If you need an ambulance or the police in Penang, tourists can dial 999 (or 112 from mobile phones) for Malaysian General Emergency Services. For other, less urgent numbers, please read on and have your notebook handy.
It’s worthwhile being prepared for your visit to Penang in case of an emergency. No one plans for accidents, but having the right information at hand is extremely handy at time-critical emergencies.
It’s also imperative to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and hospitalization while travelling in Malaysia, as medical expenses can be costly should the worst happen during your trip.
So please note the following numbers down somewhere handy, or even better, memorise them.
We are continually adding to this list of resources. Please drop us an email if you are aware of any other emergency numbers that should be on our list of emergency contacts in Penang.
Is Penang safe?
Penang is a safe place to visit and you’ll find the vast majority of people to be friendly and welcoming with your chances of encountering an incident of violent crime extremely rare.
As with all major cities, it always pays to keep an eye out for pickpockets if you’re in a crowded place such as the Jetty bus station or Batu Ferringhi night markets.
Perhaps the biggest risk you’ll encounter is the occasional health and safety ‘contravention’, with exposed wires, broken footpaths and missing railings all part of the experience. With a little care and perspective though, these won’t case you many problems.
Emergency Services in Penang
If you need an ambulance or the police in Penang, tourists can dial 999 (or 112 from mobile phones) for Malaysian General Emergency Services.
There is a warning for abusing the emergency number 999 in Malaysia. A person can be charged and fined RM50,000 or sentenced to 1 year in prison or both if convicted of a false emergency call to 999.
| Ambulance | 999 |
| Police | 999 |
| Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) | 994 |
| Tourist Police Hotline | 03 2149 6590 |
Travel Services And Government Agencies
| Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre at Penang International Airport | +60 4-262 2093 |
| Malaysian Customs | +60 4-262 2300 |
| Malaysian Immigration | +60 4-643 0352 / +60 4-643 2285 |
| Quarantine & Health Department | +60 4-638 0209 / +60 4-645 3572 |
| Penang International Airport | +60 4-252 0252 |
| Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (near Penang Bridge) | +60 10-963 9547 |
Penang Hospitals
| Penang General Hospital | +60 4-222 5333 |
| Gleneagles Hospital Penang | +60 4-222 9111 |
| Pantai Hospital Penang | +60 4-643 3888 |
| Penang Adventist Hospital | +60 4-222 7200 |
| Island Hospital | +60 4-238 3388 |
| Lam Wah Ee Hospital | +60 4-652 8888 |
| Georgetown Specialist Hospital | +60 4-827 5118 |
Consulates and Embassies
| British High Commission in Penang | +60 4 227 5336 |
| Embassy of the United States of America (there is no United States consulate in Penang) | +60392126000 |
| Australian Consulate in Penang | +60 4-226 8955 |
| Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang | +60 4‑218 9795 |
| Danish Consulate in Penang | +60 4-262 4886 |
| Canadian Consulate in Penang | +60 4-389 3300 |
On Penang ebook
Updated for 2026, the On Penang ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring the island of Penang. It is jam-packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour of George Town (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Malaysia, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
-
On Penang ebook£16.95
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang
