While there’s little to worry about when travelling to most holiday destinations, excursions overseas, large cities and off-grid places may require more vigilance than usual. We don’t want to scare you out of your next solo or group trip.
We simply want you to be prepared for all odds when you’re in a new and unfamiliar place. Knowing what to do in unpredictable, violent, and terrifying situations can protect you and your company from ill-treatment and harm.
1. Snatch thieves & pickpockets
Tourists are often easy targets for snatch thieves and pickpockets, especially in crowded places and tourist attractions. Do a quick search online before your trip to see where the pickpocket hotspots are and decide if you’d rather avoid those places. If you plan to visit, it’s best not to carry valuables or too much cash.
Always keep a digital and printed copy of your passport in case your bag does get stolen. Some travel insurance covers loss and damages caused by theft, robbery, and pickpockets if you file a police report. So, if you have been robbed, report the incident and get a written copy of your filed police report.
Your travel insurance company may also be able to expedite replacing your stolen passport and other travel documents. Contact your travel insurance agent before your journey to know which travel insurance best suits your needs.
2. Human stampede
If crowd-centric activities are on your agenda (i.e. concerts, festivals, sport events, and mosh pits), be on guard. Most of us know the basics – stay hydrated, wear SPF, watch your drinks, don’t push or trample others, and have a designated meeting place in case you lose sight of your friends in the crowd.
Excited crowds can be unpredictable, so it’s best to stay alert at all times. Always take note of your exits should you need to leave. If the crowds start getting a little too rowdy, a fight breaks out, or if the crowd gets too dense, leave while you can. Avoid getting caught in tight spaces or up against barricades where a crowd could crush you.
If people start running, pushing and trampling others, keep your arms folded towards your body, protecting your chest. Try to be steady on your feet and move in the crowd’s direction without shoving or fighting to get ahead, keeping at the same speed as the crowd so you don’t trip or fall.
If you fall, try to get back up immediately or ask someone to help you. But if you can’t, curl your body into a foetal position, protecting your neck and head. Don’t lay on your back or stomach. Get back up when you can and seek medical attention if you are injured.
3. Verbal and physical assault
We’ve seen videos of people getting verbally and physically assaulted in public places in recent years. Although it is rare, if you are harassed on a plane, public transport, or in other public places, here is how to handle the situation. While it’s best to ignore the person verbally abusing you in some instances, other times will require you to take action.
Try to de-escalate the situation by speaking up for yourself. For example, calmly tell the harasser to stop speaking to you rudely, touching you inappropriately, or to move away from you. If they don’t, remove yourself from that space and inform a staff member that you are being harassed. This could be a flight attendant, security guard, or other authority personnel.
Having a witness to mediate or document the incident will protect you from further harm. If the situation escalates and you feel unsafe, inform the person in charge and file a complaint and police report as necessary.
4. Violent crimes: Active shooters & mass attacks
The recent mall shooting in Bangkok that resulted in two fatalities has raised concern for tourists who want to visit the country’s capital. Although it is said to be an isolated incident and efforts are being made to heighten security in popular tourist spots, one-off incidents like these are not as unheard of as they used to be. So it goes without saying that we must be mentally and physically prepared to face any situation when travelling.
This is not meant to give you paranoia but to act as a precaution in the event of a mass attack. When out in public places, stay alert at all times. Observe your environment and be wary of suspicious individuals and/or activities. Alert the local authorities if you see someone behaving strangely, leaving behind suspicious packages, or getting violent. These could all be warning signs.
Always have an exit strategy. Identify the quickest way out of an enclosed area if you need to run and escape. If that is not possible, look for places to hide and take cover until help arrives. When the police arrive on site, do not run towards them. They may not know who the threat is at that moment. Keep your hands up above your head, showing that you are not carrying anything threatening, and follow their orders as they guide you to safety.
Your intuition can be a powerful tool in certain situations. If something feels off about a place, it may be better to leave than to stay and risk getting hurt, even if there is no imminent danger in sight.
5. Civil unrest
Civil unrest can occur anywhere in the world, including cities that are typically considered safe for travellers. When travelling to cities and regions known for frequent protests, riots, and demonstrations, read up and familiarise yourself with the political situation before planning a trip. Be aware of when and where demonstrations happen and if it is safe for tourists to still travel there.
However, if you are caught in unexpected civil unrest while travelling, remain calm as you look for a safe way to leave the area. Do not participate in the protest; walk away slowly from the crowds and return to your hotel as quickly as possible. If you are driving, lock the doors, stay inside and wait till the crowd passes. Look for a safer route away from the demonstrators and head to a safe location.
Stay within the law and listen to the local authorities. Contact the Malaysian Embassy or local embassy, and provide your contact details and exact location. Inform a family member back home of your whereabouts. If you decide to change your travel plans and leave, find out the best way to get to the airport or your next destination safely, as public transportation may be curtailed temporarily.
If you are mistaken for a demonstrator and are detained by the local authorities, do not fight or resist them. Remain calm, explain that you are a tourist when asked, and request that they inform your local embassy and family of the situation. Do not sign any document without fully reading and understanding its content.
Contact details for the Malaysian Embassy Overseas are available here.
6. Reach out if something happens when you travel
No one goes on a trip expecting to be treated poorly or to have a bad experience. It can be upsetting when you have an unpleasant encounter while travelling, so don’t be afraid to call family, a partner, or friends back home to talk about it.
If you are travelling with someone, tell them how you’re feeling and how they can help you. Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear, a hug, or a shoulder to cry on, and other times, you will need someone to reassure you that they have your back. Knowing you have someone looking out for you can make getting through a tough time a lot easier.
There are plenty of licensed mental health professionals around the country you can speak to if you are dealing with trauma or emotional distress from your experience. We’ve listed a few contacts below:
Aloe Mind Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Available online and in-person
Address: Suite 8.08, North Block, AmpWalk, 218 Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 803 8384
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 6pm
The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), TTDI
Available in-person
Address: TTDI Plaza, Block A Unit 2-8, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2780 6803
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Soul Space Therapy, Petaling Jaya
Available online and in-person
Address: Citta Mall, Common Ground, 1st Floor, 1, Jalan PJU 1a/48, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Contact: +6011 3310 0993
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 9pm
