Local Advice from Dr. Kate
Malaysia is a safe and healthy place to travel with children. Just remember to always carry bottled water, mosquito spray, sunscreen – and this book ! Now, as well as being the photographer for KL FOR KIDS, I am also a doctor. I graduated from Leicester University and practiced in England , Zambia , and Uganda before moving to Kuala Lumpur . The top health priorities in Kuala Lumpur are to keep hydrated and clean. That means you need to make sure that you and your kids drink plenty of water, wash your hands before eating and have regular showers or baths.
Always carry bottled water with you, especially when you are outside, as the humidity increases sweating and fluid loss. Headaches are a regular indicator of dehydration – heed them and top up both your body and your kids' bodies with water. It is probably best to drink bottled water, but boiled tap water or the odd ice cube are unlikely to cause any problems. Canned drinks like 100 Plus are a good way of replenishing electrolytes lost through excess sweating.
Eating is a major part of the Malaysian experience and is not to be missed – just stick to the restaurants packed with people: the busier the better as far as food hygiene goes .
Generally, food sold in restaurants and street stalls is safe – the vendors rely on regular customers amidst stiff competition, so it is in their interests to keep the kitchen clean. Go gentle on spicy food if you are not used to eating it, as that can easily cause an upset tummy. If you are worried, stay clear of shellfish and salads as these are generally higher-risk foods.
Make sure you have hats and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for your children, as the tropical sun really is very powerful. Watch out for prickly heat . This is a rash from excess sweating, which subsides with cool showers and talcum powder. Heat stroke can also be an issue if you spend too much time in the sun. Remember Noel Coward and his cautionary words – Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go Out in the Midday Sun.
Mosquitoes are probably Malaysia 's biggest problem . Apply mosquito repellent when outside in forested areas and gardens, especially in the early morning and the early evening . I have found Mosi-Guard Natural to be a good repellent. It is readily available in pharmacies in Kuala Lumpur and does not contain DEET, so it is good for long-term use.
Pharmacies are plentiful in Kuala Lumpur . They are well-stocked and often have registered pharmacists on duty. Two of the big names are Watsons and Guardian. If you need a particular medication that is not available at regular pharmacies, try the pharmacy at one of the private hospitals.
Some people react badly to mosquito bites – an antihistamine cream will soothe any inflammation. Keep bites, cuts and scratches clean as they can easily become infected in this tropical climate.
There is no malaria in peninsular Malaysia . However, contracting dengue fever from a mosquito bite is a rare but serious event that does happen, even in KL. The signs to look out for are a swinging high fever, headache, flu-like aching, a rash and general malaise. Prevention is the best tactic, so keep that mosquito repellent handy.
If you suspect dengue, or in any other emergency, take your child straight to the Accident and Emergency Unit ( 03 4255 2880 ) of Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre at 282 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur . We have presented Gleneagles with a variety of complaints over the years and they have consistently delivered sound medical advice and treatment.
If you are a long way from Gleneagles, go to the Accident and Emergency Unit ( 03 7491 1162 ) of Sunway Medical Centre at 5 Jalan Lagoon, Selatan, Bandar Sunway . Another recommended option is the Accident and Emergency Department ( 03 5639 1234) of Subang Jaya Medical Centre at 1, Jalan SS 12 / 1A, Subang Jaya . Other private hospitals include Ampang Puteri Medical Centre, Pantai Medical Centre and the new Prince Court Medical Centre. The big public hospitals are Kuala Lumpur General and University Hospital . Treatment here is good, but you will probably have to wait much longer, and nurses might not speak much English. For all of the private hospitals, you have to provide a credit card before significant treatment starts.
In most cases, it is better to go direct to the hospital than to wait for an ambulance . But if you suspect a serious spinal injury, or otherwise need an ambulance, then call the Accident and Emergency Unit of the medical centre you want to go to. They will advise on the best ambulance service. Calling 999 is not normally very productive.