Important information about Malaysia

[Denise Wattles]

Vaccinations:

Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

These should be done 4-6 weeks before traveling.

Hepatitis A
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Malaysia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Hepatitis B

Tetanus

Typhoid
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Malaysia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/malaysia

Embassy, Travel Advisory & Safety etc.
travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/malaysia.html

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
step.state.gov/step/

[Debbie Banaian]

Thank you. Great information

[Denise Wattles]

About 40 days left before we leave, Make sure to check out this information.

[Denise Wattles]

I have posted more information for the Team members here:
www.USArmwrestling.com

[Denise Wattles]

I've been doing a lot of reading about Malaysia and there are a few things that are mentioned.
1. Do take toilet paper. There is usually no toilet paper in public toilets.
2. This is a Muslim country where women are very conservative. Be careful about what you wear, nothing very exposing and not bikinis. The women there usually swim in their clothes.
3. Keep your passport, airline tickets, and prescriptions with you at all times.
4. Lock your luggage when not in your room.
5. Diarrhea is very common.
6. Do not drink the tap water or use the ice. Make sure any bottled water is sealed. Don't drink any fruit juice that is not freshly squeezed. If you think water has been added to the fruit juice do not drink it.

Remember to get your vaccinations before you leave.

Please share this with anyone that is going to World's in Malaysia.

Alan Bown, Alejandro De La Torre, Bob Brown, Brenda Taylor,
Cathy Merrill, Debbie Banaian, Derek Smith, Dick Ingwaldson,
Gene Dunn, Jess Sailor, Lisa Wolfley, Mark Gaims, Mike Knepp
Michael Todd, Oleg Kasatkin, Rebecca Todd, Robert Baxter,
Ryan Morin, Scott Partington, Taylor Johnson, Vazgen Soghoyan

[Taylor Johnson]

Sept 5, 2015 9:57:25 GMT -5 Denise Wattles said:

I've been doing a lot of reading about Malaysia and there are a few things that are mentioned.
1. Do take toilet paper. There is usually no toilet paper in public toilets.
2. This is a Muslim country where women are very conservative. Be careful about what you wear, nothing very exposing and not bikinis. The women there usually swim in their clothes.
3. Keep your passport, airline tickets, and prescriptions with you at all times.
4. Lock your luggage when not in your room.
5. Diarrhea is very common.
6. Do not drink the tap water or use the ice. Make sure any bottled water is sealed. Don't drink any fruit juice that is not freshly squeezed. If you think water has been added to the fruit juice do not drink it.

Remember to get your vaccinations before you leave.

Please share this with anyone that is going to World's in Malaysia.

Alan Bown, Alejandro De La Torre, Bob Brown, Brenda Taylor,
Cathy Merrill, Debbie Banaian, Derek Smith, Dick Ingwaldson,
Gene Dunn, Jess Sailor, Lisa Wolfley, Mark Gaims, Mike Knepp
Michael Todd, Oleg Kasatkin, Rebecca Todd, Robert Baxter,
Ryan Morin, Scott Partington, Taylor Johnson, Vazgen Soghoyan

++ This is Taylor Johnson's dad, yes Denise and to add to this horrific choice of venue by WAF we have this warning for U S citizens traveling to Malaysia: United States Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Reminder of Worldwide Caution July 2, 2015
This is what I wrote to the general secretary of WAF about this situation:
From: Scott Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 2:19 AM
To: WAF General Secretary - Mircea Simionescu-Simicel
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: FYI-Warning--Case in Malaysia Could Decide if Sharia Supersedes Constitution

Mircea SIMIONESCU-SIMICEL (General Secretary--World Armwrestling Federation (WAF):
See: christiannews.net/2015/08/10/case-in-malaysia-could-decide-if-sharia-supercedes-constitution/
If (or even if not) Islamic Sharia law supersedes the Malaysian constitution in a couple of days, the women (in particular) going to Worlds need to be warned of the risks involved for them going into a full-fledged Muslim country, where Islamic Sharia is the law of the land; as it takes very little for a non-Muslim women to offend Muslim men. Just ask the non-Muslim indigenous women of Sweden, which is now the largest Muslim rape crime nation of the world with a 1,472% increase in rapes since Islam has come into Sweden. I have studied this topic in depth, so I am not speaking as an uneducated person here. Malaysia is already officially an Islamic country, but Sharia law will take things to a whole other level. Counties represented like the USA and Israel in particular would be the most obvious targets for Islamic extremists at Worlds.
So as you can see, you could easily have an international incident on your hands by having the Worlds in Malaysia, which (with all due respect, in my opinion) was an incredibly poor choice of venue.
See:
++On 6 April 2015, Malaysian authorities arrested seventeen suspected militants who were involved in an alleged terror plot in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Two of the suspects were alleged to have been fighting for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria.
++ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysia's national police chief said today that 17 people detained over the weekend in a suspected Islamic militant plot had planned to kidnap high-profile figures and launch terrorist attacks.
++ Counter-terrorism officials in Malaysia and Indonesia say citizens who have joined the terror group are planning attacks on home soil
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Johnson (I was the doctor that did the drug testing and took care of the armwrestlers injuries at the 2010 Worlds in Mesquite, NV, USA)

