We visited Malaysia, where it's illegal to be gay

Should LGBT tourists visit Malaysia? That's the question we sought to answer during our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur. In this video, we'll explain the history and current situation for LGBT travelers and provide some advice and tips for sensible precautions to help you enjoy your trip.
Malaysia's anti-sodomy laws date back to the time of British colonization. These are enforced with brutal punishments, such as public caning. But meanwhile the country is eager to attract gay and lesbian tourists and so has had to walk a delicate line. As we found out, it is reasonably safe for LGBT tourists to visit Kuala Lumpur as long as they follow some sensible precautions.
And the city is well worth visiting. Its numerous landmarks, such as the National Mosque, the Petronas Towers (which you might know from the movie Entrapment), the KL Tower, the Butterfly Park, and the Aviary, all make this a fascinating city that's well worth a look.
00:00 Should gay people go to Kuala Lumpur?
01:45 Matt Healy and the 1975
02:46 History of Anti-Sodomy Laws
03:50 Enforcement of the Law Today
05:28 Sensible Precautions
07:28 Things to do in KL
10:17 Would we go back?

Пікірлер: 136

  • @user-tl9wv6wu9h
    @user-tl9wv6wu9hАй бұрын

    Malaysia authority will never arrest gay & trans hanging out on streets or working inside malls. Unless you are PROVEN showing Public Display of Affection (PDA) & sexual activity. And it applies to married or unmarried straights & gays.

  • @user-tl9wv6wu9h

    @user-tl9wv6wu9h

    Ай бұрын

    And please avoid publicly ‘showcase’ any clear symbolism related LGBT movements or hosting events related to it. Cross-dressing is allowed in public but not in religion & government buildings.

  • @ptaeiy
    @ptaeiyАй бұрын

    You are giving out false information about Malaysia. Firstly, yes there is an anti-sodomy law in Malaysia, as in many states in the USA, both in the secular and syariah law. However, if you do not flaunt your sexuality, either straight or gay, in public you won't draw attention to yourself, especially for tourists. Just go there, enjoy youself and keep your sex life behind closed doors. Secondly, you are knowingly showing public canings that was in Indonesia, and NOT in Malaysia. You can clearly distinguish the Indonesian coat of arms on their uniforms. Any corporeal punishments in Malaysia are done in private, in prison so as to protect the dignity of the offenders. (Killers, rapists etc) There are NO public canings in Malaysia. I therefore question your motive in making this false and misleading video.

  • @barrel_boy

    @barrel_boy

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the comment. I believe if you rewatch the video, you’ll find little disagreement between your comment and the thesis I presented. As we both concluded: If you don’t flaunt your sexuality, especially as a tourist, it is unlikely that any harm will come to you. On the comment about caning however: Regrettably Malaysia *does* use caning as a punishment for many crimes, including violations of the anti-sodomy statutes. This has been condemned by Amnesty International as torture. The caning procedure used as punishment in Malaysia is often far more brutal than the clip from Indonesia that I included (which I did indicate as being from Indonesia and not from Malaysia). Unfortunately canings in Malaysia are not filmed (or at least the films are not publicly released), and the caning is conducted in a courtroom in front of witnesses from the public. As there are no recent films of caning in Malaysia, I opted to include this representative clip from neighboring Indonesia, with a disclaimer that the footage was from Indonesia and not Malaysia. It’s certainly not my intent to mislead in any way and I do my best to present honest and accurate information. Thanks again for your comment, and I hope you’ll give it another watch with this context in mind.

  • @ptaeiy

    @ptaeiy

    Ай бұрын

    @@barrel_boy Again you are trying to confuse the issue. The point I was making isthat there are NO, as of yet, any public caning in Malaysia regardless if you're gay or not. Again, you're making wild ,categorically untrue allegation that canings in Malaysia is being done in the courtrooms. I repeat. Canings are done discreetly in prisons with minimal attending officials, such as a couple prison wardens and a medical doctor. As a FYI for you who like to make ignorant and untrue claims, if a prisoner was sentenced to say 10 strokes if caning, he would NOT be caned all 10 times in one sitting. There is no footage of public canings,be it in courtrooms or not in Malaysia, for the simple reason it is not done there. Amnesty should investigate migrant child labor in Alabama and Lousiana first. Look at yourself first before commenting abt others that you know nothing about.

