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Visitors intending to visit Malaysia should know that Malaysians are very friendly and helpful people. However, would-be visitors should also be aware of some problems that they may encounter.

Haze season - Since 1997, the Malaysian skies especially over the Klang Valley (ie, where the capital Kuala Lumpur is located) has been covered with smog (haze, in Malaysian terminology) for a period of several months each year. This is usually caused by forest fires as a result of extensive open burning practiced by Indonesians. Being an annual phenomenon for the past decade, it is often regarded as a season in Malaysia occurring usually in the second half of the year (i.e. from July onwards).

Because of the El Nino phenomenon, the haze in the year 2007 is expected to be worse than that in 2006. If you should decide to visit Kuala Lumpur during the second half of the year, be prepared to spend most of your time indoors as the air may be hazardous to your health. If you have children with bronchial asthma, you should consider not bringing them to Malaysia at this time.

Baggage thieves - Visitors arriving at (or departing from) Kuala Lumpur's International Airport (KLIA) have complained that their baggage have been ransacked and valuables stolen from their baggage. Such practices have been going on for years and the authorities seem unable to do anything to prevent them. Do not put anything of value in your checked-in baggage.

Dishonest taxi drivers - In Malaysia, some unscrupulous taxi drivers have been taking advantage of foreign tourists by refusing to use the meter and by charging them exorbitant amounts.

Snatch thieves - Women, particularly, should exercise care. The incidence of purse snatching is very high. It is not uncommon to read of instances where the unfortunate victim has to be hospitalised with serious injuries after being dragged along the road by snatch thieves who usually prowl around the city in motorcycles.

Some have even died following such encounters. However, there have been fewer reports of snatch thieves in the local papers of late. Some cynics believe that perhaps, the compliant Malaysian newspapers have been instructed not to report such news.

Religious vice squads - Adultery for Muslims is illegal in Malaysia. If you are traveling with your spouse, please make sure that you have your marriage certificate with you at all times. Do not be surprised if people come knocking on your hotel room door (usually in the night) and demand that you provide proof that you and your partner are (a) married or (b) not Muslims. If you are a Muslim, traveling with a companion of the opposite sex, I would suggest that you stay in separate rooms.

Public behaviour - Holding hands with someone of the same or opposite sex is permitted. However, more intimate gestures (such as kissing) in public can get you in trouble with the law. Enforcement officials often have wide latitudes in interpreting what represents immoral acts in public. If you are a homosexual, please do nothing to advertise your sexual orientation. Homosexual practices are illegal in Malaysia.

Kamikaze drivers and bikers - Malaysia is notorious as a country with one of the highest accident rates in the world. When you're walking on the street, watch out for mad drivers as well as bag snatchers. There are only two types of pedestrians in Malaysia; the quick and the dead. Avoid taking express buses, if possible. The speed limit displayed at the back of the bus (80 km/hr) is only decorative. Watch out for motorcycles. Motorcyclists in this country regard traffic lights (and other traffic signs) as merely suggestions.

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