Safety in Penang and crime risks
Penang Police are highly visible
Visitors to Penang should not have any problems with crime or safety if they behave in a sensible manner. The city of Georgetown is generally very safe and the resort areas likewise aside from occasional scam artists, pickpockets and opportunistic thieves. Of course, Penang does have its criminal element but tourists are unlike to be troubled unless they go out of their way to attract unwanted attention.
Unlike its rather colourful history, today guns and firearm ownership in Penang is very tightly restricted and public drunkenness is outlawed, reducing crime and petty vandalism. Malaysian law demands that foreign visitors carry their passport on them all the time as regular spot checks are carried out by immigration services looking for illegal migrants. However, if you are worried about keeping this prize document safe then carry a photocopy on you and tell any official that your hotel has retained the original as a deposit.
The telephone number for emergency services is 999. Thoughtless visitors are far more likely to offend local people through gratuitous public displays of affection, bad language or provocative dressing than the other way round. So care must be taken respect local customs. For more on Penang etiquette.
Below is a useful guide to keeping safe while in Penang. Rest assured,however, that the chance of anything untoward happening is very slight, but it is better to be safe than sorry. For more on health risks in Penang.
Safety risks in Penang
Buses: safety on Penang buses can be problematic as the drivers are often extremely tired and can hurtle around corners so fast that pedestrians have no chance of getting out of the way. They can also break suddenly and cause injury if you are not holding on securely. Extra care should be taken on buses in Penang when disembarking as it is very easy to fall from the raised platform.
Construction: there is always lots of building going on all over Georgetown and outer parts of Penang as well. Generally workmen take care to avoid causing injuries to passers-by but there are occasionally a few careless souls who cause problems. Plus safety training is not always carried out to standards of the West so watch out for overhead loads or loose scaffolding.
Credit card fraud: one of the major crime issues in Penang for visiting tourists travelling through the country is credit card fraud. Despite the roll-out of chip cards and enhanced security technology, remember to keep an close eye on your credit and bank cards and keep all your receipts in case something odd crops up. If shopping in your hotel or dining at its restaurant, charge everything to your room so you only carry out one transaction upon checkout.
Drugs: it is extremely unwise to partake of illicit substances in Penang. The penalties are severe and can even mean execution for trafficking offences. Some backpacker guesthouses may reek of cannabis, but certainly avoid smoking anything illegal on the beach or in public areas where police may lurk. At the very least, if caught with drugs you will be deported from Malaysia and banned from returning.
Motorcycles: motorbikes are a major safety hazard in Penang, both for riders and pedestrians. When crossing the street visitors should be extra careful as sudden manoeuvres such as u-turns can be dangerous and the rules of the roads are less strictly applied here. If you plan to ride a motorcycle then ALWAYS wear a helmet and refrain from drinking alcohol.
Street Crime: despite the relatively low crime rate in Penang, Western visitors should always be aware that this is a country with a vast disparity between rich and poor and so expensive looking jewellery and flashy watches could drawn unwanted attention.
Try to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially late at night and after a few drinks. Wasted tourists make easy targets for pickpockets and muggers in Penang. And be careful of snatch thieves riding motorcycles who grab bags off the shoulders of unsuspecting visitors.
Try to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially late at night and after a few drinks. Wasted tourists make easy targets for pickpockets and muggers in Penang. And be careful of snatch thieves riding motorcycles who grab bags off the shoulders of unsuspecting visitors.
Scams: there are a number of scams which do the rounds in Penang that normally involve tourists attempting to pick up drugs or prostitutes. If you dabble in either you are likely to deal with a criminal fraternity that may have few qualms about ripping you off completely. Other scams in Penang involve ‘discounted’ jewellery that is actually fake or visitors being told that their chosen hotel is full, closed or burned down and directed to an alternative that pays commission.
Taxis: taxis in Penang are generally safe but some drivers can refuse to use their meter. This is illegal so inform them of this and if they still refuse take another cab. If you are staying at a fancy hotel then it can be wise to give an address of a shop or mall nearby or your driver may up the price somewhat. Be careful of counterfeit banknotes, especially those of high denominations. Try to have the correct change ready whenever possible.
Women alone: The safety of women travellers in Penang is not a major concern but it is wise to be particularly sensitive to your surroundings and the prevailing culture. Wearing skimpy clothes outside of the beach, vulgar behaviour or drinking too much alcohol may herald unwanted male attention. Wearing platform shoes and high heels can be a problem on the uneven city pavements with sprained ankles and tripping commonplace.
Updated and correct: January 2011
