Is Codeine legal in Malaysia?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled lower-schedule drug under Malaysia's drug laws; it sits below the capital tier (the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 s.39B death penalty is triggered by named drugs such as 15 g or more of heroin/morphine, not codeine).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or supply is an offence (imprisonment and fine); codeine is not death-eligible.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- Carry a prescription and original packaging; obtain any required import approval for controlled medicines.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Malaysia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →