Malaysia

Malaysia's airport sector is mostly managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), which operates the network of international airports, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). The country is a strategic hub in Southeast Asia. The regulator is the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), which since 1 August 2025 has also taken over the functions of the dissolved MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission): consumer rights, airport charges and competition in the air sector.

• Passport: at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry into Malaysia.
• MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card): mandatory since 1 January 2024 for most foreign visitors; fill it in online within the 3 days before arrival. Singapore citizens and some other groups are exempt.
• Visas: many nationalities can visit visa-free for tourism (for 30 or 90 days); others need an e-Visa. Check your case on the Malaysian immigration website.
• Note: Malaysia has no electronic travel authorisation; the MDAC is the arrival registration.

Passenger rights in Malaysia are set out in the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) 2016, enforced by CAAM since 1 August 2025 (previously by the now-dissolved MAVCOM).

• Delays: from 2 hours, the airline must provide basic care (refreshments or a meal and communication). From 5 hours, the passenger can continue the journey with assistance (including a hotel and transport when needed) or ask for a full refund.
• Cancellations and schedule changes of 3 hours or more: the passenger chooses between rerouting and a full refund.
• Denied boarding (overbooking): the airline must first look for volunteers; passengers denied boarding are entitled to rerouting or a refund, plus assistance.

The consumer protection code (MACPC), enforced by CAAM since 1 August 2025 (previously by the dissolved MAVCOM), establishes that:

• Carry-on baggage: Airlines must clearly display permitted dimensions and weight limits. There is no federal law mandating free checked baggage; this remains a commercial policy determined by each airline.
• Transparency: Airlines are required to list all fees (baggage fees, insurance, fuel surcharges) transparently at the time of initial booking. "Hidden fees" are prohibited under the MACPC.

The entry of animals is regulated by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia.

• Requirements: An Import Permit issued by the DVS is mandatory prior to arrival.
• Vaccination: The animal must have proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days, but no more than 12 months, before travel) and common canine/feline vaccines.
• Microchip: Animals are required to have a microchip compliant with ISO standards 11784/11785.
• Quarantine: Depending on the country of origin, the animal may be subject to mandatory quarantine (minimum of 7 days) at government-designated facilities.

• Unaccompanied minors: each airline sets the ages and rules of its unaccompanied-minor service, and some do not accept young children travelling alone; parents or guardians sign a responsibility form at check-in.
• Documentation: Foreign minors under the age of 18 must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. It is highly recommended to carry a letter of parental authorization if the child is traveling with only one parent or with third parties.

Malaysia follows accessibility guidelines based on the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.

• Special Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to priority assistance (wheelchairs, priority boarding, and disembarkation).
• Airports: Airports operated by MAHB feature comprehensive accessibility infrastructure, including elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms. It is the airline's duty to provide assistance from check-in to the aircraft, provided the request is made in advance (typically 48 hours before the flight).

• Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) — consumers: https://www.caam.gov.my/consumer/faqs/
• Immigration Department of Malaysia (MDAC): https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
• Department of Veterinary Services (Pet Import): https://www.dvs.gov.my/
• Official Portal of the Government of Malaysia: https://www.malaysia.gov.my/
• Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB): https://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/