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 be 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 could 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
Singaporeans can generally visit Malaysia without a visa. As visa requirements can change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore for up-to-date information.
Singaporeans who have applied for 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/entry into Johor and cannot be used as a transit facility for onward flights out of Malaysia.
Passport Matters:
Loss of Passport:
Customs Requirement:
For a comprehensive list of dutiable and duty-free goods, as well as customs requirements, please refer to http://www.customs.gov.my/en/tp/Pages/tp_ppel.aspx for more information.
All visitors to Malaysia are required to declare dutiable goods at the customs. There is a restriction on bringing large amounts of Malaysian ringgit into or out of the country. Under the Bank Negara Regulations, individuals are only allowed to carry the equivalent of up to USD 10,000. For amounts exceeding USD 10,000, there is a need to declare at the customs.
COVID-19
Entering Malaysia
Singaporeans are allowed to enter Malaysia on short-term social visit passes for purposes listed on the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) (https://www.imi.gov.my). Singaporeans should check that they receive entry stamps on their passports before leaving the immigration checkpoint. Failure to obtain an entry stamp would constitute an offence under Malaysia’s immigration laws.
Singaporeans who wish to enter Malaysia for purposes such as employment, residency, and studies will need to apply for the appropriate long-term passes. Please approach the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore (https://www.kln.gov.my/web/sgp_singapore/home), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) (https://www.imi.gov.my), and JIM’s Expatriate Services Division (https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal) for information or clarification on the relevant passes and entry requirements.
For information on health-related entry requirements, eligible travellers may refer to Malaysia’s MySafeTravel website (https://mysafetravel.gov.my) for more details.
Leaving Malaysia
Singaporeans should leave Malaysia before their immigration pass expires. If your immigration pass has expired, you must report to JIM in person to obtain a Special Pass before you can leave Malaysia. Please note that you may be subjected to penalties for overstaying.
Short-term visitors who wish to stay beyond their endorsed visit pass duration should approach the nearest JIM office to obtain an extension. However, the granting of any extension is at the sole discretion of the JIM. Should your application for extension be rejected, please ensure that you leave Malaysia within the stipulated period or risk being subjected to penalties for immigration offences.
Singaporeans who meet the eligibility criteria should apply for the relevant long-term passes if they need to stay in Malaysia for a longer period.
Entering 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.
Information on the COVID-19 Situation in Malaysia
Singaporeans 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). If travellers develop any COVID-19 symptoms during their stay in Malaysia, please refer to information on COVID-19 case management protocol (https://covidprotocol.moh.gov.my/en).
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).
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 below. 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.
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:
Hospitalisation and Death:
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 14 October 2021]
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 nos., 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 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.