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International

Student Guide

AL- Madinahin International university

MEDIU

www mediu.edu.my

Al- Madinah International University (MEDIU) (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/B22)

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Introduction

Al- Madinah International University - MEDIU

Our Vision is to be a leading international university that promotes a wide

range of knowledge in its various aspects to serve humanity and to promote

its advancement.

In MEDIU wither you attend classes in our campus in Malaysia, or study online with us, you will experience one of the most intuitive, interactive educational and learning experiences.

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DEAN's FOREWORDDEAN's FOREWORDDEAN's FOREWORDDEAN's FOREWORD

الرحيم الرحمن هللا بسم

In the name of Allah the most merciful and the most compassionate

Praise be to Allah and May the blessing of Allah upon AL Mustafa, his family and companions

Dear valuable Student,

Peace, mercy and blessing upon you all Allah’s Prophets and Massengers

Congratulations on deciding to study at MEDIU. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a

very warm welcome to you.

Shah Alam is located about 25 kilometers (16 mi) west of Kuala Lumpur. Shah Alam replaced Kuala

Lumpur as the capital city of the state of Selangor, it was the first planned city in Malaysia after

independence in 1957, with a rich and diverse social and cultural life and it has a long tradition of

embracing people from all around the world. I’m sure that you will be pleased to call Shah Alam

home during your studies. You are joining an institution which is one of the best facilities in the

world. By coming here, you are joining a truly international community with a strong passion in all

fields.

This guide has been written to answer all frequently asked questions by international students. It is

designed to answer practical questions about living and studying in MEDIU. Please read the

information carefully. It is not only guiding you before your departure, but will also prove useful to

you during your first few days and remain a useful reference tool throughout your time with us. If

you find you need more information please contact the respected bodies listed in this guide, either

before you arrive or when you reach Shah Alam. We wish you a safe journey and we look forward to

receiving you at the airport -KLIA.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mubarak Mohammed

Dean, Student Affairs

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Guide Content

Introduction About MEDIU page

Before Leaving Home

• Pre-departure Checklist

• Immigration Procedures:

Visas and Entry Clearance

• Language Requirements

• Accommodation

• Airport Pickup

What to Bring?

Immigration Requirements

Upon Arrival

• Instructions for Airport

Arrival

• Student Pass Endorsement

• Insurance Coverage &

Opening Bank

Account

• Staying in Contact

•

Living in Malaysia

• Weather

• Language & Religion

• Food

• Transportation

• Living Expenses

• Security

• Embassies in Malaysia

•

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About MEDIU

Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU), has established an office under the deanship of

student affairs, concerned with serving the expatriate students, who chose to go overseas to in

order to seek knowledge. On this basis the policy of this department is to meet the needs of this

category of students starting with their admission and prior to their arrival in Malaysia until they

graduate and return back to their respective countries.

We can summarize the most important tasks of the management of foreign students’ office in the

following points:

1) To educate the students and to help them to adjust with the Malaysian environment and

culture.

2) To serve the foreign students and help them in the case of visas, accommodation,

registration, and other problems facing them when they came to Malaysia.

3) Provide activities for:

a. To receive the new students upon their arrival

b. Preparation of orientation program for the development of their personality; in

coordination with the Department of direction and guidance.

c. The establishment of a farewell party for the expatriate students who successfully

graduate from the university.

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Before coming to Malaysia

1 Customer Service can be reached at studentcare@mediu.edu.my or (sameh.khanim@mediu.edu.my) or (fax no: +60355113940) please

send copy of your message to the deputy dean of student affairs at (umar.aliyu@mediu.edu.my) and cc to (welcome@mediu.edu.my)

Before Leaving HomeBefore Leaving HomeBefore Leaving HomeBefore Leaving Home

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before commencing your studies in Malaysia, here is the list of essential items and important things

to remember:

1) Bring along your offer letter as you will need it to apply for a student visa and ensure for

a smooth entry into Malaysia.

2) Check whether you have a valid passport (check that it is valid for at least 14 months ).

3) If you are on prescribed medication, please bring along the letter of prescription from

your doctor.

