drugs, please take the next sentence very seriously. Don’t do it.
