Safety Tips- Kuala Lumpur & around the globe!

Kuala Lumpur is like many big cities around the world- there are some dangers to be aware of. The most common form of crime here in KL is purse snatching, car theft, and home theft. Its never too late to be more prepared and recently I attending a Self-Defense class hosted by the American Association of KL.

Shamir from Kickout: Breakaway Self Defense was amazing at breaking down rules, tips, and tricks to help us all be more prepared- locals, expats, and travelers alike.  Although these tips are great for my life here in KL, they are also very important to keep in mind while traveling around our vastly unique globe. In fact, just 2 weeks ago when David and I were on our baby moon in Vietnam, we were lucky to have escaped such an attack on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Its our fault really for being so careless. All it took was us thinking we felt safe & comfortable and letting our guard down for a guy on a bike to come up on us walking and try and grab David’s necklace and sunglasses off his neck. Luckily we escaped unharmed & material goods intact, but its a great reminder to always be diligent and aware, no matter how seasoned you are!

Take a look at some of the highlights I took away from the class. Do you have any more to add?

To Prevent Danger/If in Danger:

• Don’t fight back, your material possessions are not worth your life. It will only add to the aggravation of the attacker
• When in an elevator- always look the person up & down to show you have seen them
• When in taxi make a call and say out loud the taxis drivers name and taxi number, even if it is a “fake” call to nobody- lets them know you have their personal information & are relaying it along to others
• Don’t sling purse across body (if grabbed by an attacker, you could be dragged and seriously injured)
• Hang your purse on your shoulder opposite the side of the street & grab onto it with your hand
• Tell husband not to put wallet in back pocket- could be slit and stolen
• Always walk facing traffic
• Don’t leave your purse unattended on a chair or a table/counter
• Don’t put purse or personal belongings on car seat, put on the floor
• Always lock car doors before starting car
• If in a minor accident, never pull over and get out of car, instead drive to a public place or police station
• Reverse park your car; that way you won’t have any blind spots when getting in & out
• Don’t leave GPS holder, etc on dashboard
• Be aware at ATM machines; never carry a lot of cash on your person
• If police pull you over, you do not have to get our of car; ask for ID & make sure they are in uniform
• For home break-ins, get outside and call for help; do not stay inside if possible.
• Be aware of what you are posting on social media: no personal information (phone, address, upcoming travels, etc)
• Find out where the nearest Police Station is to your house- will have quicker response time than main line (in KL)

Ways to get out of an attack:

• If someone grabs you- scream VERY loud
• If someone puts you into a chokehold- use your shoulder blade for strength & chop your strongest arm across their arms like a windmill
• If someone grabs you with both hands, – pull away with force
• If someone grabs your wrist with 1 hand, use your opposite hand to pull it up & away
• If someone grabs for your purse, bag, etc- let them have it, your life is not worth the risk.

Download the following apps for your smartphone in KL:

1. My Teksi
2. My Distress
3. Watch Over Me

Please be safe & aware at all times~

Kimbra