4) Your airline ticket.

5) Letter of Scholarship Award (if applicable).

6) Your international driver’s license if you intend to drive in Malaysia.

7) Sufficient money (equivalent to RM 500) for your basic needs during the first week and to

open a bank account in Malaysia.

8) Bring all your documents that support you admission into your offered program (make

sure to translate all documents into English including the following; academic transcript,

academic testimonials, birth certificate, marriage contract, driving license and passport,

and any other important documents.

9) It is advisable that you make arrangement for your accommodation prior to your

departure.

10) You are required to notify MEDIU’s Customer Service Department1 on your time and

date of arrival so that airport pick up can be arranged for you upon arrival.

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Immigration Procedures: Visas and Entry ClearanceImmigration Procedures: Visas and Entry ClearanceImmigration Procedures: Visas and Entry ClearanceImmigration Procedures: Visas and Entry Clearance

All international students are required to hold a valid student pass during their stay here in

Malaysia. MEDIU’s International Unit will make the initial application to the Ministry of Higher

Education Malaysian and Immigration once the student has been offered admission into MEDIU and

has accepted the offer.

Please make sure that you have received the Approval Letter with proper visa documentation

before coming to Malaysia. Please note that MEDIU adheres strictly to the rules regulations as

set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Check with your local immigration authorities or embassy whether you need an exit visa when

you received the Approval Letter, before you purchase your flight ticket. If you do, proceed to

the Malaysian diplomatic mission (i.e. the Malaysian High Commission, Consulate, or Embassy)

and bring the University’s Offer Letter and the Approval Letter to obtain your single-entry visa.

For those who do not require a visa to enter Malaysia, you can inform us your arrival details

when you get the Approval Letter.

You are required to submit your passport to MEDIU’s International Unit in less than 2 working days

from your arrival date. It will be sent to the Malaysian Immigration authorities, for the Student Pass

to be attached. This process will normally take about two (2) weeks to complete.

A Student Pass issued to a student by the Malaysian Immigration Department is usually valid

for a year or (part of a year), depending on the country which issued the passport.

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Multiple Entry Visa Multiple Entry Visa Multiple Entry Visa Multiple Entry Visa

A Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) allows you to leave and re-enter Malaysia, as often as you require,

during the validity of your Student Pass. If you do not have an MEV when returning to Malaysia

after a holiday or a visit to your home country, you will be required by the Malaysian Immigration

authorities to go through the whole Student Pass application process again and incur all relevant

fee/costs again.

The State Immigration authorities may only issue an MEV to the Student Pass Applicant upon arrival

in Malaysia. This MEV fee is in addition to the first and second payment for Processing Fees

described above. The cost of an MEV varies depending on the existing bilateral visa fees agreement

between the two contracting countries.

A MEV can cost between RM6.50 and RM100.00. To obtain a Multiple Entry Visa at the same time as

applying for your Student Pass, you must pay the additional fee. The Multiple Entry Visa will take an

additional ten (10) days beyond the Student Pass period - at this point your passport will be returned

to you by the InternationalUnit.

Extension of Student PassExtension of Student PassExtension of Student PassExtension of Student Pass

MEDIU’s International Unit will renew your Student Pass on your behalf. However, you are

personally responsible for the timely renewal of your Student Pass. There will be a separate charge

for the extension of the Student Pass. The processing fee for an extension of the Student Pass will

be ranging from RM60 to RM110, depending on nationality. The student will be issued an extension

of another one year (or a part of it) depending on the date of completion of your study.

Extension of Multiple Entry Visa

MEDIU’s International Unit will renew your Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) on your behalf. However, you

are personally responsible for the timely renewal of your MEV. There will be a separate charge for

the extension of the MEV.

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DDDDependants ependants ependants ependants ---- OptionalOptionalOptionalOptional

As a separate service and at a separate charge, the University Student Visa and Airport Pickup

Representative can assist you with visas for your dependants. This applies only to Postgraduate

students, who are allowed to bring their immediate family to Malaysia during their studies (Cerain

conditions must be fulfilled- You are advised to contact the dean of student affairs on this issue).

