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▼Visitors to Malaysia are required to comply with the nation's customs rules, which impose certain restrictions and bans on particular items. This page offers a thorough summary of the goods that are prohibited or restricted, particularly those that frequently undergo customs evaluation.
If you’re bringing food, cigarettes, or any other items, it’s crucial to understand Malaysia’s stringent customs regulations. Below, you will find explicit information about which items you are allowed to bring into the country and which ones are not, alongside specific restrictions regarding food products and tobacco.
What Items Are Restricted at Malaysia Customs?
Malaysia imposes restrictions on various goods for import and export, especially those that could pose safety or health risks.
The following is restricted for entry:
- Live animals - a health certificate and up-to-date vaccination records are needed
- Medication - must be in original packages with clear labeling and be accompanied by a medical certificate or prescription.
The following items are restricted for both import and export:
- Weapons and ammunition - may only be imported or exported with authorization from a Malaysian embassy
- CITES-protected wildlife species or any associated portion or product - may only be imported or exported with CITES permission
- Currency - Local currency worth over RM 1,000 may only be imported or exported with permission from the Controller of Office Exchange.
Furthermore, please be aware that upon entry, you are required to declare any monetary instruments valued at more than US$ 10,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, at customs.
Malaysian Customs Prohibited Items
The following items are completely prohibited and may not be brought through customs in Malaysia:
- Drugs and narcotics
- Obscene materials such as pornography or anti-government propaganda
- Counterfeit currency and goods such as fake watches
- Explosives
Consequences for importing prohibited goods into Malaysia
Bringing any of the mentioned items into the country may lead to serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment:
- Importing prohibited items without knowledge or intent may result in the items being confiscated and a fine of up to RM 10,000 (approximately US $2,300).
- Importing prohibited items with knowledge or intent may result in confiscation of the items, a fine of up to RM 20,000 (around US $4,600), and imprisonment for as long as 5 years.
- Making a false declaration or failing to declare prohibited items can lead to a fine of up to RM 20,000 and a prison sentence of up to 3 years.
It’s important to understand that actual penalties may differ based on the type and quantity of the prohibited items, as well as the intent behind their importation.
Repeated violations could result in increased fines, longer prison sentences, or deportation. Additional repercussions might include being barred from entering Malaysia or being denied a visa in the future.
Food Restrictions for Malaysia Customs
There are particular limitations regarding the importation of food into Malaysia. These limitations primarily aim to safeguard public health and maintain food safety.
Each traveler is allowed to bring in commercially produced foodstuff worth up to RM 75 (US $17).
However, please note that some food items may be subject to duty and tax and/or require permits, including:
- Meat and dairy products from unapproved sources
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Certain fruits and vegetables
- Alcoholic beverages in excess of the personal allowance
Make sure to declare all food items upon entry to avoid confiscation or fines.
Cigarette Import and Export Restrictions for Malaysia
Malaysia imposes stringent rules regarding the import and export of tobacco items.
Travelers are permitted to carry a restricted number of cigarettes for personal consumption, specifically up to 200 cigarettes or 225 grams of tobacco products.
Any quantity exceeding this limit could be liable to duties or may be confiscated.
Other free import allowances for Malaysia
Aside from tobacco, Malaysia allows travelers to bring certain items into the country duty-free, up to specified limits. These personal import allowances apply to goods carried for personal use, not for resale or commercial purposes.
Below are the duty-free allowances for each passenger:
- Alcoholic beverages - up to 1 liter of spirits, wine, or liquor
- New and unused items - 1 pair of shoes or up to 3 items of new clothing
- Gifts and souvenirs - up to a total value of RM 400 (US $94), or up to RM 500 (US $120) if the items are arriving from either Langkawi or Tioman islands
- Electrical devices – individuals are allowed only one unit of each appliance.
Should you go over this limit, you might need to pay import duties and taxes on the additional quantity.
Remember that all personal items, such as clothing and toiletries, are also exempt from duties and taxes as long as they fall within reasonable limits.
