How safe is KL for a single lady?

Ohoh New member

6POSTS

15 years ago

Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

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Sheetul ViP

1843POSTS

15 years ago

Welcome to Expat-blog, Ohoh!

Your discussion has been redirected to the Kuala Lumpur forum for effective networking.

Hope that members soon respond to your query.

Regards,
Sheetul

optperson Contributor

144POSTS

15 years ago

I disagree with u.

Rice_Owl84 Member

18POSTS

15 years ago

KL is safe enough. Unless you're looking for bad neighborhoods late at night.

Ohoh New member

6POSTS

15 years ago

Optperson...do you mean you disagree with my Singaporean neighbor? So it is safe enough like Rice_Owl84 said? Good good. Thanks for confirmation.

shanno32 Active member

25POSTS

15 years ago

i've been a single lady in kl for 4 months now, and have no issues at all about feeling safe here. i think as long as you follow practices that any woman should in a big city, you'll be just fine.

gumulcine Member

11POSTS

15 years ago

Been here 15 years I feel safe and I am from Australia.
You just ignore the Singaporean friends comment.
many Singaporean's coming in KL and Johor Baru and enjoying themself's.
You might find Singapore to boring it is a small place and would be good escape to Malaysia.

optperson Contributor

144POSTS

15 years ago

Yeh I agree with Rice and everyone out there who replied..
@Gumulcine: FYI, I am leaving Malaysia end of this month moving to Singapore.. are you sure Singapore is boring? I never been there..

BillaBilla_shasha Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

Dear Ohoh,

I would like to defer such statement.
KL is safe for a single lady, as long as you did not go to places where you shouldn't be, particularly alone.
Anywhere in the world is dangerous if you do not know how to take care of yourself.
By the way, if you are coming,
than Welcome to Malaysia.

prabhasivam Member

10POSTS

15 years ago

#10

hi..i think you have been misinformed. Malaysia is a country where u can even take a walk from home to your nearby restaurant at 2am in the night and it is still very safe.

Ohoh wrote:
Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

shanno32 Active member

25POSTS

15 years ago

#11

prabhasivam wrote:
hi..i think you have been misinformed. Malaysia is a country where u can even take a walk from home to your nearby restaurant at 2am in the night and it is still very safe.

Ohoh wrote:
Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

Oh, I'm not sure about walking around the city in the middle of the night, at least not by myself. I mean, it is a fact that there is a good amount of petty crime here, snatch theft and whatnot. And as a woman, walking around at 2 am alone is just begging for trouble. But yes, I know plenty of men that walk home alone from bars and have no trouble at all.

I feel that KL really is considerably safer than most larger cities, especially as far as violent crimes go. But it is a documented fact that there is a lot of purse-snatching and other theft. As a woman, I think it is incredibly important to practice basic safety principles - stay on the sidewalk with your bag away from the street, try not to walk alone late at night, and don't leave valuables in your car. I'm not trying to frighten anyone, but trying to be realistic. I do have friends that have been mugged, but that is the case in any big city.

On the other hand, my first night here I decided to drive - bad idea - and got terribly lost. A few hours later, quite late at night, a pizza delivery driver offered to let me follow him to my house. This was after a long stream of terribly nice people who tried to help. I think you will find on the whole that Malaysians are truly some of the nicest, most helpful people in existence.

rastaman Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#12

hi

live here safe then iraq...you know what i mean..

for further info .. check with your diplomat

Expatypus Active member

75POSTS

15 years ago

#13

I feel like shanno32 put it better than I ever could.
So I'll just add that the Malaysian police have made an effort with street crimes down some 30% (a June 30th report at themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hishammuddin-street-crime-rates-down-by-almost-37pc/).

Overall, I feel safer in KL or Penang than I did in France.

YK Loh Member

2POSTS

15 years ago

#14

I second prabhasivam's comment but I would like to emphasise that it's more applicable for males. In the city centre (Bukit Bintang for example), there are still quite a number of people around at 2AM and you will see police cars patroling the streets rather frequently.

On the other hand, I can also see where your Singaporean friend is coming from. Singapore is founded by a lawyer so naturally, the rule of the law and its enforcement is tighter no doubt. Also, bear in mind that KL, and by extension Malaysia, is much larger and more complicated.

So I'm not saying that KL is crime-free. If you let your guard down in any big city for that matter of fact, Murphy's law will tell you that you will eventually get into trouble. But KL is safe enough for a single lady to work and live! As far as I can recall, the worst thing that ever happened to my female friends is having a handphone stolen.

