Now Here's Some Darn Good Travel Advice: 'Avoid Dark Alleys'

Prior to the start of "Visit Malaysia Year 2007," the country's tourism minister, Adnan Mansor, told a Bloomberg News reporter that while crime against tourists has "dimished," tour operators and travel agents have been instructed to advise visitors "not to go into dark alleys."

I sort of think that's good advice for just about everywhere in the world, don't you?

Malaysia is generally a safe country--Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, exciting and well-priced city for visitors--but reported crime was higher last year than in 2005.  Obviously rising crime--and news of it--can be a disincentive to visitors.  In an additional step to make sure the country doesn't fall into disfavor, taxi drivers have been warned not to manipulate fares.

What?  Taxi drivers not manipulate fares?  Why should Kuala Lumpur be any different than any other major city in the world?

My bottom line advice: Above all, don't go cruising dark alleys with cab drivers maniupulating fares.  Anywhere.