Orientation dayOrientation dayOrientation dayOrientation day

• It is advisable to have the students coming before the start of the school year at least two

weeks; so as to:

1) To participate in the orientation program, this is of utmost importance for the students.

2) Make sure that you are registered in the program of your preference.

3) To view - on time - the facilities offered by the university for incoming students.

Language RequirementsLanguage RequirementsLanguage RequirementsLanguage Requirements

If applicant’s first language is other than English, obtaining a score of either the Test of English as

Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

level 6. Applicants, who do not have either of the above qualifications, are required to pass MEDIU’s

English Placement Test (MEPT) with a minimum 5.0 points.(Courses conducted in English

Language) If applicant’s first language is other than Arabic, applicants are required to pass MEDIU’s

Arabic Placement Test (MAPT) with a minimum 5.0 points.(Courses conducted in Arabic Language).

Exceptions from Language competency can be given to those whose medium of study at entry level

is as required.

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2 Completed form can be submitted to Customer Service department (can be reached at studentcare@mediu.edu.my or

(sameh.khanim@mediu.edu.my) or (fax no: +60355113940) please send copy of your message to the deputy dean of student affairs at

(umar.aliyu@mediu.edu.my) and cc to (welcome@mediu.edu.my)

AccommodationAccommodationAccommodationAccommodation

At MEDIU we are doing our best to meet the accommodation needs of our students. In order to

meet this responsibility, MEDIU may offer the students to choose their preferences either by

university-managed accommodation or private accommodation (self-arranged).

University-managed Accommodation

If you choose to request MEDIU to manage the accommodation for you, please fill in the

“Student Accommodation Form”2 that can be obtained from MEDIU’s website

www.mediu.edu.my/acomodation. Further information and details can be found in that form, and

your preferences and request will be advised accordingly.

Private Accommodation

If students prefer to look for their own accommodation, below are some important points to

consider:

If students need to look for private accommodation it is advisable to arrive 1-2 weeks early so that

will have time to search before courses start. Students should not commit to any private

accommodation without seeing it. Alternatively, students may obtain a list of agents student affairs

deanship.

FYI, MEDIU can be reached through various public transportation, such as the Light Rail Transit

(LRT), taxis and busses. Therefore, it is best for students to look for any accommodation that is

near to these public transportation stations.

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WHAT TO BRING?WHAT TO BRING?WHAT TO BRING?WHAT TO BRING?

• A credit card will be useful. Money should be brought into Malaysia in either bank drafts or in

Travellers Cheques. Make sure your bank drafts can cover at least the first three month’s

expenses, but be reminded that your bank drafts can take up to a month to clear. Therefore,

it is advisable for you to bring enough cash and Travellers Cheques to cover your first month,

including establishment and accommodation costs, as well as purchase of books.

• Also bring other formal identification (e.g. driving license, certified copy of your birth

certificate and/or citizenship certificate, your country’s ID card, etc), your visa details (where

applicable) and records of your Travellers Cheques and/or bank drafts. All these documents

should be kept in a different bag from where you keep the originals, and should preferably be

certified by a Public Commissioner for Oaths / Notary Public.

• It would be wise to carry your passport, some money, your student pass Approval Letter and

your Offer Letter with you at all times.

• It is also advisable for you to make a file of your MEDIU documents such as your offer letters

and receipts (for your tuition fees, student pass, etc).

• Malaysia has a tropical climate that is usually hot and humid. It rains on and off throughout

the year, but more between October – February. Therefore, it is advisable to bring mostly

light clothing, and umbrella as well as comfortable footwear.

• If you are currently having bad eye sight, bring a spare pair of spectacle or contact lenses and

a current optical prescription.

• If you want to be hygienic, it is advisable that you bring your own bed sheets, blankets, pillow

cases and a small sewing kit as well. However, you can purchase them upon arrival.

• Also bring your daily necessities such as toiletries and bath towel together with a set of clean

clothes in your hand luggage just in case your checked-in luggage is misdirected.

We suggest that you use a suitcase with wheels to ease your movements while traveling. As excess

baggage charges are high, it is advisable that the not-so-essential items are sent by airfreight. When

packing, also bear in mind the length of your stay.

