Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
Source: malaysia.gov.my · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
malaysia.gov.my/en/categories/safety-and-community/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-line (“The main agencies connected through NG MERS 999 are: … Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency”); MRCC/MRSC lines: ICAO APSAR/WG/8 IP/06 “Malaysia Search and Rescue Update” (presented by Malaysia, 2023)
MetMalaysia publishes a Marine Forecast for Shipping by sea area (e.g. Northern and Southern Straits of Melaka, Samui, Tioman, Labuan, Sulu) and issues Strong Wind & Rough Seas warnings. The first warning level (winds 40–50 km/h and/or waves up to 3.5 m) is classed as dangerous to small craft and all recreational activities and water sports.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) · Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) · Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) ▾
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “Marine Forecast for Shipping”
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “Strong winds with wind speeds from 40-50 kmph and/or rough seas with wave heights of up to 3.5 meters.”
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “Dangerous to small crafts.”
Southwest Monsoon from late May to September; Northeast Monsoon from November to March. The Northeast Monsoon is the main rainy season and brings strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea, with heavy rain on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west Sarawak and east Sabah.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) · Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) ▾
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “The weather in Malaysia is characterized by two monsoon regimes, namely the Southwest Monsoon that starts from late May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from November to March.”
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “producing strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea as well as heavy rain on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west of Sarawak and east of Sabah.”
Official warnings
Kidnapping threat: the UK advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island (the Sabah mainland is not included).
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah.”
Piracy and attacks on ships occur, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and between Sabah and the southern Philippines.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There have been attacks against ships in and around Malaysian waters, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines.”
Squall lines are often seen during the Southwest Monsoon along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysian coasts facing the South China Sea.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) ▾
met.gov.my (2026-10-14): “Storm lines are often seen during the Southwest monsoon along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the coastal areas of East Malaysia facing the South China Sea.”
The wrecks of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales off Kuantan are protected places: look, don't touch, and use only operators licensed for the wreck site.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The diving sites of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, which lie in international waters off Kuantan, have been declared ‘protected places’ under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Only dive there on a ‘look not touch’ basis.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Malaysia?+
In Malaysia, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Malaysia?+
999 is the number the authorities in Malaysia give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Malaysia.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in Malaysia?+
Southwest Monsoon from late May to September; Northeast Monsoon from November to March. The Northeast Monsoon is the main rainy season and brings strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea, with heavy rain on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west Sarawak and east Sabah.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Malaysia?+
MetMalaysia publishes a Marine Forecast for Shipping by sea area (e.g. Northern and Southern Straits of Melaka, Samui, Tioman, Labuan, Sulu) and issues Strong Wind & Rough Seas warnings. The first warning level (winds 40–50 km/h and/or waves up to 3.5 m) is classed as dangerous to small craft and all recreational activities and water sports.
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