Overview
Malaysia is malaria-free in the big cities, Kuala Lumpur and George Town included, and low-risk across the peninsula. East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), carries a moderate risk, the highest documented for the country. Dengue is the more relevant everyday mosquito risk; Japanese encephalitis circulates sporadically all year, peaking in Sarawak from October to December.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
Bite protection is advised everywhere; tablets are only considered for higher-risk travellers on Borneo. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Malaria risk is limited to certain regions, shown below.
East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak): a moderate risk, the highest documented for the country. Bite protection is advised, sometimes with tablets for higher-risk travellers.
West Malaysia, on the peninsula: a lower risk, where bite protection is enough.
The big cities, including Kuala Lumpur and George Town.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Malaysia?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: risk limited to certain regions. Bite protection is advised everywhere; tablets are only considered for higher-risk travellers on Borneo. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.