YK Loh

tankehwin Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#15

YK Loh is right, KL is generally safe place for a single lady to work and live in. It would be a good idea to make some local friends early on (perhaps your potential new colleagues?) to help ease you into the environment.

anna2003 Active member

65POSTS

15 years ago

#16

I agree with this : "Anywhere in the world is dangerous if you do not know how to take care of yourself."

Ohoh New member

6POSTS

15 years ago

#17

Thank you all for your reply.... I decided to take the job...so probably will run into some of you in KL ...Cheers!!

tatie Member

14POSTS

15 years ago

#18

live alone in kl since one year now and feel safe u have just to avoid trouble

shanno32 Active member

25POSTS

15 years ago

#19

Ohoh wrote:
Thank you all for your reply.... I decided to take the job...so probably will run into some of you in KL ...Cheers!!

excellent! it will be nice to have another american around (we ar a bit of a novelty, lol).

Ivankoh Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#20

I am Malaysian. I lived in Michigan and Illnois for 6&1/2 years and back to Malaysia. Basically I would say it is almost the same for any big cities, you have to aware surrounding. Shanno32 is right about small crime does happening but not very common to see big crime. There might be some culture shock.

My fiancee is American and she will be spend time with me for Christmas in Malaysia. We haven't decide where we want to stay in future. Hopefully this time she have less complaint about what she seee

She never feel unsafe...just maybe some of the thing she not approve of like siting on the side of the street and eat.

Some facts:
Global Peace Index 2010 - Malaysia rank 22
- Singapore rank 30

sugu Member

13POSTS

15 years ago

#21

prabhasivam wrote:
hi..i think you have been misinformed. Malaysia is a country where u can even take a walk from home to your nearby restaurant at 2am in the night and it is still very safe.

Ohoh wrote:
Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

Hi Dude,

Its not that much safe as u said. But it is safe. also not advisable to go out after ten at the night.

sugu Member

13POSTS

15 years ago

#22

shanno32 wrote:
i've been a single lady in kl for 4 months now, and have no issues at all about feeling safe here. i think as long as you follow practices that any woman should in a big city, you'll be just fine.

Hi there,

I agree with u.

christopher8626 Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#23

Hello! friend,

KL is not that bad as commented by your singaporean friends.

Ofcourse every where around the world there is safe and unsafe places as we always depending on the area.

If you need assistance to get you a safer place, i could help you out when you make up your mind by working in Malaysia.

You may reach me at my mail kristeel1@yahoo.com

I'll recomend you the best place to stay on in KL.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Bye! bye!

Regards

Christopher

lorgnette Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#24

Ohoh wrote:
Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

I have traveled to many countries, and all of them are safe for single man or woman. It depends on your vibes and develop an awareness of your surroundings at all times. In comparision, Kuala Lumpur entices diversity as much as L.A yet I had no misadventure encounters around L.A. or K.L. Many Singaporeans consider Malaysia to be less safe and less secure than their island yet public safety worries never deterred swarms of Singaporeans crossing the boarders daily for shopping, recreation or food.

chris_zest New member

6POSTS

15 years ago

#25

Hi, it's not true. In fact Malaysia is one of the safest place for single ladies to live freely.

ashcrimson Active member

36POSTS

15 years ago

#26

it's pretty safe. most singaporean are biased when they talk about malaysia. just look at lee kuan yew

dileyrium New member

4POSTS

15 years ago

#27

you asked a sngaporean, thats the problem, u could ask any of em, and malaysia will be the worst place if they suggest any opinion. i dont know why, but i've been in s'pore and malay as well, and thats what i experienced. And its vice versa.

virgo_rishi Member

15POSTS

15 years ago

#28

Hahaha...@dileyrium. I agree with you and its true even i was wondering the same thing,...why singaporeans always look down on malaysians? I had a singaporean friend, businessman often comes to malaysia and enjoy the food here yet he always complains about malaysia. Speaking of gratitude...ya...

virgo_rishi Member

15POSTS

15 years ago

#29

Hi ohoh,

I fully agree with Shanno32. Snatch theft is something which is a lot here. Since you are coming from chicago, you will be fine here..dont worry nobody will be flashing guns here..

)

rock_beaver Member

2POSTS

15 years ago

#30

prabhasivam wrote:
hi..i think you have been misinformed. Malaysia is a country where u can even take a walk from home to your nearby restaurant at 2am in the night and it is still very safe.

