Why Malaysians Need to Pay Attention to Civil Unrest

As we map out our next escape, we eagerly hunt for bargains and dream of indulgent meals. What we seldom imagine are the barricades, the chants, or the sudden shift from tourist to bystander in a political storm.

The reality is this: civil unrest is not confined to any one region or culture. We have seen it unfold in the form of protests in Indonesia, strikes in France, and mass demonstrations in Hong Kong. These events serve as a stark reminder that political instability can surface anywhere, often without warning.

For travellers, it is not just a minor disruption. It can affect:

• Your safety – risk of getting caught in demonstrations.
• Your budget– flights, hotels, and tours that have been booked
• Your plans – last-minute cancellations or diversions.

What Does “Civil Unrest” Mean for Travellers?

Civil unrest generally refers to large-scale protests, strikes, or riots that disrupt normal life. While locals may know how to navigate it, tourists often get blindsided. For travellers, this can mean:

• Road closures or traffic standstills.
• Sudden shutdown of public transport
• Abrupt closures of attractions, malls, or restaurants closing
• Increased risks of theft, vandalism, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In short: you may not be involved, but you can still get caught in the chaos.

How Can You Check If It Is Safe to Travel?

Before you zip up that luggage, take a moment to check if your trip is still a good idea. Here is a simple checklist:

1. Check official advisories

Visit the official websites of:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia's Travel Advisory.
• Your destination country’s embassy or consulate like the US Travel Advisories.

These sources provide up-to-date alerts on political unrest, natural disasters, health risks, and more.

2. Follow the news

Keep an eye on:

• Local and international news outlets.
• Social media updates from verified sources.
• Travel forums or expat communities.

This helps you catch early signs of unrest or disruptions that may not yet appear in official advisories.

3. Use travel safety apps

Download apps that provide real-time safety alerts and location-based updates, such as:

• Smart Traveller [Google Playstore | Apple Appstore]
• Safeture [Google Playstore | Apple Appstore]
• Google Maps (for live traffic and closures)

These tools can help you avoid hotspots and stay informed on the go.

4. Register with the embassy

Malaysians can register their overseas travel with Wisma Putra’s e-Consular system. This allows the embassy to contact or assist you in case of emergencies like natural disasters, civil unrest, or evacuation.

5. Review Your Travel Insurance

Make sure your travel insurance:

• Covers trip cancellations due to known civil unrest (usually under premium or comprehensive plans).
• Includes medical evacuation and emergency assistance.

If unsure, contact your insurer to clarify what is covered.

What to Do If You Need to Cancel Your Trip

Flights

If your airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, even if your ticket is non-refundable.

If flights are operating but you personally decide not to go, most airlines will only offer a credit voucher or free rescheduling.

Hotels & Stays

Many hotels have flexible cancellation policies if unrest affects their area. If not, request to reschedule instead of a cancellation, which they are more likely to allow.

Tours & Tickets

Local operators may consider unrest a force majeure (uncontrollable event). Refunds are not guaranteed, but it is worth negotiating for partial credit or rescheduling.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Protests and Riots?

Short answer: It depends on your plan and when you bought it.

When It Is Covered

Travel insurance may cover trip cancellation due to riots or civil unrest if:

• You purchased a premium or comprehensive or annual plan.
• You bought the policy at least 14 days before your trip.
• The riot or protest was unexpected and not already happening or widely reported when you bought the policy.
• You have already tried to get refunds from airlines, hotels, or travel agents first.

In this case, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable travel and accommodation costs.

When It is Not Covered

You are not covered if:

• You bought a basic plan (it does not include riot-related cancellations).
• You did not add on the optional trip cancellation benefit.
• The civil unrest and riot were already known or ongoing when you bought the policy.
• You cancel your trip out of fear, but there is no official travel warning or disruption.

Some insurance may offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)’ add-ons. These could be your safest bet. They allow you to claim 50–75% of costs, and you need to buy this additional coverage in advance and within a set timeframe after booking your trip.

Pro tip: Before you purchase your travel insurance, ask the insurance company if the plan you are buying covers protests break out at your destination. Get the answer in writing if possible.

Should You Still Travel if Protests Are Happening?

Not all unrest makes a country completely unsafe. For instance, during the civil unrest in Indonesia, larger cities like Jakarta and Surabaya may face demonstrations and disruptions.

However, other parts of Indonesia especially tourist destinations like Bali, Lombok, or Batam could still be open for tourists.

If you choose to travel anyway, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Avoid protest zones, government buildings, and major public squares.
• Stay updated daily on local news or embassy updates.
• Keep embassy hotlines, airline contacts, and hotel numbers saved on your phone.
• Carry backup cash and ensure your e-wallet is topped up in case ATMs are inaccessible.

Civil unrest does not mean you should stop travelling. It simply means you need to be better prepared. Always:

• Check advisories before you book.
• Understand your refund policies and insurance coverage.
• Stay flexible with your itinerary.

Whether it is Indonesia in August, or other country next month, staying informed of known events help you travel with peace of mind.

A little awareness today can save you from stress, financial loss, and ruined holidays tomorrow.

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