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
- Available as a controlled medicine through licensed channels.
- 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
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 →
