Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Malaysia. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Malaysia.
Airports in Malaysia have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal substances, including cannabis. This is also used to scan all carry-on and checked-in baggage of transiting passengers.
The Malaysian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties, including:
- arrest and detention
- a long jail sentence if charged and convicted
- a possible whipping
- a possible death sentence by hanging for drug trafficking
Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial and time served ahead of that will not be included as part of the sentence.
Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere are known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.
It is important to be aware of your rights if you are detained by the police. See our guidance for those detained or imprisoned in Malaysia.
Police often raid venues known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a reasonable suspicion you have used drugs. You will be arrested if the test is positive.