[Denise Wattles]

I've gotten several calls from Team members not sure who the Team Captain is. I am not the Team Captain. I just hope to make people aware of things they may need for the trip. It is better to need something and have it, than need it and don't have it. Simon Berriochoa is the Team Manager.
I am not part of the team. I am a tourist and I have traveled internationally for 23 years. These are the things I will be taking with me: power converter, luggage locks, Deet bug spray, sun screen, umbrella, gallon baggies, liquid soap, paper towels, plastic utensils,Toilet paper, Pnut butter, a small amount of laundry soap to wash things out in the sink, kleenex. I am also packing medications I may need An antibiotic (bactrim or Cipro) , neosporin, bandaids, tylenol, diaherra medicine etc. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[Denise Wattles]

If you are interested in Health Insurance while traveing Internationally:
www.medexassist.com/Default.aspx

[Denise Wattles]

I booked a couple of tours in Malaysia today and was reminded that I needed to call my debit/credit card companies to let them know I would be traveling Internationally. When I tried to book the first reservation the card was declined because it was an overseas transaction. The Card company called me to see if it was actually me trying to use the card. Once I told them it was they released the purchase and noted on my account the dates I would be using my card out of the U.S.
If you don't notify your credit/debit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country (before you leave) there is a very good possibility that they will freeze your account if you try to use the card.
You can try to contact them from overseas but it would be much easier to do it before you leave.

JMO

[Buster Diaz]

Good Luck to TEAM USA in Malaysia and
God Bless the tournament all those present and all competitors

[Denise Wattles]

Message for U.S. Citizens: Unhealthy Air Conditions in Malaysia
Inbox
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[e-mail]

3:50 PM (5 hours ago)to

Message for U.S. Citizens: Unhealthy Air Conditions in Malaysia

September 14, 2015

According to the Malaysian Department of Environment, many areas throughout Malaysia are currently suffering from air pollutants (haze) in the “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” ranges caused by smoke from burning in Indonesia and Malaysia. Updated information on air quality levels in Malaysia may be obtained from the Department’s website (in English) at:

apims.doe.gov.my/apims/hourly2.php

Air quality is considered to be good at air quality index (AQI) levels of up to 50. The air quality level in Kuala Lumpur as of 11:00 a.m. on September 14, 2015 was 151, which is in the EPA’s unhealthful AQI range, a level at which everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

The U.S. EPA notes the following:

· Prolonged exposure to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (AQI 100-150) may cause people with chronic lung or heart diseases, as well as infants and the very old and anyone already suffering from an acute illness such as influenza (“the flu”) to become sick or may worsen existing symptoms.

· Prolonged exposure to unhealthy levels (AQI 151-200) may cause respiratory problems in normally healthy individuals.

· Prolonged exposure to very unhealthy (AQI 201-300), or less-prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions (AQI >301) may lead to health problems in a wider range of individuals of all ages.

Mitigation of the Negative Effects of Pollution

The central principle of protection is avoidance. The best protection against exposure to outdoor pollutants is to remain indoors as much as possible, with doors and windows closed and air conditioning on and to refrain from strenuous activity when outdoors.

Particulate respirators, such as 3M N95s, may provide additional protection. However, N95s only protect against particulates in the air - not against gases and vapors. Paper masks or surgical masks provide little protection.

3M N95 Particulate Respirator

Persons with difficulty breathing due to the pollution, or those who must spend a significant amount of time outdoors, may choose to wear an N95 respirator for a level of some protection. If you have a history of difficulty breathing, first consult with a medical professional prior to wearing a respirator. A respirator will provide some protection against the particles in polluted air, but it will not provide complete protection.

Respirators and Children

N95 respirators are designed for use for adults and may not provide protection for children, particularly younger children. During days with high pollution levels, children should be kept indoors as much as possible to minimize exposure.

CDC link to Wildfire Smoke public health recommendations:http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/risk_assess/wildfirev8.pdf

CDC Link on Air Pollution and Respiratory Health: www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/

Air Quality Index Basics: www.airnow.gov/?action=aqibasics.aqi

Air Quality Index Levels of Health Concern


Numerical Value Meaning Good 0 to 50

Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk

Moderate 51 to 100

Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 to 150

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.

