Malaysia Customs Rules: Duty-Free Allowances and Cash
When you enter or leave Malaysia, you must declare dutiable goods, prohibited items and cash above the threshold to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. This guide sums up the official Traveler's Guide. Customs officers apply the rules at the border, so check the official pages before you travel.
Verified: October 27, 2026
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What you must declare
The Customs Department's Traveler's Guide says that travelers entering or leaving Malaysia must declare all taxable goods, prohibited items, cash and bearer negotiable instruments they carry, in their bags or in their vehicle. Not declaring, or making a false declaration, is an offence under the Customs Act 1967.
Duty-free allowances
The Traveler's Guide lists these goods as exempt from duty and tax. The limit for other goods depends on how you arrive.
| Goods | Arriving by air | Arriving by land or sea |
|---|---|---|
| Wine, spirits, beer or malt liquor | Up to 1 litre in total | Up to 1 litre in total |
| New clothing | Up to 3 pieces | Up to 3 pieces |
| New footwear | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Food preparations | Total value up to RM150 | Total value up to RM150 |
| New portable electric or battery-powered appliances for personal care and hygiene | 1 of each | 1 of each |
| All other goods, except those listed below | Total value up to RM1,000 | Total value up to RM500 |
Conditions apply. The Customs page refers to the Customs Duties (Exemption) Order 2017 and the Sales Tax (Persons Exempted From Payment Of Tax) Order 2018 for them. For goods above the allowance, duty and tax are charged at the rates in the Customs Duties Order 2022 and the Sales Tax (Rate of Tax) Order 2018. Passengers arriving by air pay at the Customs counters, by debit or credit card only.
Green Lane and Red Lane
- Green Lane: for travelers with nothing to declare, carrying only goods that are not subject to duty or tax.
- Red Lane: for travelers with dutiable or taxable goods. Declare them to the officer.
The Customs Department warns that misusing the Green Lane can lead to penalties or imprisonment. Malaysia Airports says officers may still inspect passengers in the Green Lane at KLIA. For the rest of the arrival, see arrival and autogates.
Carrying cash
- When to declare
When your cash and bearer negotiable instruments together are worth more than the equivalent of USD 10,000. The Traveler's Guide says "amounting to or exceeding", so declare an amount of exactly USD 10,000 too.
- What counts
Cash in any currency, or a mix of currencies, plus bearer negotiable instruments such as traveller's cheques, promissory notes and money orders
- How
On Customs Form No. 7, handed in at the customs counter where you enter or leave. Customs says the form cannot be submitted online at present.
- Who
Every traveler, of any nationality, Malaysians included, whatever the purpose of the trip
- Penalty
Not declaring is an offence: a fine of up to RM3 million, prison of up to 5 years, or both
Drugs and medicines
Bringing in or taking out drugs such as heroin, morphine, opium and cannabis is strictly prohibited. Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Malaysia and can be punished with the death penalty or long imprisonment.
The Traveler's Guide says prescription drugs may be brought in or taken out only under licences or permits issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. If you travel with prescription medicine, check what applies to you before you travel, for example with the Malaysian embassy or consulate for your country.
Prohibited and restricted goods
The lists of prohibited and restricted goods are in the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023 and the Customs (Prohibition of Export) Order 2023. The Customs page on import and export prohibitions links to both and notes that they are subject to amendment. If an item is on a list, you must meet that order's requirements before you bring it in or take it out.
When you leave Malaysia
- The cash rules apply on departure too. Declare cash above the threshold on Customs Form No. 7.
- If you brought in dutiable goods temporarily and lodged a security with Customs, claim it back within 3 months of the import date, at any exit point.
- Strategic goods listed under the Strategic Trade Act 2010 need a permit and a declaration on Customs Form No. 7 when you leave.
- Duty-free shops operate at international airports, ports, border crossings and in some states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much alcohol can I bring into Malaysia duty-free?
Up to 1 litre in total of wine, spirits, beer or malt liquor, whether you arrive by air, land or sea. The conditions in the Customs Duties (Exemption) Order 2017 apply.
Can I bring cigarettes or vapes duty-free?
No. The duty-free allowance excludes cigarettes, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping devices and their liquids. Declare them in the Red Lane.
How much cash must I declare?
Declare cash and bearer negotiable instruments worth more than the equivalent of USD 10,000 on Customs Form No. 7, at the customs counter. For Malaysian ringgit above that amount you also need prior written approval from Bank Negara Malaysia.
Can I submit Customs Form No. 7 online?
The Customs cash pamphlet says the form must currently be handed in at the customs counter where you enter or leave. You can download the form from the Customs website in advance.
Is the MDAC a customs declaration?
No. The MDAC goes to the Immigration Department. Declare goods and cash to Customs separately.
Sources checked
- Royal Malaysian Customs Department: Traveler's Guide · October 27, 2026
- Royal Malaysian Customs Department: cash and bearer negotiable instrument declaration (PDF) · October 27, 2026
- Royal Malaysian Customs Department: Customs Form No. 7 (PDF) · October 27, 2026
- Royal Malaysian Customs Department: Prohibition of Import and Export · October 27, 2026
- Malaysia Airports: Customs and Immigration at KLIA Terminal 1 · October 27, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: official MDAC website · October 27, 2026
Customs sorted? Now the MDAC
EntryCardMalaysia is an independent paid service for the MDAC. We do not handle customs declarations. The official MDAC is free if you prefer to submit it yourself.