If you are planning to travel, live, or retire in Malaysia, Penang should be on your list. I’ve been to Penang many times in my life and never doubt why it’s one of the most popular cities in Malaysia.
When it comes to city safety, in short, Penang is very safe. I’ve never once had any safety problems here. I never got food poisoning, robbed, or had any accidents. Of course, I also never leave my bag unattended and always cross the street carefully.
Anyway, in this article, I’m going to show you how safe Penang is. I’ll also list out the risks to watch out for, common scams, and how to protect yourself and stay safe here.
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Contents
Key Takeaways
- Penang is very safe for tourists, expats, and retirees. In my opinion, it’s one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia.
- Crime levels are pretty low. While it still happens, in most cases, it’s due to personal arguments.
- Like other popular tourist destinations, petty theft like pickpocketing can happen, but it’s not that common.
- Scams are also uncommon. However, some people still report classic tourist traps like tea scams or currency distractions.
- Food in Penang is generally safe to eat, even at street food or hawker stalls. Still, stick to freshly cooked and hot meals.
- Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick with bottled or filtered water.
- Traffic is the main safety concern. Motorbikes are everywhere, and drivers may not stop for pedestrians. Always cross carefully.
- Dengue fever is another main concern. People do get it regularly, especially during the rainy season. Use repellent and cover up if needed.
- Flash floods and occasional haze from Indonesia can happen but aren’t a constant issue.
- Natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis are rare, and the air quality is usually good.
- When it comes to wildlife, you only need to watch out for monkeys. But they can mainly be found near Penang Hill.
Penang Crime Rate
First things first, let’s talk about the crime rate in Penang. According to Numbeo, Penang consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Malaysia, with a safety index of around 70. This is actually an amazing picture since the number is much higher than most cities in the world.
To give you a clearer picture, the number here is better than London (~45), New York (~48), and even Sydney (~65.8).
But that doesn’t mean the city has no crime. It still has some. The latest crime, which was breaking news in Penang, was a shootout where a guy was shot and killed. However, it seems like it was a quarrel between a local gang (news here: source), and it doesn’t affect locals or expats living or traveling here, unless you’re involved in a gang or actively looking for “trouble.”
Also, kidnapping and murder are very rare in Penang. The last case happened many years ago. Therefore, unless you are actively looking for trouble, it’s very hard for you to be involved in a problem in Penang.
Walking Alone
As mentioned earlier, Penang is very safe. So, it’s generally safe to walk alone even if you are female. If it’s daytime, you can fully explore Penang without having to worry much about the city’s safety.
If it’s nighttime, while it’s generally safe, you should be more careful.
Areas to be more careful in after dark:
- Less populated streets away from main roads
- Unlit parks or recreational areas
- Secluded alleyways, especially in George Town’s quieter sections
- Beach areas that aren’t near hotels or restaurants
On the other hand, if it’s a popular tourist area like Armenian Street and Chulia Street, or areas around major hotels, food courts, and shopping areas that still have many people, it’s generally safe to walk alone there.
Tip: While it’s generally safe to walk alone in Penang, you should still use common sense. For example, if it’s a deserted area (like near Penang Hill) or poorly lit, it’s better to avoid walking in those areas and just take a different route or call Grab instead.
Petty Theft
While Penang is generally safe, like other popular tourist cities in the world, petty theft like pickpocketing or bag snatching is the most common crime you might encounter in Penang. Anyway, it’s not like someone will just approach you and snatch your items.
There are times when I walk through small alleys in the Fisherman’s Wharf area in the evening, with few people around and a camera hanging from my neck. I’ve never once run into a problem.
I believe there are three main reasons:
- The overall economic situation in Malaysia is quite good.
- People in Penang are familiar with tourists from all corners of the world.
- Being a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia has strict penalties for petty theft. For example, according to the Penal Code Section 379A, “Whoever commits theft by snatching shall be punished with imprisonment of 1 to 7 years, and shall also be liable to whipping.”
Of course, petty theft still happens. It’s still in the news once in a while. So, when you’re in Penang, use common safety precautions:
- Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t wear gold chains or expensive watches while wandering around.
- Don’t leave your items unattended.
- Carry bags securely in front of you in crowded areas.
- Don’t flash large amounts of cash when paying.
Scams in Penang
In general, scams in Penang are relatively mild compared to some other places in Southeast Asia. Still, they do exist. Here are the main ones to watch out for, as shared on Reddit.
- Classic Tea Scam – Someone approaches you with a strange story and invites you to a nearby tea house. Then, they order very expensive tea and expect you to pay. (Source: Reddit)
- Currency Distraction Scam – A stranger approaches you and asks to see banknotes from your home country. While you’re distracted, another person may pickpocket you. (Source: Reddit)
- Online Investment Scam – A 70-year-old retiree in Penang was recently scammed through an “online investment” scheme that resulted in a major financial loss. (Source: Reddit)
Fortunately, taxi scams are uncommon here thanks to the widespread use of Grab. Remember, Malaysia is actually the home of Grab, which started as “MyTeksi” in 2012.
I’ve been to Penang many times and never once got scammed. I’ve walked through night markets, taken public transport, used ATMs, and interacted with locals in all sorts of situations and I’ve always felt safe.
The number of posts or reports about scams in Penang, whether on Reddit or in other expat and travel communities, is also very low compared to places like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City.
How to protect yourself from scams in Penang:
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
- If a stranger comes up to you with a weird story, it’s usually safe to assume it’s a scam.
- If someone approaches you to ask about your currency or tries to distract you with strange questions, it’s best to assume someone nearby may be trying to pickpocket you. Just ignore and walk away.
- If you live or retire in Penang and get a call from a strange number offering an “attractive investment opportunity,” it’s a scam. (This kind of scam is also common in neighboring countries like Thailand.)
Food Safety in Penang
One of the things I really like about Penang is its food. I can still remember the taste of seafood noodles I ate from a grandma-run shop in Penang. They were mild in flavor yet rich in taste. In fact, there are tons of Chinese families who live in Penang. There are endless local restaurants run by grandparents that aren’t only hygienic, but also flavorful and affordable too.
When it comes to street food or hawker centres, hygiene standards are still good. I’ve never had food poisoning, even from hawker centres or Indian restaurants, and I consider myself to have a “weak” stomach. Food in Penang is normally freshly cooked with fresh ingredients. That said, it’s still a good idea to eat food that’s cooked and served hot.
Is it Safe to Drink Tap Water?
In general, no. Always stick to bottled water. When it comes to ice, restaurants typically use filtered water, and I’ve never had a problem. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you might choose to avoid it.
Traffic Safety
One real safety concern in Penang is traffic. While Penang’s traffic isn’t as chaotic as in some Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok or Manila, it does require attention, especially if you’re not used to local driving styles. There are motorcycles everywhere, and they often appear from unexpected angles. In fact, recent data shows motorcyclists account for about 80% of road fatalities in Penang (source).
- When crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings, don’t expect drivers to stop for you. Always look both ways (and then look again) before crossing.
- Motorcycles can be faster and quieter than you expect, so use caution.
- If you’re planning to ride a motorcycle yourself, don’t do it until you’re familiar with local driving patterns. And of course, get a Malaysian driving license.
Mosquitoes
Another concern in Penang is mosquitoes. Because of the tropical climate, Penang is warm and humid, which makes it ideal for mosquitoes.
Thousands of people in Penang contract dengue fever every year, especially during peak months, typically February, July, and December. (source). It’s not a pleasant experience, as the symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and rash.
The Malaysian government is aware of this problem and uses control measures like fumigation, public awareness campaigns, and vector surveillance. If you experience symptoms, it’s best to go to a hospital immediately. Healthcare in Penang is generally good and affordable. And you also won’t need to worry about cost if you have health insurance.
When it comes to other mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika virus or malaria, fortunately, they are generally not a risk in Penang.
Here’s my personal defence strategy against mosquitoes:
- Use mosquito repellent (I recommend DEET-based repellent if you are not allergic to it) when sitting outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. You can buy it at any pharmacy or convenience store.
- If the weather is cool, wear long sleeves and pants when going out in the evenings.
Weather
Penang is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F). If you’re from a cold country, living here might be challenging at first, but if you’re accustomed to tropical climates, it will feel manageable, though you’ll likely sweat a lot when outdoors.
During the heat of the day, it’s best to stay indoors and stay hydrated. Personally, I like to sit in an air-conditioned café, sip a nice cup of coffee, and wait for the weather to cool down.
Even when I walked alone in an alley at Penang Fisherman’s Wharf with a camera around my neck, I still felt safe.
Flash Flooding
Another concern is sudden heavy rain leading to flash floods, especially during the monsoon season (April to October) . It doesn’t happen often, but it’s worth considering when choosing a rental. Avoid properties in low-lying areas prone to water buildup.
Air Quality
The overall air quality in Penang is generally good, with the AQI typically hovering around 40–50 (source.)
However, haze occasionally drifts in from Indonesian forest fires during June to September, similar to what Singapore experiences.Thankfully, Penang is windy and clears the air relatively quickly.
Natural Disasters
The main concern when it comes to natural disasters is flash floods, as mentioned earlier. There are also some landslides in hilly areas around Penang Hill, but it’s not a major concern.
Also, while Penang is an island, it’s generally safe from earthquakes and tsunamis. While there are occasional earthquakes in Indonesia, they usually cause only minor tremors since the epicenters are quite far from Penang.
If an earthquake is your concern, just check this map here.
Wildlife
Monkeys are the main wildlife you should be aware of in Penang. They mostly live in areas near Penang Hill.
If you encounter them, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t feed them (it’s also illegal)
- Keep food and shiny objects out of sight
- Keep a safe distance
The main concern with monkeys is that they may snatch your hat, bag, phone, or food. So, keep these items out of their sight.
There are also snakes in Penang, but most are harmless. They are mostly found in the mountains, so unless you go hiking, you’re unlikely to see one.
Emergency Contacts
Keep these numbers handy during your stay in Penang:
Emergency Services:
- Police Hotline: 999
- Fire Department: 994
- Ambulance: 999
- Tourist Police: +603 2149 6590
Major Hospitals in Penang:
- Penang General Hospital: +604-222 5333
- Pantai Hospital Penang: +604-643 3888
- Penang Adventist Hospital: +604-222 7200
- Island Hospital: +604-238 3388
- Lam Wah Ee Hospital: +604-652 8888
- Gleneagles Hospital Penang: +604-222 9111
The Bottom Line: Is Penang Safe?
Yes, Penang is safe. In my opinion, it’s one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia. The level of crime is very low. There also aren’t a lot of natural disasters. Road safety is the biggest concern here, but it’s still not as bad as in other cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok.
Other than that, you just need to be aware of some petty theft, scams, and mosquitoes. As long as you use some common sense and safety precautions, you should be able to live or travel here safely.
Safe travels, and selamat datang to Penang.
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