Unhealthy 151 to 200

Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Very Unhealthy 201 to 300

Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Hazardous 301 to 500

Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malaysia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Malaysia. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur and is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen and have any questions or concerns, please call the U.S. Embassy at [phone] or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at malaysia.usembassy.gov. We will post the most updated information on the website.

[Denise Wattles]

Only a week away now, crazy!
Just some other tips.
1.
Remember, Americans are like no other. We tend to stand out in a crowd. Just use common sense when in the public.
2.
This is very important. Make copies of all your important papers: airline schedule, passport, etc. Keep the originals on you at all times. Put the copies away in a suitcase or any other place you think is safe. The copies won't get you home if the originals are lost but it will shorten the time that you can get a replacement passport. (Which is probably not "quick" like we think it is)
3.
Get a business card from the hotel you are staying in so you have all the hotels information. If you get turned around you can ask someone how to get back to your hotel.
4.
Believe it or not but in the past some of the Team members have left money and their passport in their room while they were away. Not a smart move. I take locks to lock up my suitcases when I am not in the room. (Still don't leave money or valuables in the room)
5.
Make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back so someone always knows where you are.
6.
Don't sight see alone. Besides being more fun having someone with you it makes it a lot safer.
7.
Get room numbers and hotel information from the other Team Members. That way you know where they are and you might want to ask them to join you on an excursion.
8.
Don't forget you mosquito spray.

I am really looking forward to seeing what Malaysia has to offer. It will be more fun if you are prepared.
See you soon!
Denise

[Taylor Johnson]

More info regarding Malaysia:
US Debit cards: Due high levels of fraud, many Malaysia ATMs do not allow you to withdraw using a US debit card. Numerous travelers have noted this on travel forums. This is unique to Malaysia and is not applicable to Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia. If you call your bank or even Visa/Mastercard, they are often not aware because the transaction is declined by the Malaysia bank. Make sure to bring cash or other form of money in case your debit card is rejected.[22] Credit card fraud is a growing problem. Use cards only in reputable shops.
The Malaysian currency is the ringgit, informally known as the dollar (the "$" symbol can be seen on older notes) and abbreviated RM or MYR, is divided into 100 sen. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen as well as bills of RM1, 2 (rare), 5, 10,20, 50 and 100. 5 sen coins are mainly given as change in large establishments and supermarkets, peddlers and street vendors might be reluctant to accept them.
Ringgits are freely convertible. Foreign currencies are not generally accepted, although you might get away with exchanging some Euros or US dollars even in more remote areas, but do expect a lot of stares and some persuasion. The major exception is Singapore dollars, which are accepted by KTMB and toll roads, but at a highly unfavorable 1:1 exchange rate (an anomaly dating back to the 1970s when the ringgit was interchangeable with the Singapore dollar).
Banks and airports are not the best places to exchange money if it is not urgent. Licensed money changers in major shopping malls often have the best rates - be sure to say the amount you wish to exchange and ask for the 'best quote' as rates displayed on the board are often negotiable, especially for larger amounts.
ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets.
English is compulsory in all schools and widely spoken in the larger cities, as well as around the main tourist attractions, although in rural areas a little Malay will come in handy. There is also a colloquial form of English spoken among Malaysians in urban areas, not inappropriately known as Manglish, which involves code switching between English, Malay and/or other languages, and takes a bit of getting used to if you intend to join in the conversation on local topics. Malaysians will almost always try to speak 'standardized English' when approached by Western travellers. In general, police stations and government offices will have English-speaking staff on duty.
++ Never bring any recreational drugs into Malaysia, even as a transit passenger. Possession of even minimal amounts can lead to a mandatory death sentence.
wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia

[Taylor Johnson]

More Info Regarding Worlds
Weigh In Times For Worlds: waf-armwrestling.com/

From: Scott Johnson
To: WAF General Secretary - Mircea Simionescu-Simicel < [e-mail] >
Subject: Question
Will the upcoming WAF championships be televised anywhere or recorded to playback later? Thank you!
-----------------------------------------
Dear Scott, The Finals will be live broadcasted by national/ regional partners and complete event (preliminaries and finals) will be streamed live on WAF Youtube Channel for each table. The streaming will be video produced meaning the names and countries will be shown. Enjoy, Mircea, Best regards
Mircea SIMIONESCU-SIMICEL, General Secretary, World Armwrestling Federation (WAF)

Travel Q&A - Exchanging Money & Mobile Phones Abroad

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