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IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTSIMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTSIMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTSIMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS

The following conditions apply towards your Student Pass. You MUST:

• Satisfy course requirements by attending at least 80% of all your scheduled classes and

achieve satisfactory academic performance; failure to do so can result in you losing your

student pass status.

• Be responsible in taking note of expiry dates of any kind; passport expiry, student pass

expiry, visa expiry, etc. and report this to the International Unit TWO months in advance.

This is solely the responsibility of each international student.

• Ensure that applications for extensions of your student pass must also be submitted TWO

months in advance. You must extend your student pass through International Unit by

making sure all your fees are up to date and paying a processing fee.

• Advise the Malaysian Immigration Department through International Unit when you change

your address, contact details, travel within Malaysia, or if you wish to change your pass

status or withdraw from the course.

• Have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and expenses while in Malaysia.

Internship for InteInternship for InteInternship for InteInternship for International Studentsrnational Studentsrnational Studentsrnational Students

Please note that the Malaysian government regulations dictate that International Students can

undertake internship in Malaysia only if it is part of their course requirement.

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IIIInurance nurance nurance nurance ““““TakafulTakafulTakafulTakaful”””” CoverageCoverageCoverageCoverage

Medical Insurance Cover is compulsory and organized for International Students by the deanship of

student affairs.

MEDIU has arranged for a Hospital and Surgical Insurance Programme to deal effectively with any

hospital and surgical cases that might arise during your period of study at MEDIU. It will provide

services and benefits that MEDIU considers essential to the well-being of the students. The medical

insurance coverage takes into effect from the date you register as a student at MEDIU. The policy is

valid as long as you are a registered student.The cost for the Basic Health Insurance shall be borne

by the student.

*** Further details on the insurance coverage will be provided upon the submission of the policy

documents.

COURSE FEES COURSE FEES COURSE FEES COURSE FEES

Use the following link to get all information in regards to your course fees and the refund policy.

http://www.mediu.edu.my/admissions/fees.html

Opening BankOpening BankOpening BankOpening Bank AccountAccountAccountAccount

You are required to open a bank account to ease any financial transactions made with banks in your

home country with regards to your fees, rental and living expenses.

To open a bank account, you need an ‘Open Bank Account’ short letter issued by the deanship of

student affairs , passport and a minimum of RM250 – RM300.

Please check out the following websites for information on individual banks:

1- Alrajhi Bank: alrajhibank.com.my

2- Maybank http://www.maybank2u.com.my

3- CIMB Bank http://www.cimbbank.com.my

4- HSBC Bank http://www.hsbc.com.my

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Staying in contactStaying in contactStaying in contactStaying in contact

Postal services

Postal services are available at Pos Malaysia. Most post offices are open from 8.30 am to 9.30pm,

Monday to Saturday (except 1st Saturday of the month and Public Holiday), although some small

offices may have more limited hours.

Mobile phones (cell phones)

As a student, you may prefer to use a mobile phone instead of a land-line (fixed telephone line) to

your accommodation. There are several different companies providing the service and different

handsets and SIM cards that you can buy.

A mobile phone number consist of a mobile phone code and a seven-digit subscriber number.

Therefore, a mobile phone number is written as 01x-xxxxxxx. Calling from mobile phones to fixed

lines and vice versa requires full national dialing. Mobile to mobile calls generally require the full

national number, with permissive dialing of the seven digit subscriber number if both parties are in

the same mobile phone code. Since mobile phone operators issue numbers in multiple mobile

phone codes and the sharing of 014 code, mobile phone operators begin to urge subscribers to dial

the full national number when calling mobile phones even in the same code. Calling from outside

Malaysia requires the leading zero to be dropped

You should be very careful about making international phone calls from your mobile as costs can be

very high. There are two types of mobile phone usually available in Malaysia:

1- Pre paid – pay for calls as you make them.

You will need to ‘top-up’ your mobile with extra money which can be done from most convenience

store, supermarkets and mobile phone dealers. This means you can keep control of your spending

more easily however call costs can be more expensive.

