TRAVEL

What you must know about trips to Malaysia

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu 

Africans who are intending to migrate to Malaysia for various reasons and those resident in Malaysia should become acquainted with the local rules and regulations that are bidding in Malaysia, in order not to fall into any kind of trouble.

Your laws and customs are quite different from Malaysia, and this makes it important that prior to migration, you have developed the mindset that is expected to make you freely interrelate with Malaysia's laws and customs, as well as connecting with the your embassy in Kuala Lumpur about your trip for a better consular protection and updates concerning important safety and security information in cases of emergencies.

Malaysia: It is important for you to understand a bit of Malaysia description as a multi-ethnic country, having Islam as her official religion, and is being practiced by over 60 percent of the country's population. Malaysia is the official language of the country, and although English Language is spoken widely, migrants could still avail themselves with the opportunity of having access to their official language (Malaysia) for easier inter-relations.

Entry permit: You have to possess a passport that is valid for at least six months and upon entry, Malaysia immigration officials is mandated to place an entry stamp in your passport to specify your validity period of stay. Migrants generally are given a period of ninety days validity period of stay by Malaysia immigration officials, but since this is not a guarantee, you should endeavor to check the stamp in your passport quickly after you enter, to be certain of the expiration of your entry permit. Travellers to Malaysia are electronically fingerprinted on arrival, and again on departure. While in Malaysia, you should carry your passport which contains the Malaysian entry stamp and associated sticker with you at all times.

Eastern Malaysia: To be able to travel into the eastern Malaysian states will require that you declare your passport to immigration authorities because these parts of Malaysia have their own immigration authorities who will determine if you can enter and for how long. It is very important for you to be mindful of the period of stay that is allotted to you in order not to exceed it.

Over staying your visa validity: You would be detained by Malaysian immigration authorities if you overstay your permit. The Malaysia immigration authorities routinely detain foreigners who overstay their social visit visas and once you are detected, a fine or detention and legal proceedings may be imposed upon you.

In view of the foregoing herein, you should check your visa status periodically, and follow immigration laws and regulations strictly to avoid any unnecessary form of detention in connection with overstay of visa by the Malaysia immigration officials. Detentions may last from a few hours to several weeks, or more, depending upon the nature of the violation, pending a formal hearing.

Safety and security threats: It is imperative in this case, that you register your presence and itinerary in Malaysia with the Nigeria embassy as soon as you enter Malaysia. This will enable you receive updated safety and security information that will guide you through your stay in Malaysia and also be notified in cases of any possible attacks from any extremists groups.

Your embassy also is mandated to draw your attention to the risks surrounding travels to the eastern islands and coastal regions of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Of particular concern are resorts (and transportation to and from them) in isolated areas. If you visit these areas you should exercise caution, remain alert to your surroundings, and use good personal security measures. 

VANGUARD