Health & Security tips for Chinese New Year 2024

Thursday, February 8, 2024

As the 2024 Chinese New Year approaches, there is expected to be a surge in both international and domestic travel across Malaysia and the region. While celebrating the festive season, it’s crucial to be mindful of various health and safety risks associated with travel, particularly when venturing abroad where certain areas may present geopolitical and social unrest challenges. International SOS, a leading company in health and security risk services, has released travel safety guidelines for the New Year period, urging organizations to provide essential support for the well-being of their employees and their families to effectively manage travel risks and ensure both employee welfare and business continuity.

In 2023, it was anticipated that 3.8 million vehicles would utilize highways nationwide during the Chinese New Year festivities, with this number expected to increase further this year. Additionally, data from relevant travel agencies and tourism platforms indicate a significant rise in outbound travel bookings compared to the previous year, signaling the onset of the first outbound travel peak of the year.

Dr. Chan Yanjun, Medical Director of Singapore and Malaysia Assistance Centers, advises travelers to be cautious, especially with the resurgence of domestic and international travel in Malaysia. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to weather changes, particularly when traveling abroad, and suggests that organizations offer remote medical support services along with mental health assistance for their employees.

Noriko Takasaki, Security Director Assistance for Asia, highlights the necessity for vigilance against security risks during holiday travel, including extreme weather, criminal activity, and crowd-related accidents. She notes the increasing incidence of security incidents globally over the past two decades, particularly those involving large crowds resulting in stampedes and injuries.

Geopolitical shifts, socio-economic instability, natural disasters, and various threats underscore the need for heightened awareness of evolving risks and preparedness for potential emergencies. Organizations are urged to emphasize pre-trip measures, maintain situational awareness, and establish clear communication mechanisms for real-time alerts and support during unexpected security situations.

International SOS provides the following health and safety travel tips for the Chinese New Year Holiday:

1. Preventing Common Diseases: Practice good personal hygiene, get sufficient rest, engage in moderate exercise, and consider vaccinations to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illnesses.
2. Prevention of Injury: Assess risks before participating in high-risk sports or activities, use protective gear, and exercise caution, especially on slippery surfaces.
3. Road Safety Awareness: Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations, road conditions, and driving habits in your destination country.
4. Attention to Extreme Weather: Stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary precautions, especially in regions prone to cold waves or heavy rainfall.
5. Avoid Cultural Conflicts: Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites, and refrain from engaging in offensive activities.
6. Prioritize Health and Security Risks When Travelling Abroad: Stay informed about infectious disease risks at your destination and avoid areas of social unrest.
7. Maintain Flexibility in Travel Plans: Be prepared for unexpected situations and allocate extra time for travel due to increased volumes at airports, stations, and roads.
8. Enhance Mental Health Resilience: Offer access to employee assistance programs or mental health professionals to address travel-related stress and anxiety.

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