Hi guys,

I will be moving to KL, due to husband's work, but I'm becoming concerned about safety after reading some unpleasant stories.

Can people elaborate on personal safety, and what its like being a white female in KL. I dress conservatively normally, but I've read some disheartening accounts of taxis driving off to remote locations, women being harrassed by men and groped in public. I dont want to feel unable leave the house without my husband..

Crime makes a good story in the newspapers, so the perceived crime level gets magnified. Just be sensible and you should have no problems. There's plenty of women in KL wearing short shorts - it's a modern city. You are unlikely to be groped, especially if you dress conservatively.

There have been a few cases of people being kidnapped when taking a taxi in KL. So just be careful. I think the police have caught the people doing this. There are cases of women getting raped by taxi / mini-cab drivers in London too, of course. I don’t think it’s something you need to worry about too much.

Here’s some tips:

When you get into a taxi write down the driver's name, taxi number and company. Then if you accidentally leave something in the taxi you can call them to get it back. It’s also useful if you need to make a complaint.

When you get in the taxi, call a friend and give them the taxi number, or fake the call. If the driver hears you telling someone the taxi number, you're unlikely to have any problems

Once you find a taxi driver that you like, take his phone number and use him as your regular driver. You'll get good service, and a reliable driver who will be glad of some regular work.

JC3

Download the MYTEKSI app. This allows you to book a taxi from and too a specific location without the need to flag down on the street. Much safer, and you get updates on when the driver will arrive, name and number plate registration. Fares are all on the meter too so no chance of being ripped off.

It's been an absolute life-saver to me since I arrived 7wks ago.

Thanks! I've got it! I got here a couple of days ago and saw the leaflets in the taxis I was. Its brilliant!

Brilliant! Glad you found it. Makes life a lot more easier and feels safer too.

Have fun here.