Drone laws in Malaysia: flying there as a US tourist

Flying a drone in Malaysia as a tourist takes advance paperwork. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, you can't fly a drone in Class A, B, C or G airspace (which covers controlled and uncontrolled airspace) without authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), and camera drones face extra distance rules near towns and people. Aerial photography can also need approval from the national survey department, and Sabah and Sarawak add their own requirements.

CAAM authorization

CAAM's UAS page explains Regulation 140: drones may not fly in Class A, B, C or G airspace, within an aerodrome traffic zone, or higher than 400 ft above the ground unless the Authority authorizes it. CAAM notes that even in uncontrolled Class G airspace you still need authorization.

For low-risk flights, CAAM issues a Standard Authorisation To Fly (ATF): within visual line of sight (with at most one visual observer), no spraying, and below 400 ft unless air traffic control approves more. Download the ATF form from CAAM's UAS e-services page and apply well ahead; Malaysian news reports say CAAM asks for applications at least 14 days before the flight.

Camera drone distance rules

Regulation 143 covers "small unmanned surveillance aircraft," a category that in practice takes in camera drones. Without CAAM authorization, you can't fly one:

Over or within 150 m of a designated area, meaning any residential, commercial, industrial or recreational area.
Over an open-air gathering of more than 1,000 people.
Within 50 m of any person, vessel, vehicle or structure (30 m during takeoff and landing).

Together these rules rule out casual flying in Kuala Lumpur, Penang's George Town or busy resort beaches without a specific approval.

Other agencies

CAAM says it isn't the only agency with drone rules:

JUPEM (Department of Survey and Mapping): approval for drones used for aerial photos, mapping or similar surveying.
CGSO (Chief Government Security Office): governs protected areas and places.
MCMC: radio frequencies. Drone links are allocated at 2,400 to 2,500 MHz and 5,725 to 5,875 MHz, among others.
Sabah and Sarawak: additional authorization from state authorities.

The State Department's Malaysia page simply says drone use is restricted and refers travelers to CAAM.

Practical advice

If you want to fly in Malaysia, contact CAAM before your trip with your dates, locations and drone details, and ask which approvals apply. Islands like Langkawi and the Perhentians, and the Cameron Highlands, are popular, but each has airports, resorts or towns nearby. Never fly near Kuala Lumpur International Airport or the Petronas Towers area without approval.