Malaysia
Country · Asia
Malaysia enforces extremely strict drug laws, with a mandatory death penalty historically applied for trafficking. Cannabis and recreational drugs are strictly illegal, and kratom (ketum) is controlled. Prescription medicines are permitted with documentation.
Traveler warnings
Trafficking carries the death penalty and kratom is controlled. Do not bring cannabis, CBD or kratom. Carry full documentation for all controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Malaysia.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Malaysia. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Malaysia. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Malaysia, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Malaysia with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Malaysia. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Malaysia. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Malaysia. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Malaysia with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Malaysia. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Malaysia, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Malaysia with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines must be limited to personal-use quantities and declared.
Controlled substances
The Dangerous Drugs Act imposes severe penalties. Cannabis, THC and CBD are illegal, and kratom is controlled. Opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants require a prescription and are tightly restricted.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all controlled medicines and carry documentation. Do not carry any cannabis, THC, CBD or kratom product.
Penalties
Trafficking can carry the death penalty. Possession of dangerous drugs can lead to long imprisonment and caning. Enforcement is rigorous.
Live Alerts
Malaysia: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty; kratom is controlled
CriticalMalaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act imposes severe penalties, and trafficking can carry the death penalty. Cannabis, THC and CBD are illegal, and kratom (ketum) is controlled. Do not bring any of these. Carry full documentation for all controlled medicines and keep them to personal-use quantities.
Documentation required
Original prescription and a doctor's letter (translated where possible), medicines in original labelled packaging, plus any import permit or prior approval required by National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health for controlled medicines.
Official source
National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of HealthLast reviewed: December 13, 2025
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.