  • @ptaeiy

    @ptaeiy

    Ай бұрын

    @@barrel_boy Representative means to represent something. Its not representative of Malaysia at all. It represent your biased and ulterior motivation well. None of what you claimed abt Malaysia is true. No public canings in the town square nor in the courtrooms with public attendance. You are so diabolical in trying to paint Malaysia as an evil place. Whats your agenda really? I dont watch bigoted, false and misleading contents such as yours.

  • @hadeqhad5474

    @hadeqhad5474

    Ай бұрын

    About canning - 2 type - under Islamic law (applicable to Muslim only) same as Acheh, Indonesia.. under civil law - severe canning..

  • @90taetaeya

    @90taetaeya

    Ай бұрын

    @@ptaeiyu r wrong, if u do ur research, canning does happen to lgbt persons in malaysia. Most recent was only at 2019

  • @enchesoyaregaliaatriadelig5951
    @enchesoyaregaliaatriadelig5951Ай бұрын

    Seriously???? We Malaysian nvr care who you are... No matter what is your religion, skin colour, sex orientation etc... Just do what roman did when you in rome... Just respect locals n our culture, that's it... Don't shove your ideology to our throat n keep it behind your door whether you are homosexual or heterosexual. P/s : all the pics / video cuts regarding the syariah punishment are not in Malaysia. It's in acheh, the Islamic territory of Indonesia.

  • @rismakamalsjah1064

    @rismakamalsjah1064

    Ай бұрын

    Spot on

  • @CattleFarmer667

    @CattleFarmer667

    Ай бұрын

    Not sure about Trengganu and Kelantan. To be safe, stay in west coast like Penang, KL, Ipoh, Melaka and JB.Yup, we dont care as long as people keep it in their house.

  • @stevengoh3137

    @stevengoh3137

    Ай бұрын

    That may be happening in yr surroundings. For my part, hatred and prejudice still exists and they keep humiliating each other with sensitive words and said they are geli. Worst still, some schools rejected the LGBT people to showcase their talents during the talent night. Still feel that Malaysia needs more progress in this perspective since UK law has already transformed this law ever since 2005. I doubted Malaysia since it took the orthodox approach of UK law ever since the ancient dino- era of Commonwealth. Ed Sheeran and Taylor they are both great celebrities and supportive of LGBT are forbidden from performing. The change is gradual and hopefully good things happen.

  • @CattleFarmer667

    @CattleFarmer667

    Ай бұрын

    @@stevengoh3137 There are always idiots who say childish stuff to piss people. But are you childish to be bothered by what random people say? You should only care about what you think about yourself. Then the opinion of your family and close friends.

  • @nagawahyudi

    @nagawahyudi

    Ай бұрын

    u chinese malay

  • @psodhy
    @psodhyАй бұрын

    Good video with one tiny minor exception. The restriction on public displays of "romantic" affection applies to EVERYONE - straight and gay. So in that regard, it really isn't requiring anything exceptional of gay people, or forcing them back into the closet. It's basically saying to keep your romantic physical behavior private because the country as a whole is pretty conservative and your private business should remain just that, your private business.

  • @CattleFarmer667

    @CattleFarmer667

    Ай бұрын

    Agreeing as ethnic Chinese.We have public etiquette.

  • @Redbeard7176

    @Redbeard7176

    Ай бұрын

    Just like Qatar said when they hosted the WC2022.

