Moving abroad or travelling to Southeast Asia calls for careful preparation. Discover the recommended vaccinations, preventive measures and health protocols you need to enjoy your Malaysian adventure with peace of mind.
Malaysia offers one of the best healthcare systems in the region, but the tropical climate encourages certain illnesses that are unheard of in Europe. Whether you are heading to Kuala Lumpur or to the jungles of Penang and Borneo, your needs differ dramatically.
This guide brings together the recommendations of the Institut Pasteur and local health authorities to give you a comprehensive overview of the risks and the solutions.
100%
Pasteur compliant
2026
Updated data
The foundation of your immune protection before departure.
Hepatitis A is consistently recommended for every traveller to Malaysia. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Make sure you are up to date on the standard vaccines used in your home country:
This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes in rural areas, is especially common near rice paddies and pig farms. Vaccination is recommended for expats settling in for the long term or for stays that involve immersion in rural areas during transmission season.
From the age of 2 months. Two spaced injections (the interval varies depending on age and vaccine).
Generally not recommended for stays limited to major urban areas.
Essential for long or repeated stays. Malaysia has high-quality medical infrastructure, but the risks linked to emergency care or accidental contact make protection worthwhile.
Accelerated schedule: For imminent departures, a 3-dose schedule on day 0, day 7 and day 21 with a booster at 12 months is possible (adults only).
Rabies is present in Malaysia. Preventive vaccination greatly simplifies treatment in the event of a bite, especially if you are far from a specialised medical centre.
Recommended for extended stays or in poor sanitary conditions (rural street food, remote areas).
Minimum age: 2 years.
Answer 3 questions to get your personalised health precautions checklist.
Although yellow fever is not present in Malaysia, the authorities require a vaccination certificate for any traveller over the age of one arriving from a high-risk area (Africa, South America) or who has transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in those areas.
Good to know:
Since 2016, the administrative validity of the yellow fever vaccination has been recognised for life. There is no need for a booster if you have already been vaccinated.
Prevention relies above all on physical protection. The at-risk areas are localised and clearly identified.
The risk is limited but real in certain forested inland areas:
Chemoprophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard trips, but protection is vital:
⚠️ EMERGENCY: Any unexplained fever occurring during your stay or in the months following your return calls for immediate medical attention, with a clear mention of your trip to Malaysia.
| Destination | Yellow Fever | Malaria | Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Required if arriving from a risk area | Rural areas (Borneo) | Japanese Encephalitis possible |
| French Guiana | Mandatory for all | Chemoprophylaxis recommended | Vaccination at least 10 days before |
| RĂ©union / French Antilles | Required if arriving from a risk area | No risk | Watch for Dengue / Chikungunya |
| Mayotte | Required if arriving from a risk area | Low risk | Watch for fever on return |
Food is a cornerstone of Malaysian culture. While it is tempting to taste everything, a few golden rules will spare you the dreaded "traveller's diarrhoea".
Tap water is not recommended for direct consumption. Stick to sealed bottles or filtered water fountains (which are very common).
Watch how busy the stalls are. A stall with plenty of local customers is often a sign that the food is fresh.
The humid climate helps bacteria survive. Always carry a hand sanitiser gel.
Leave nothing to chance. Prepare your documents, your insurance and your visas with our complete guides.