Hi, I'm just reporting this minor point briefly. I went down to Malaysia from Thailand, had a 90 on entry. I was ill a bit and still recovering so when it expired I did a run to padang besar from Penang. Got to Thailand OK but when I tried to come back, they refused. I was taken to a supervisors office who seemed convinced I'd been working.

I kept smiling and politely argued. She said I'd have to stay out for three days but ended up phoning her supervisor, then gave me another 90 days. I got back and realised there was no arrival card though. I got the impression the policy was to give foreigners a bit of a telling off, but I'm not sure.

I exited the country a week later without hassle.

Just so you know.

Entry into any country is normally up to the immigration officer, even if you have a visa. If they have a suspicion for some reason, they can question you and than make their decision.

Don't sweat the card. They don't give them out much anymore to those they know are just tripping down for a few days - hopefully a good thing in your case. I've been down xing @ sadao and padang besar in last < 1 year. Think I was only given a card 1x although that may have been when I had flown in from Indo (I forget).

Not to worry.

Now if you don't have a card for Lieland - that's a problem

ps: i dont think that is policy at all. some malay officials are a bit stiff (immigration people) but no where near the lemonheads in Thailand.

I think there is a bit of standoffishness as they know you are not coming for a visit - just visa turnaround. Still, thats good for Penang!

Learn a bit of Malaya - its super ez and will change the vibe.

Yeah, it's all no big deal. I just posted as I know there are a lot of long-termers in the region, so if anyone thought of relocating down in Malaysia for an extended period ... then just bear this in mind.

I eventually left Malaysia at the same border and the card wasn't asked for.