  • @21moffzar
    @21moffzarАй бұрын

    Honestly nobody care and nobody knows your orientation...it doesnt matter if you are gay, just dont display your affection in public...even straight people dont display publicly their affection, it is culture, and it is frowned upon. again, this is not west but east...and even if you have gay app, law enforcer have no rights nor power to check people phone and we have never heard about this, ever

  • @vikramganasen

    @vikramganasen

    Ай бұрын

    Tu ah, pelik ah depa ni. Tak tanya pun gay ke tak

  • @alpabloalfonso5786
    @alpabloalfonso5786Ай бұрын

    its simple, when u enter ur friends house u r the guest not the owner

  • @AzlindaRosAbdulAziz

    @AzlindaRosAbdulAziz

    Ай бұрын

    💯% agreed...!!!! From 🇲🇾

  • @rajamyusoff4339

    @rajamyusoff4339

    Ай бұрын

    Indeed

  • @mzmohd385
    @mzmohd385Ай бұрын

    Just don't come to KL at all if you want to push your ideologies. We are okay with being underrated.

  • @munawaralias8980
    @munawaralias8980Ай бұрын

    Why did you show public canning in Indonesia in this video.

  • @CattleFarmer667

    @CattleFarmer667

    Ай бұрын

    He cannot find any in Malaysia. That AJazeera probably fake news. Never heard Malaysia has public canning. That Indonesian canning is more like sayang that girl. I heard 1 cane in Malaysia prison enough to KO a person.

  • @Aeybiseediy

    @Aeybiseediy

    Ай бұрын

    I remember Malaysia had done before but it was in the Terengganu state carried out by shariah law. 5 lashes but with padding. So it only affects Muslim not the rest of the population. ​@@CattleFarmer667

  • @munawaralias8980

    @munawaralias8980

    Ай бұрын

    @CattleFarmer667 The only public canning I know was in school in the early 80s. I got it fighting in class - over a rubber eraser.

  • @aroni1813

    @aroni1813

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@munawaralias8980haha! sorry if its not funny for u. These westerners just want to export their sick minds. Cant even say they are shameless like animals cos even animals knows male & females.

  • @ozzyosman
    @ozzyosmanАй бұрын

    just dont have s*x on the street or public place, it's a common law in every countries, not just Malaysia

  • @naingkiss93

    @naingkiss93

    24 күн бұрын

    What about religious police that harass people in the their private life? What would you say to them? they aren't showing public affection.

  • @rismakamalsjah1064
    @rismakamalsjah1064Ай бұрын

    I even have an uncle that was a transvestite ( he passed away few years ago). I am a malay, muslim, a hijabi and Malaysian. Honestly i don't give two hoot about anyone's sexual orientation.

  • @ROYAL_REBEL
    @ROYAL_REBELАй бұрын

    The video you showed was in Acheh, not Malaysia, and it's a MISLEADING MISINFORMATION. We couldn't care less about your SEXUAL ORIENTATION as long as you respect our culture and tradition and do not engage in public displays of affection out of respect for others, regardless of whether you're straight or gay. We are a conservative country, and we would like to stay that way, as Western cultures sometimes are corrosive and, in the long run, would bring moral decay to our society.

  • @yukihanna6519

    @yukihanna6519

    Ай бұрын

    Typical western information 😑

  • @edurittenhouse
    @edurittenhouseАй бұрын

    I think Brunei is much stricter than Malaysia.

  • @sharxM16

    @sharxM16

    Ай бұрын

    yup syariah law ..malaysia not

  • @zaharizak
    @zaharizakАй бұрын

    As long as you keep your "preferences" to yourself, nobody cares.

  • @hanawolfgang
    @hanawolfgangАй бұрын

    Gay or not, it's not our business, just don't show public affection or tell others that you're gay, that's your personal matter

  • @minniefontein1665

    @minniefontein1665

    24 күн бұрын

    In a country where two human beings are not allowed to show their affection and love for eachother in public is quite ...backwards. Sorry love should be above all. Period

  • @aronhensem2727
    @aronhensem2727Ай бұрын

    I am now 44. I have seen gays from 80s when i was little until now in malaysia. Nothing happened to them. Because unlike nowadays gays, they were happy enough with their partners. They dont have to be acknowledge. They dont need acceptance from other people. Their spine are solid enough to stand on their own. Current gays or the bigger lgbt community doesnt feel good enough to be happy on their own. The society needs to say they accept them. Malaysia and all other countries even where you come from has the same situation. Where lgbt demands attention and the other straight society doesnt really care. So you can just come here. Be who you are but dont flaunt it. Be happy as you are. Not because you need to be acknowledge. Our time in this world is short. Religion money power properties families partners friends kid. We leave all of it when we leave this world to our final resting place. Just be a good human is enough. Please come again. See other parts of malaysia. We have so much to offer. If you like nature, i recommend going to taman negara. Rainforest that's older than the amazon.