2- Post paid – you pay a monthly rental cost, with various tariff bonuses.

Web / email

As a student you will be given free access to web and email, although you should note that

accounts are only set up after you register.

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Halal Halal Halal Halal FoodFoodFoodFood

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. Therefore, it will not be difficult to meet the needs of

Muslim students. Most eating places serve Halal food and there are many organizations that provide

support for Muslims.

The Malaysian Halal Symbol is used to denote approval by the Malaysian Authority. Otherwise

other Halal Symbols are used.

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How to contact Us

MEDIU's staff To contact.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mubarak Mohammed Munssour

Dean of Students affairs.

Office: +603 55113939 ext: 400.

Fax: +603 55113940.

E-mail: mubarak.mohammed@mediu.edu.my

MR. Umar Aliyu Abu Bakar

Deputy Dean, Student affairs.

Office: +603 55113939 ext: 416.

Fax: +603 55113940.

E-mail: umar.aliyu@mediu.edu.my

MR. Sameh G. Khanim CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Office: +603 55113939 ext: 419.

Fax: +603 55113940.

E-mail: sameh.khanim@mediu.edu.my

Mr. Azimov Amirali

International Student Department.

Office: +603 55113939 ext: 105.

Fax: +603 55113940.

E-mail: azimov.amirali@mediu.edu.my

• General Enquiries

If you would like more information, please contact our Call Centre at:

o Phone : +603 55113939 (Malaysia)

o Fax : +603 55113940

o Our Customer Service Advisors are available from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 to

6.00 pm, Monday through Friday (Malaysian Time).

Or send us your enquiry by e-mail by clicking on the following e-mail Address:

studentcare@mediu.edu.my

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TransportationTransportationTransportationTransportation

MEDIU is located in the heart of the city of Shah Alam, located about 25 kilometers (16 mi) west of Kuala

Lumpur.The capital City of Malaysia thus it is easily accessible by all means of transportation.

Adress Adress Adress Adress

Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) 11th Floor | Plaza

Masalam|E/9E 2, Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah | 40100 Shah Alam |

Selangor | Malaysia.

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Plaza Masalam- Nearby amenities

The locations within reach Plaza Masalam are represented by the an airplane flight paths route between two points

and may not be nearest by road. For example, Plaza Masalam is located 0.1 kilometre from Plaza Shah Alam. Plaza

Masalam is located 0.1 kilometre from Darul Ehsan Medical Center. Plaza Masalam is located 0.1 kilometre from Shah

Alam Mall. Plaza Masalam is located 0.1 kilometre from Concorde Shah Alam. Plaza Masalam is located 0.6 kilometre

from Mosque Shah Alam.

Concorde Shah Alam 0.1km, Grand Blue Wave Hotel 1.2km, Quality Shah Alam Hotel 1.5km, Hotel UiTM 2.6km, Sri

Acappella Service Apartments 2.7km, De Palma Shah Alam (3-star) 4km, Holiday Inn Hotel - Shah Alam 6.1km, Hyatt

Saujana 6.6km, are places to stay (hotel, service apartment, inn) located near Plaza Masalam.

Plaza Shah Alam 0.1km, Shah Alam Mall 0.1km, Alam Sentral 1.4km, Komplex Pkns 1.7km, Giant Shah Alam 2.9km,

Makro Shah Alam 3.1km, Tesco Shah Alam 3.1km, Shops Nelayan 19a 4.1km, are places to shop (shopping mall, shop

houses) located near Plaza Masalam.

Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre 2km, Sunway Lagoon Park 9.3km, Sunway Xtreme Park 9.6km, Sri Perdana Galleria 18km,

Desa Water Park 18.9km, Muzium Negara 19.1km, National Monument 19.1km, Stone Henge Replica 19.2km, are

places of interest (attraction) located near Plaza Masalam.

Tasik Indah Resaurant 1.3km, MMZ Bukit Jelutong 3.6km, G Seven Food Stalls 4.7km, 7-11 Sek 24 5.4km, Gazebo 7km,

Asia Cafe Food Court 7.5km, Windmill 7.9km, Tai Thong Usj 8.1km, are eating places (food court, cafe, hawker food)

located near Plaza Masalam.

