Kuala Lumpur is among the most popular tourist destinations globally, attracting 20 million international tourists in 2023 alone. The city’s vibrance, cultural heritage, and flavourful diverse culinary scene have resulted in domestic tourists from all over the world flocking there to get a taste for themselves.
Despite these great aspects, Malaysian laws are very strict and contain a mix of both civil and sharia laws that tourists need to be aware of. Here are some of the main ones to avoid trouble.
As a result of sharia law influences, gambling is heavily regulated there and generally only available to non-muslim citizens and tourists. The city only has one licensed casino and offers lotteries and sports betting on a limited scale.
Online gambling platforms are forbidden from operating and profiting in Malaysia. However, while the online casino industry is not entirely regulated, as it operates in a legal grey area, numerous offshore or international casinos accept any Malaysian players who are old enough.
According to gambling expert Michael Graw, the best Malaysian online casinos offer local players the chance to enjoy their favourite casino games like poker, blackjack, and slots. As these sites operate internationally, they are licensed and safe while also providing a wealth of benefits like great bonuses, instant payouts, and a more private gambling experience to protect players’ anonymity.
At the same time, it is important to remember that Kuala Lumpur is a Muslim-dominated society and ethnic tensions between its Muslim and non-Muslim populations are sadly far too frequent. As of 2024, Islam accounts for almost 64% of the city’s population, meaning that public displays of affection and public intoxication are strongly discouraged.
Most public displays of affection or intimacy that may be commonplace in Western cultures, such as kissing or even holding hands, are not illegal there. However, they are considered highly inappropriate by most of the local community. As such, the city’s population encourages modesty in all aspects of daily life.
Despite not being illegal, if a public display of intimacy makes a local citizen uncomfortable enough, your act can be deemed offensive and obscene and can lead to legal ramifications in extreme cases. Malaysia also features a unique rotational monarch and its respect for its royal families remains deeply rooted and preserved in the country’s rich history.
Therefore, any form of verbal or online disrespect or insults aimed at the royal family is a violation of the Sedition Act introduced in 1948 and can result in prosecution. While insulting any royal family around the world is never recommended, it’s especially relevant in Malaysia due to the respect their monarchy holds with the public since gaining independence after generations of colonial rule.
How tourists dress can also become an issue so tourists must always remember to be mindful of the clothes they wear while out in public. Despite it being a regular occurrence in most Western countries, wearing clothes that are too revealing while in public places is generally frowned upon and can be considered inappropriate or obscene in some cases.
When visiting sacred or religious buildings in Kuala Lumpur, it’s also recommended to always wear clothes that cover your feet, knees, and shoulders. During visits to most religious buildings throughout the city, women are occasionally given headdresses and long cloaks that are in accordance with the traditional Islamic views on modesty.
The city also places restrictions on photography. While taking photographs of historical monuments, museums, and most of Kuala Lumpur’s strikingly beautiful scenery is permitted, capturing certain military locations and government buildings remains strictly forbidden. This is true of many countries. It’s rooted in a logical need for the nation to protect itself from threats like enemies trying to conduct intelligence operations there or criminal organisations trying to plot terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, asking for permission before taking photos of local citizens, particularly women, is considered a respectful practice and can go a long way to avoiding any misunderstandings.
Lastly, always carrying a form of identification on you while travelling through the city or experiencing its vibrant sights is essential. To avoid unnecessary frustration and stress, tourists are advised to always carry their passport or their Issued Immigration Card (IKAd) at all times if they are migrants. In the event of being stopped by authorities or getting into any trouble, it will be easier to identify yourself and hopefully clear things up without too much hassle.
Despite these stringent rules and laws, Kuala Lumpur remains an incredible destination to visit and will undoubtedly continue attracting more tourists each year. However, due to its complex and somewhat unusual legal system, it’s critical to always adhere to local customs and laws. By staying informed and respecting local traditions, tourists can enjoy the best the city has to offer in a relatively stress-free manner.
