Is Ketamine legal in Malaysia?
- Legal status
- Psychotropic substance under the Poisons Act 1952 (Poisons (Psychotropic Substances) Regulations 1989, Third Schedule) — NOT a 'dangerous drug' scheduled under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful import, supply or possession of a psychotropic substance under the Poisons Act carries fines and imprisonment; because ketamine sits outside the Dangerous Drugs Act First Schedule, the death penalty for drug trafficking (DDA s.39B) does NOT apply to it.
- If prescribed or medical
- Ketamine sits OUTSIDE the 1961 and 1971 Convention schedules, so no INCB estimate or assessment establishes its licit national supply — ketamine-specific prescription availability in Malaysia is NOT CONFIRMED here; the control status above is what is established. Malaysia’s INCB sheet (January 2024) permits 30 days of narcotic and 30 days of psychotropic medicines with a prescription issued in the country of departure plus a doctor’s letter naming the product, posology and total amount.
- Documentation
- Under s.25, a reasonable personal quantity of a medicinal preparation prescribed by a doctor outside Malaysia is exempt only if declared to a customs officer on arrival; carry the prescription and original packaging.
- Poisons Act 1952
- Poisons (Psychotropic Substances) Regulations 1989, Third Schedule
- capital penalty (DDA 1952 s.39B) applies only to First-Schedule dangerous drugs
- pharmacy.moh.gov.my
- INCB Country Regulations for Travellers: https://www.incb.org/incb/en/travellers/country-regulations.html
- INCB Narcotic Drugs — Estimated World Requirements for 2026 (ketamine absent, not internationally scheduled): https://www.incb.org/incb/uploads/documents/Narcotic-Drugs/Status-of-Estimates/2026/EstApr26.pdf
- incb.org
Court records
We have not yet assessed whether court records are publicly available for this jurisdiction.
Ketamine in related jurisdictions
Other substances confirmed in Malaysia
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
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