  • @ladyixora
    @ladyixoraАй бұрын

    Malaysian muslim here. If you're gay in msia, keyword is: KEEP IT TO YOURSELF & DON'T ADVERTISE YOUR LGBT STUFF. Other than that, ppl won't mind your business. Some msian are openly gay n nobody bothers them. Even authorities. Why? Bc eventhough they're openly gay but also didn't promote or advertise they're gay. Ppl around them might know or guess but didn't bother them at all. Also cross dressing is illegal here. But sometimes you can see the gays are wearing women clothes to work. Depends on the company. Most companies cannot, only very few. But still authorities didn't bother them. The ones i saw was working as cosmetic promoter. The authorities will bother if you make a scene. Like gay parties or lgbt events or sx parties (both straight n gay sx parties are illegal). So if you wanna do stuff, do it in private. Even others don't do PDAs in public. Just respect locals social decorum, you'll be fine.

  • @badasspop9419
    @badasspop9419Ай бұрын

    There are many gays in Malaysian society. They work in various job sectors, salespeople, salon workers, bankers, journalists and others. They are always seen together and they prefer to gather among themselves. It's just that in Malaysia there are some rules that you have to follow which are disrespectful behavior in public places, you can't wear women's clothes if you're gay, but the situation is different when you're in an entertainment center like in a disco, night club, bar, lounge and others can be seen they are wearing women's clothes and wearing makeup.

  • @axiumusng2408
    @axiumusng2408Ай бұрын

    I wouldn't say not showing affection in public is "going back into closet", its just a matter of respecting differences between people and not to publicly show it. If you don't eat rat, you don't want people to be eating rate enjoying it right beside you would be an example to understand it easier.

  • @mariusguy3720
    @mariusguy372022 күн бұрын

    I visit Malaysia all the time with my partner as all his family know about us and I am as much thought about as an equal family member with all the family. There is no need for a closet to hide in but just common decency and respect and you'll have a great time with no judgement. Malaysian people are really nice and are very aware of peoples differences and accommodating as long as you respect there cultural differences. There is no problem

  • @neutroyaz
    @neutroyazАй бұрын

    Oh my. You've placed Singapore in Middle East on the map. That's a first! Americans usually think we're in China.

  • @barrel_boy

    @barrel_boy

    Ай бұрын

    I don’t believe there is a map of Singapore in the video. You might be referring to the flight path map for SQ21 which did pass over the Middle East. But this is a map of the plane’s location, not of Singapore.

  • @sparda1979
    @sparda197920 күн бұрын

    The reason clips from Indonesia was used in this video about Malaysia is because you can't find any of Malaysia.

  • @TheZevvy
    @TheZevvyАй бұрын

    So you can’t hold hands or even kiss in public in Malaysia?

  • @wewenang5167

    @wewenang5167

    Ай бұрын

    no kissing allowed...holding hands between men is common here....have you seen bangladeshi and pakistani men holding hands everywhere they go? THEY ARE NIT GAY LMAO

  • @azwasaaidns3936

    @azwasaaidns3936

    Ай бұрын

    I’ve seen that in Msia (holding hands can be considered normal), but kissing in public rarely happened because Msian usually knows how conservative our cultures are. But of course it acceptable if we are referring to families, siblings or relatives (not in sexual context)

  • @90taetaeya

    @90taetaeya

    Ай бұрын

    DO NOT KISS IN MALAYSIA. It is actually illegal to kiss in public in the country!

  • @louisvelasquez
    @louisvelasquezАй бұрын

    First of all, just because something is acceptable in your culture doesn’t mean that it is acceptable in other cultures or that it should be forced upon others simply because you believe it’s ok to do so. While many other religions, or western societies for that matter, have succumbed to lawlessness or immorality doesn’t mean the rest of the world will or should follow. Simply put, when you’re a guest in someone’s house or country, act like it and be respectful. If not, don’t go someplace trying to be disrespectful just because you believe you’re superior to them. Not going to happen.

  • @xaldyn
    @xaldyn7 күн бұрын

    This video is craaaazzzzzzyyy

  • @gif24gt60
    @gif24gt603 күн бұрын

    Iis it the same in india?

  • @john_mega
    @john_megaАй бұрын

    Went to Malaka with my boyfriend. People could not have been nicer. Stick to the right places and you will be greeted with great friendliness.

  • @itistrue101
    @itistrue101Ай бұрын

    Better to go to Palestine or Iran, they love the gays there

  • @cindysin2347
    @cindysin234728 күн бұрын

    Malaysians are very friendly people, they may not agree with your sexual preference, but they don't hate you for that. You really don't get physically attacked for being gay.

  • @derbdep
    @derbdep17 күн бұрын

    Completely forgot what Sharia has to say about being gay.

  • @semangat4047
    @semangat4047Ай бұрын

    Indonesia: Republic,Sultan Yogyakarta,King Ubud( Angelina Jolie),Run island (Manhattan),Moyo island ( lady Diana)

  • @PeterLoh
    @PeterLohАй бұрын

    Tourists have more to worry about in the US with the gun violence than they do in Malaysia with the alleged anti LGBT stance. 🙄 You’re honestly just fear mongering for views.

  • @RobertRitchie-re5pt
    @RobertRitchie-re5ptАй бұрын

    I really don’t understand how two guys could fall in love. It’s gross. Totally unnatural act.

  • @anne2358
    @anne2358Ай бұрын

    Everybody can come. But don't show any love affection in public. Not just for gays people but also for a straight people too. Be respectful and you be ok.

  • @amiryazidali7659
    @amiryazidali7659Ай бұрын

    Malaysians do not care about anybody sexual preference. There IS NO LAW against gays or lesbians. ONLY DO NOT flaunt or be loud in your preference in public. Keep it to yourself only.

  • @tandaniel5298
    @tandaniel52986 күн бұрын

    I am a Malaysian... Pls do not get confused between being gay as an individual and sodomy. Being gay is an individual sexxual orientation which sodomy is an act of sexual engagement which is comstrue as ' abnormal sexual activity' and is not limited to sexual engagememt between individual of same gender. ..it also applies to having sexual intercourse with animals, minors, immediate family members etc.. .. .There is no law in our constitution that incriminate a person for being gay.. If you go to the police and confess to him/her that you are being gay, they cannot arrest you for your difference in sexual orientation.. You can only be arrested if you are found to engage in a behaviour that deemed to be improper. ..ie kissing .oral or anal sexual inter-course etc...

  • @ejnaustin
    @ejnaustinАй бұрын

    Another brilliant video with succint information about LGBT travel to Kuala Lumpur! I will share on the social media platforms! Great job, Daniel!

  • @barrel_boy

    @barrel_boy

    Ай бұрын

    Aww thank you! I appreciate it!

  • @keangwooichoo6138
    @keangwooichoo6138Ай бұрын

    There are gaya youtubers who came, and still alive

  • @niczous
    @niczousАй бұрын

    Misleading. 👎🏼

  • @hobo0210
    @hobo0210Ай бұрын

    WHY ARE YOU TELLING THE WORLD :P :P

  • @joshwai
    @joshwai28 күн бұрын

    Do you know you can banned Malaysia? Since Malaysia can banned anyone, so as tourist you have total rights banning Malaysia.

  • @shamnoor07
    @shamnoor07Ай бұрын

    Please respect our country... Refer Acheh black tragedy where got big Tsunami and earthquake... Many of them practice LGBT..

