Healthcare...
It is essential to contact the HR Department in your current location to arrange medical check-ups and determine which vaccinations are appropriate for living in Malaysia. For further information please visit Shell Expat Plaza website.
Hospitals
Malaysia operates a public (Government sponsored) health care system and a private system. Medical care is provided in district hospitals and clinics for all Malaysian citizens at little or no cost. Private hospitals and clinics provide an alternative for those who can afford to pay and wish to avoid delays for medical treatment. Private medical facilities in KL are excellent with large, modern, state-of-the art hospitals and General Practice (GP) clinics; in addition, there are also specialist hospitals such as the Heart Institute in the City.
All of the major private hospitals offer a full range of specialists and consultants and many of these physicians have been trained in America, Australia or Europe. Hospitals are located in all areas of KL and its outlying suburbs and are easily accessible by private and public transport. Two of the main hospitals are Gleneagles in Ampang area, www.gimc.com.my and Pantai in Bangsar area, www.pantai.com.my.
If an emergency occurs and you need to call an ambulance, calling 999 will result in an ambulance being dispatched from a public hospital to which you will be taken. If you require a private ambulance, you need to call the appropriate number at the hospital you wish to attend. There are no paramedic services in Malaysia, although private ambulance services do provide minor first aid assistance. If the accident is classed as minor, because of the nature of KL traffic and weather, it is recommended that you transport the individual to the hospital via car or taxi, rather than wait for an ambulance. For a full list of hospitals, their locations and specialists or consultants employed there, please refer to the Inside Guide.
Doctors
GP clinics are located in all areas of KL, but it is not always possible to tell from the street if these are catering to local or expatriate patients. Asking friends and neighbours for recommendations is usually a good way to find a suitable doctor or specialist. In KL Shell makes use of the GP services of Drs Young, Newton and Rakan-Rakan who have clinics in Bukit Damansara and in KLCC, and also Global Doctors in Mont Kiara. When you visit one of these clinics the bill will be forwarded directly to BUPA (after filling in the necessary claim form) and they also include the cost of any medicines that they prescribe at the time.
You may also opt to consult a GP in the area in which you live, pay your own bill and claim the cost from BUPA. Alternatively, Shell employees can contact and visit the in-house Shell Clinics in Damansara and Cyberjaya.
Dentists
Dental surgeries are modern and plentiful in KL, offering all aspects of dental care, although referrals are often made to specialist clinics for orthodontic and other specific treatments. For a list of dentists, please refer to the Inside Guide.
Health Concerns
The Haze
Between June and September the KL skies occasionally turn grey. This is not caused by bad weather but by farmers in Indonesia burning-off forests to clear land for farming. This is commonly known as “The Haze” and it can exacerbate any allergies you may have and worsen asthma symptoms. The strength of “The Haze” varies from year to year. In general, it is advisable to avoid going outside as much as possible if you are susceptible to allergies or asthma. Indoor air purifiers are available for purchase in electrical appliance stores.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are prevalent in Malaysia and are most active at dusk, however KL and other major urban areas are relatively malaria-free. Anti-malarial drugs are not necessary unless traveling to remote jungle areas. Spray or stick repellent can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets, and wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers helps to avoid being bitten. If bitten, antihistamine creams will reduce itching and speed healing. During the rainy season local councils undertake fogging/fumigation of areas where mosquitoes are a problem. You can purchase mosquito coils at all supermarkets which can keep mosquitoes at bay, and electrical devices are also available which have the same effect.
Dengue Fever
Occasionally there is an outbreak of dengue in KL. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites. There are no drugs or vaccinations to prevent this disease and the best prevention is to avoid being bitten. A blood test is necessary to confirm dengue fever. Early confirmation and treatment of the disease is essential, and if contracted, fever-reducing drugs can be administered to keep down the fever. To minimise the threat of dengue around your home, check regularly for areas of standing water or poor drainage which could harbour mosquito larvae.
Plants
The Malaysian Peninsula was once covered in dense jungle and is still home to many varieties of exotic plants. Some of these plants are poisonous if eaten, or can cause varying degrees of skin irritation if touched. It is advisable to keep small children from handling or eating any of the plants, and if you anticipate going to National Parks or on jungle treks it may be helpful to pick up an illustrated publication to identify any potentially dangerous plants.
Health Products
Pharmacies have a good selection of medicines and prescriptions are not always necessary. If you are taking a prescription drug, it is best to check that this particular drug is available in Malaysia . If not your current doctor can recommend an alternative before moving to Malaysia , or sufficient supplies should be brought with you. Good selections of Chinese medicines are also widely available.
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