SJK Sek 13 1.7km, Pusat Uni Tek & Pengurusan 2.1km, University College of Technology & Management

Malaysia 2.2km, U Teknologi MARA 3.2km, SJK Sek 19 3.5km, Sr Agama Sek 19 3.6km, Montfort Boys Town

3.6km, SMK Sek 19 3.7km, are places of learning (school, college, university) located near Plaza Masalam.

SJK Sek 13 1.7km, Pusat Uni Tek & Pengurusan 2.1km, University College of Technology & Management Malaysia

2.2km, U Teknologi MARA 3.2km, SJK Sek 19 3.5km, Sr Agama Sek 19 3.6km, Montfort Boys Town 3.6km, SMK Sek 19

3.7km, are places of learning (school, college, university) located near Plaza Masalam.

Laman Budaya Park 1.5km, Park Taman Budaya 1.6km, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, Selangor 2.4km, Field U1 7

4.1km, Park Usj3d 5 5.9km, Park Usj3c 5 5.9km, Park Ss19 1g 6km, Park Ss19 6l 6.1km, are parks,

playgrounds, open fields or commons located near Plaza Masalam.

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EASY ACESS

Plaza Masalam is located near to the main road, therefore transportation via taxi or bus is not a hassle.

Sufficient and ample parking space (indoor/outdoor) is provided for visitors.

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Plaza Masalam is located in the heart of Section 9, with nearby amenities and Mosque (walking distance)

Travelling by Bus

Busses are the most common form of public transport in Malaysia. Depending on the distance,

travelling by bus could cost you between 80sen to RM3.00. Note that the busses can get quite

packed during peak hours, which is usually in the mornings and evenings.

You will find that bus stops are very common and that there are many different bus routes. As

such, you might have to take more than one bus to get to your destination of choice. It is

advisable for you to enquire with the bus drivers on the exact route of the bus, or inform them

of your preferred destination to ensure that you are boarding the right bus.

Travelling by Taxis

Taxis in Malaysia are aplenty. While there are certain spots with taxi stands, most will stop at bus stops as well

as by the side of the road, if safe to do so. Most taxis in Malaysia run on metres and the initial charge is

RM2.00 upon boarding. There are separate charges if three or more passengers go on board, and also for

storing luggage or items in the boot. You are also able to call for taxis although additional charges will apply.

Note that there are also different

charges after midnight.

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SecuritySecuritySecuritySecurity

Malaysia is one of the safest countries worldwide and absolutely safe to travel to any part of

the country. Nevertheless, we still have to take these precautionary steps;

- STREET CRIME: Particularly in tourist areas: pickpockets and bag snatchers. Defense is the same

anywhere: wear your purse/bag strap over your chest (not just dangling from your shoulder) and

hold your bag close.

- Women travelers should be sensitive to local customs and attitudes.

- Do not leave your laptop in a vehicle parked in a car park

- It is always safer to travel with an acquaintance than alone

- Do not enter a taxi if someone is already in the taxi in addition to the driver

- Be observant with everything around you

- If you are travelling late at night, go in a group. If the distance is a long walk, use a taxi.

- Don’t visit cash-points alone at night.

- Remember to lock all your windows and doors of your accommodation – even if you are only

going to be away for a few minutes.

- Don’t display items in windows which would be attractive to thieves such as TVs or music

systems.

- Do not use your mobile phone or personal stereo when walking alone in the street at night

*** Police & Ambulance can be reached at 999

Visa RatesVisa RatesVisa RatesVisa Rates

Students from countries that require a visa to come to or stay in Malaysia are required to pay

the necessary visa charges together with any other immigration charges by the Malaysian

Immigration Department. To check on Security Bond/Bank Guarantee Rates3 use the below link:

http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/visa/security-bond

EEEEmbassmbassmbassmbassisisisis’’’’ addressesaddressesaddressesaddresses in Malaysia in Malaysia in Malaysia in Malaysia

http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/malaysia

3 * All rates are subject to change based on Malaysian Immigration Department’s discretion.