  • @ay2765
    @ay2765Ай бұрын

    U can be gay but just do it in your room not in public

  • @yukihanna6519
    @yukihanna6519Ай бұрын

    It's easy.. Tbh. People don't need to know what your sexualas preferences besides your partner. As Malaysian.. Honestly why do I want to know what people are doing in their bedroom?😭

  • @leoshanbob
    @leoshanbobАй бұрын

    why delete the apps this is not China

  • @pbworld7858

    @pbworld7858

    Ай бұрын

    What apps are you referring to in China? If you're talking about FB and Google, then they left China of their own accord. China asked them to abide by local rules, like keeping data within the country - the same rules which other countries like America insist on (Tik Tok keeps data within America and is still about to be banned). FB and Google would not abide by those basic rules, so they left. Don't talk about things you don't know. And by the way, it is not illegal to be gay in China and you won't get caned or jailed because of that.

  • @PEACEKEEPER-mm3js
    @PEACEKEEPER-mm3jsАй бұрын

    Malaysia + Indonesia = A Lot..!! It's just sensitive issue. I know

  • @amiryazidali7659
    @amiryazidali7659Ай бұрын

    Please respect the law and tradition of the country you would like to visit🫡🫡 All countries ( including yours) hate arrogant, bigot ,loud and rude tourists

  • @90taetaeya
    @90taetaeyaАй бұрын

    As a gay person, I would never visit Malaysia. The govt even released a guide on how to spot a gay person to report to the authorities. I’d rather much travel to Thailand or Singapore.

  • @spikefivefivefive
    @spikefivefivefiveАй бұрын

    So they ruined the concert for everyone with their selfish and silly display of affection. So stunning and brave

  • @MY-fj7rj
    @MY-fj7rjАй бұрын

    Interesting.

  • @barrel_boy

    @barrel_boy

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you found it interesting! Thanks for the comment

  • @DKX365
    @DKX365Ай бұрын

    Malaysia is beautiful country and people you talking non sense why some group should be above the law

  • @kcidpawai4066
    @kcidpawai4066Ай бұрын

    Dont bring bad and negative idea to my country..😡😡😡😡😡😡

  • @milasaaid6850
    @milasaaid6850Ай бұрын

    don't do perverse activities outside the house... don't envy others with perverse things

  • @nouraaz27
    @nouraaz27Ай бұрын

    Pls dont spread fake news. Learn the law atleast

  • @paganisto
    @paganistoАй бұрын

    Kudos and thanks for the excellent historical context and wonderful practical travel information.

  • @barrel_boy

    @barrel_boy

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @imnotreal7922
    @imnotreal792218 күн бұрын

    Jangan datang la, buat semak je!

  • @theyajivraajshow6350
    @theyajivraajshow635016 күн бұрын

    Yes.. Only those called walauns can be gays.

  • @sherrybelle3549
    @sherrybelle3549Ай бұрын

    Try open Grindr in Malaysia..😂😂.. you'll be surprised how many.. Malaysia is a great country.. very tolerating...love it🎉🎉🎉

  • @90taetaeya

    @90taetaeya

    Ай бұрын

    But u may chat with someone that is actually the police to come arrest you, I’d say delete it even before u arrive

  • @sharonchong631
    @sharonchong631Ай бұрын

    𝒏𝒐𝒐𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒈𝒎𝒌𝒕𝒓𝒑

  • @robertwalker7924
    @robertwalker7924Ай бұрын

    religion....😭

  • @Aeybiseediy

    @Aeybiseediy

    Ай бұрын

    Hm? You go to atheistic country like China you also can't openly show your perverted lifestyle in public. We are eastern people with conservative values, not western people.

  • @aimanmanSeee
    @aimanmanSeee24 күн бұрын

    🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬👎👎👎

  • @MasterPiece-rg7ed
    @MasterPiece-rg7edАй бұрын

    Thats a bad sign. Get out of there ASAP

  • @o2hero755
    @o2hero75523 күн бұрын

    Its up to u to be who u r in this country, just dont overdo it... u can even download hundreds of gay apps for all i know......we even have gay celebs......dont spread lies if u dont know the vountry well

  • @AhmadZakiAhmadShafei-hj7fu
    @AhmadZakiAhmadShafei-hj7fuАй бұрын

    Get lost

  • @aladin9274

    @aladin9274

    Ай бұрын

    Go to Gaza or Rafah..coward.