Ohoh wrote:
Hi All...I am new to the blog. I just got a job offer to manage a construction project. However, when I spoke with my Singaporean neighbor here in the US. They told me absolutely not take the job. KL is too dangerous to live for a single lady. Is it true? Please help! I need to make my decision soon.

Not all the places r safe enough even at daytime, especially for a white girl...

aril New member

4POSTS

15 years ago

#31

dont worry and dont trust the arrogant singaporean..
u'll be safe in kL

cheers

Atousa New member

4POSTS

15 years ago

#32

I'm living here for a bout 3.5 years as a single woman. there is bag robbery, beggers or... in KL same as any other country. your neighbour has exagurrated! atleast there is no danger of Tsunami, nuclear reactor explosion or ...! haha...

Sarah Hodgens Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#33

I'm not really sure where some of you guys are getting these opinions from. I've only been here a few months but safety is quite a concern here. My Malaysian friends constantly warn me about locking doors to cars when sitting inside of them, calling at arriving anywhere after seeing them, and not to wear any sort of jewelry and to be cautious of the taxi drivers.

I've personally been threatened by a taxi driver, one of my best girlfriends who stands out with long blonde hair was beaten up during broad day light by a group of people for no particular reason. She was alone and none of the other people who saw this did anything to help. Another girlfriend was kidnapped with her boyfriend at a gas station as they were filling their car with gas. The other week a girlfriend had her car window smashed and her purse stolen as she sat at a red light in an area where many foreigners live. The sound of car alarms around my apartment is as constant as bird's chirping.

Of course it's not the most unsafe place. It's no Rio de Janeiro, but don't be an idiot - for an Asian city, it's not "safe." For example, it's not as dangerous as Manilla or cities in Cambodia, but it's no Bangkok, Singapore, or Shanghai.

sathis Member

21POSTS

15 years ago

#34

Hi there ,

I am a Malaysian ,i would safe its a safe place .. my sister walks to Mamak (restaurant) in the middle of night .. However , please avoid dark alleys as regardless location it can be dangerous.. i can pm you my number.. you can call me at anytime for any help..its either me or my sis will be there to guide you.. tc ..have fun at Malaysia

Nassim_from_Paris Serial expat

204POSTS

15 years ago

#35

of course KL is not totally safe but much better of most of the capitals I guess...

as a foreigner you have more probability to be the target as assumed to have more money, then you have to be more careful...

a malaysian girl can walk to mamak alone in the middle of the night, but i wouldnt recommend that to a foreign girl...

I always bring my foreign girl friends back home or to a "reliable" taxi driver...

to my mind Paris is more dangerous than KL, and I never had any problem there...because I know how to behave there, what places to avoid, and i guess when choosing between japanese tourist and myself, theft will go to the japanese tourist...

sathis Member

21POSTS

15 years ago

#36

Nassim..i have to say that i agree with you... personally i would not suggest you to travel alone at nite unless you have a good companion

chrisshayan Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#37

I used to live in Manhattan for a while, and now it is 2 years (on-off) i am in KL. It is a big developed city, it could be dangerous as same as Manhattan

but I think it is safe. Till now I have not seen or heard(anyone close to me) got any serious issue.

Also, I am recommending to you, take the job

and experience somewhere out of home,

whole world is not just where we used to live

--
Sincerely Yours,
Chris Shayan
Life creates questions. Together our world can write the answers.
-- Josh
ChrisShayan.com

RioKong Member

20POSTS

15 years ago

#38

It is quite safe in KL just like any modern cities Paris, London, New York. It is not a war country like Libya or poor country where you totally feel your safety is threatened. Just avoid certain areas like Chow Kit and dark lonely back streets. Malaysian is used to grilled their house unlike outside London and Paris to avoid petty theft. So, don't put your things outside the house.

If you get paid by your own currency, you feel so rich in Malaysia due to currency exchange that increase your standard of living where you live and dine fine. If you search constant inspring in art, music, muzuem and cult movies, Malaysia is poor of choice in this segment.

najimartial Guest

0POSTS

15 years ago

#39

well malaysia is not as safe as other countries

we all have bad experiences
especially us foreigners
we have been stolen many times and all my friends,
but its also not that bad to be fair
so dont worry just be careful

maliak Member

3POSTS

14 years ago

#40

Hello Everyone,

My family and I are planning to relcate from Dubai to Malaysia next year. The positive comments is making us feel much better. Dubai has offered us a sense of security and hope the girls will settle and feel safe in Malaysia.

Im enjoying this expate blog :-)