Taking orchids out of Malaysia without a licence or permit is an offence. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star.
Proper planning is the key to a smoother travel experience at the airport. It’s essential to know what you can – or cannot – pack in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Aviation baggage policy aside, it’s also worth noting that many countries have restrictions on what travellers can bring in, and also out, of their respective borders. These could include things like food, pets and medications.
Travellers who violate foreign customs rules can be detained at the airport, fined, have the items confiscated, and, in some cases, be sentenced to prison.
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This also applies to Malaysia, where the Royal Malaysian Customs Department has a list of prohibited items for import and export.
The department on its website, starts off with a welcoming note: “We are committed to provide the best and most professional services to all travellers and to make them feel comfortable, satisfied and welcomed when they are in Malaysia and when they leave Malaysia.”
However, it also warns that there are regulations on goods that need to be adhered to.
“Under the provisions of the Customs Act 1967 (Amendment) 2019 and the Customs Regulations 2019, travellers entering or leaving Malaysia are required to declare all dutiable or prohibited goods in their possession, either on their own person or in any of their baggage or in any of their vehicles.
“Failure to declare or make false declarations is an offence,” the department states.
Rattan, in its raw form, is prohibited from being taken out of Peninsular Malaysia. You can, however, buy cool rattan products as souvenirs and take them back with you overseas. — UnsplashIt’s common knowledge by now that the import and export of illicit drugs (morphine, heroine, candu, marijuana, just to name a few) are strictly prohibited. Travellers, however, might be surprised by some of the restricted items too.
Rattan (in its raw form), and orchids are two such items. The former is absolutely prohibited from being exported out of Peninsular Malaysia. The ban was reportedly imposed to protect rattan-based industries in the country, and to prevent foreign countries in which rattan is not available, from mass-producing rattan items.
As for orchids, certain species native to Malaysia are already endangered and therefore must be protected. Taking orchids out of the country without a licence or permit is an offence.
For travellers entering Malaysia, indecent printings, paintings, photographs, books and any other media of such nature are banned. Pen, pencil, and other articles resembling syringes are also not allowed.
Interestingly, all genus of Piranha fish are also prohibited from being brought in.
On another note, some prohibited items may actually be allowed in or out of Malaysia, if you obtain an official permit for them before travelling. To find out if your item is banned or not, browse through www.customs.gov.my or speak to an officer in charge.
To be on the safe side, be sure to check the regulation for your destination country before you travel. General information about a foreign country’s customs policy is also usually available on official government channels online.
