Malaysia Drone Laws

  • Malaysia Drone Laws
  • Drone Permits In Malaysia
  • Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes
  • Best Travel Accessories
  • Drone Travel Guide Articles
  • Traveling with Drone Batteries on a Plane
  • Contact Us with Questions 

Drone laws are constantly changing. Always verify using multiple sources to be sure you're rightly informed.

Malaysia Drone Law

Drone use is allowed in Malaysia, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country.

  • Small unmanned aircraft system: Unmanned aircraft system, other than a balloon or a kite, having a mass of not more than 20 kilograms without its fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight.
  • Small unmanned surveillance aircraft: A small unmanned aircraft that is equipped to undertake any form of surveillance or data acquisition.
  • The unmanned aircraft system of more than 20 kg (44 lb).

Drone use is allowed in Malaysia, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country.

  • You cannot fly higher than 400 feet (122 meters)
  • You cannot fly within 50 meters of any person, vehicle or structure not associated with flying the drone
  • Do not fly over crowds or densely populated areas
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Respect others privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone within 4.5 km (2.80 mi) of airports or in areas where aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited
  • If you are flying a drone that weighs more than 20 kg (44 lb) you must hold a private pilots license and obtain a permit for every flight you intend to operate
Cameron Highlands Malaysia

Image by Klim Levene via Flickr

Best Travel Accessories

Travel Tracking Device
Secure the Whereabouts
of Your Personal Belongings
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Did you know that airlines only have maximum liability coverage for flights by the Montreal Convention of approximately 1,288 SDR (±$1,700 USD)? This is the most that airlines must pay a passenger or company for a lost, damaged, or delayed package or bag.

With a tracking device like an AirTag or SmartTag, you will know the whereabouts of your luggage/drone at all times when transporting it with a tracking device. Possible package loss or time loss due to transport will herewith be nearly minimized to 0% risk.

Get yourself a tracking device now and secure your luggage.

LiPo Battery Bags
LiPo Battery Bags
for Extra Safety
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Make LiPo bags an essential part of your travel and battery handling routine.

Batteries are a necessity for powering our electronics on the go, but can pose a hidden danger. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, commonly found in RC drones, laptops, and camera equipment, are prone to overheating and even catching fire if damaged or mishandled.

Don't wait for an incident to happen and get yours today to ensure the safe transport and storage of your LiPo batteries. Remember: Your safety and the safety of those around you are paramount.

Video Equipment for Traveling
Video Equipment
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Don't just see the world, experience it and relive it forever. Get yourself a camera drone or action camera to let you capture your travels in stunning detail, from heart-pounding hikes to breathtaking landscapes.

Get a drone to soar above and see the world from a new perspective. Capture stunning aerial shots of your adventures and transform your travel memories from snapshots to cinematic adventures.

Are you looking more for something to capture every adrenaline rush and epic moment, that is waterproof, then also get yourself an action camera here.

Sunscreen for Skin Protection
Sunscreen
Skin Protection
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SPF is not just for sunny and the summer months. Whether it's the colder months, being on the ski slopes or going out in the forest in the spring, or laying on a sunbed at the beach.

Always have yourself covered with sunscreen. Before going on holiday, be sure to get the best bank for your buck. Order your sunscreen now prior to your trip!

World Travel Adapter
International
Travel Adapter
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As an international traveler, you always want to be sure to be able to charge your devices anywhere, anytime.

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Money Belt for Extra Safety
Money Belt
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Keep your valuable belongings at safe at all times when traveling.

With this money belt security deposit, you always keep your personal belongings together.

Video by UAV Coach via YouTube

Bringing Your Drones on Airplanes

Carry-on is Key:
Whenever possible, pack your drone in your carry-on luggage. Airlines are only responsible for limited amounts (SDR 1,288, around $1,700 USD) for lost checked baggage according to the Montreal Convention. This means lost or stolen drones in checked luggage can be a big financial headache, especially with international flights and layovers.

High-Value Drones:
Consider Shipping: If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and can't fit in your carry-on, explore shipping options like DHL, FedEx, or UPS. Be sure to fully insure the shipment for peace of mind.

Battery Safety is Paramount:
Absolutely DO NOT pack drone batteries in your checked luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous materials by airlines due to past fire incidents. Pack them in a fire-resistant LiPo battery bag, and bring them in your carry-on.

Strict Rules, Big Consequences:
Airlines have strict regulations for lithium-ion batteries. Improper packing (like skipping the LiPo bag) can lead to confiscated batteries, fines, or even denied boarding. Don't risk it!

Permit Needed For
Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit is not required for recreational drone use in Malaysia.

You do not need authorization if you:

  • intends to fly a small unmanned aircraft system
  • however, you: must satisfy that the flight can safely be made o can maintain direct and unaided visual contact with such small unmanned aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels, and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions

Authorization from the Director-General is REQUIRED if the person in charge of the small unmanned aircraft system intends to fly the small unmanned aircraft system:

  • within an aerodrome traffic zone
  • at the height of more than 400 feet above the surface of the earth

However, please always adhere to the above General Malaysia Drone Laws when flying your drone

Permit Needed For
Commercial Drone Use?

For Commercial drone use:

Authorization from the Director-General is REQUIRED if the person in charge of the small unmanned aircraft system intends to fly the small unmanned aircraft system:

Aerial work means an aircraft operation in which an aircraft is used to provide specialized services in agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, aerial advertisement and other similar activities.

Do I need to register the unmanned aircraft system?

  • Small unmanned aircraft and small unmanned surveillance are NOT required to be registered.
  • The unmanned aircraft system of more than 20 kg (44 lb) is REQUIRED to be registered.

NOTE: There is a extra direct payment to the authority for the issued of each authorization.

Are you interested in obtaining a permit yourself for your holidays or business trip?

To obtain a permit contact the local authorities yourself directly.

However, if you try to contact us about a permit for your destination, we will only respond if there is a way for us of helping you with the permit within 1-2 business days.

We do not guarantee permits to any destination due to the constantly changing domestic drone laws and only respond if help can be provided.

Buying Drones
in Malaysia

Read all of our Malaysia Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Malaysia. It includes information on drones for sale in Malaysia, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Traveling with Drone Batteries
on a Plane?

Please check with the airline or carrier about which batteries you can take in your carry-on luggage.

This drone law page is up to date as per June 24, 2024.

Drone laws are constantly changing. Always verify using multiple sources to be sure you are rightly informed.

If you have any questions, please click on "Service & Support" or open the chat in the bottom corner and reach out to an agent.

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