Travel Vaccines and Advice for Malaysia
Malaysia has a high amount of biodiversity thanks to its tropical climate and a large population of over 30 million people. Its economy is steady and has some of the best economic records in Asia due to its natural resources and science sectors.
The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s other major cities include Ipoh, George Town, and Klang.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Malaysia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Malaysia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Malaysia?
What Is the Climate Like in Malaysia?
How Safe Is Malaysia?
National Parks in Malaysia
What Should I Pack for Malaysia?
Canadian Embassy in Malaysia
Do I Need Vaccines for Malaysia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Malaysia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Malaysia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at higher risk of typhoid exposure. Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures is essential for comprehensive protection against infection.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis, which targets the central nervous system, can be prevented through protective clothing and vaccination. Vaccination provides multiple years of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Rabid dogs and other species are widespread in Ecuador. Before a trip to the region, you can get pre-exposure vaccination against rabies. Children are more vulnerable.
Medical facilities are common and many doctors are well-trained. Doctors expect payment upfront for any services, though most major cities accept credit cards. Over-the-counter drugs are readily available, but prescriptions must be obtained from doctors.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Malaysia
Prevent Bug Bites in Malaysia
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Food and Water Safety in Malaysia
When abroad, prioritize food safety by adhering to PHAC guidelines: opt for fully cooked dishes, steer clear of raw seafood, and choose eateries with good hygiene practices. Stick to bottled beverages, be cautious with ice, and drink alcohol responsibly. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea through vigilant hand hygiene and avoiding unsanitary street food.
Altitude Sickness in Malaysia
Altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headaches and fatigue, occurs at high elevations due to oxygen deficiency. To prevent it, ascend gradually, hydrate sufficiently, and consider medication. If symptoms emerge, promptly descend to lower altitudes for recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Malaysia
- Dengue – Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, significantly impacts global health, affecting up to 400 million people yearly. Without specific antiviral treatments, prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is key. Repellents and nettings are recommended.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Malaysia?
Canadian citizens travelling with a Canadian passport can enter the country without a visa for tourism and business visits under 90 days. Canadian citizens are able to get a visa-on-arrival which is valid for up to 3 months. If you are seeking out a visa, you must receive it directly from the Malaysian Embassy in Ottawa.
Malaysia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Malaysia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Malaysia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If you travel to the states of Sabah and Sarawak, you must have your passport to enter and exit. Immigration officers in Malaysia don’t allow entry for Canadian-Israeli Dual Nationals if they show their Israeli passport.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations have a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures all year round. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Langkawi has a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall from September to November.
Penang has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November. Malacca also has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November.
The best time to visit these destinations varies, but generally, it’s best to visit when it’s dry and sunny.
How Safe Is Malaysia?
There is a continued terrorist threat in Malaysia for Canadian travellers. There is a high presence of terrorist supporters in Malaysia.
If you are travelling to Sabah, use extreme caution. Kidnappings and violence from terrorist groups are known to occur. Be careful on ferries off of the coast, as terrorist may target these.
Due to these concerns, all Canadian government employees must obtain written permission from the Embassy to visit eastern Sabah.
Petty theft is common in Kuala Lumpur. Stay away from public demonstrations. If you are a woman, try not to travel by yourself, especially at night.
National Parks in Malaysia
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Malaysia is well known to its biodiversity, which attracts tourists to its many national parks.
One of the most popular national parks among botanists include Gunung Gading National Park. This park is home to the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. The best time to see these three-foot flowers is between November and January.
Tunku Abdul National Park is another popular park located on Manukan Island. Tunku Abdul is best known for its beaches and coral reefs. The island also provides some of the best tourist facilities in Malaysia. The island is accessible by ferry.
Other national parks include Bako National Park, Turtle Islands National Park, and Kinabalu Park.
What Should I Pack for Malaysia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Malaysia:
- Clothing made of breathable and light fabric.
- Umbrella or ponchos. It rains often in Malaysia, be prepared to get wet.
- Mosquito repellent and nets. Mosquito-carried viruses are common in Malaysia. Always cover yourself in repellent, wear clothing that covers open skin and cover your bed with a mosquito bed at night.
- Shoes that are easy to remove. It’s common for homes and buildings to ask you to remove your shoes before entering.
Canadian Embassy to Malaysia
The High Commission of Canada to Malaysia offers services for passports and other consular services by appointment only.
Canadian Embassy Kuala Lumpur
17th Floor, Menara Tan and Tan
207 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: (60-3) 2718-3333
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Malaysia
“I wanted ideas and assistance to get information about the area as well as assistance about extra medications needed in Malaysia where I was travelling to. The assistance I received was absolutely helpful and a delight to work with.”
“We had a good experience with this clinic. Lots of helpful information about Malaysia. Quick & knowledgeable staff.”
“My consultant was knowledgeable about Malaysia and friendly. She did well outlining all the different vaccines and recommendations. She was also very friendly and engaging.”
“The nurse at the travel clinic really impressed us. She was thoroughly knowledgeable and professional. She answered all of our many questions and gave us complete confidence in the advice for Malaysia and shots she was giving us. I would highly recommend Passport Health to all who are travelling.”
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