Travel Notice Situation in Eastern Sabah
26 June 2023
Travel Notice Situation in Eastern Sabah
26 June 2023
Singaporeans who intend to travel to the eastern coast of Sabah should exercise vigilance and caution. They should keep themselves updated on the latest developments through official websites such as that of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (www.facebook.com/esscomsabah) as well as through Malaysian news outlets. Singaporeans are also advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety, including purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and being familiar with the terms and coverage of the insurance policies. Do eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that we can contact you should the need arise. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Malaysia
209 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60 321 616 277
Duty phone: +60 166 610 400
Email: singhc_kul@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office
Tanglin
Singapore 248163
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Public Health Advisory
Travellers should refer to the ICA website for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore. Travellers seeking to enter Singapore should comply with prevailing Public Health (including COVID-19) as well as General Entry Requirements listed on the Singapore immigration website (http://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore) to ensure a smooth journey.
For information on health-related entry requirements for Malaysia, travellers may refer to Malaysia’s MySafeTravel website (https://mysafetravel.gov.my) for more details. Travellers can stay updated on the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia by checking the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s website (http://covid-19.moh.gov.my).
Visa Requirements
Singaporeans do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 30 days. However, for onward travel from Malaysia to a third country, Singaporeans may be required to hold a valid visa. It is thus advisable to obtain a visa for onward travel, if necessary, before the start of your journey. Applying for a visa en-route to your destination in Malaysia or at the country you intend to visit may be difficult.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
The Immigration Department of Malaysia requires foreign nationals to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to their arrival in Malaysia. However, Singapore Passport holders are exempt from this requirement at all entry points. Singaporeans who intend to enrol their fingerprints for access to automated immigration clearance via the e-gates on subsequent entry should submit the MDAC three days prior to their arrival in Malaysia.
Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS)
Singaporeans who have applied for use of the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) are reminded that the facility is only available at land checkpoints at Johor (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar). MACS is meant to facilitate faster immigration clearance for exit from/entry into Johor and cannot be used as a transit facility for onward flights out of Malaysia.
General Immigration Matters
Loss of Passport
Customs Requirements
Consular Assistance
Singaporeans who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the Consulate-General in Johor Bahru using the contact details provided on the sidebar. Singaporeans in Malaysia are strongly encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that they can be contacted, should the need arise.
Singaporeans may also connect with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur through our Telegram channel (https://t.me/SHCKL), Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeHighComKL), and website (https://www.mfa.gov.sg/kl).
Take general precautions to ensure your personal security in Malaysia such as:
Travel Funds & Valuables:
Malaysia imposes severe penalties including death for possession or trafficking of even small amount of illegal drugs. Do not convey or transport any parcel, especially across the border when asked by a stranger. Should such parcels contain illegal drugs, you risk being found guilty of the possession, smuggling or trafficking of drugs. You should also never leave your belongings unattended or under the “care” of any stranger.
Driving of Foreign-registered Vehicle in Malaysia:
1. Consider applying for the International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in Malaysia. The IDP is recognised worldwide and is also a useful form of identification.
2. Singapore driving licence holders may drive in Malaysia provided that the Singapore driving licence is valid.
3. From 1 October 2024, Singapore-registered private car owners must apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to drive into Malaysia. The process to apply for a VEP can be found on the Malaysia Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) Website [https://vep.jpj.gov.my]. Feedback and enquiries on the VEP registration process may be directed to JPJ via the following channels:
JPJ VEP Contact Points |
|
Telephone: |
+603-79412888 |
Email: |
|
In-Person |
TCSens Office (Danga Bay): TCSens VEP Collection Centre (VCC), G Floor, Block 6, Danga Bay, Jalan Skudai, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
JPJ Johor Office (Taman Daya): Jalan Kencana Mas 1, Tebrau Industrial Zone, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Southern Region JPJ Academy (Larkin): Jalan Kebun Teh Lama, Larkin, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
TCSens Singapore Office: 186 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, #03-01, (S)757515 |
4. Foreigners driving vehicles in Malaysia can check and make payment for their fines issued by the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) through the MyBayar website or mobile application. For more information, please visit the MyBayar website or RMP Traffic Department’s Facebook page.
Hospitalisation and Death:
1. In the case of an accident or medical emergency, call 999. Any injured or sick persons are usually brought to the nearest state hospital. A medical transfer to Singapore by ambulance is possible. However, the superintending doctor in the Malaysian hospital as well as the receiving hospital in Singapore will need to consent to the transfer. The cost of medical transfer is to be borne by the individual/medical insurance. The High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the Consulate-General in Johor Bahru can provide a list of service providers for such medical transfers.
2. In the event of the death of a Singaporean, specific approval from the local authorities (like hospital and/or police) is required before the remains can be claimed for repatriation or cremation. An undertaker can be appointed to assist in this and to obtain all other necessary related documentation.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.