Flying out of Malaysia soon? You should know this. Malaysia will start imposing departure levy (or tax) for travellers flying out of Malaysia starting 1st September 2019, except for some.
News have travelled fast and many Malaysians are unhappy of the departure levy that will be introduced next month. The departure levy starts at RM8 until RM150. However, do note that this levy is only for those flying out of the country. Land and water transport across borders does not apply.
What are the departure levy?
The departure levy are divided into two different destinations, ASEAN countries and Non-ASEAN countries. Then, it is further divided into flight travel class, Economy class or Non-Economy class.
Prices based on Departure Levy (Rate of Departure Levy) Order 2019 are as below:
| Countries / Flight Class | ASEAN* Countries | Non-ASEAN Countries |
| Economy** Class | RM 8 | RM 20 |
| Non-Economy Class | RM 50 | RM 150 |
* ASEAN Countries includes: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
** Economy Class means: flights that are advertised, sold and provided by airlines using economic terms or the equivalent, or offering the lowest prices when compared to other packages.
For now, it is not sure if there is a separate way to pay the departure levy or if will be included in the flight price ticket. Will update if there are any information soon.
Exemption from Malaysia Departure Levy
All Malaysians and non-Malaysians flying out of Malaysia airports will have to pay the Malaysia departure levy except for these category of people:
- Infants and toddlers below 24 months (2 years old).
- Flight passengers transiting in Malaysian airports with the transit time not exceeding 12 hours.
- Pedestrian
- People riding or driving any type of vehicle for personal use (including aircraft or vessel) and any passenger in or pillion rider of such vehicle.
- Any crew on duty on board any vehicle including aircraft of vessel.
- Operator of any water or land vehicle.
- Commercial vehicle operators who provide chartered air transport services for carrying workers to an oil rig, platform or the like.
- Any Government operating any type of vehicle carrying out passenger from Malaysia.
Read about the Departure Levy (Exemption) Order 2019 here.
Anyone who fails to pay the departure levy where applicable may be fined up to RM500,000, jailed up to three years or both.
Malaysia’s Finance Minister, Mr. Lim Guan Eng has tabled the Departure Levy Bill 2019 in Parliament last year and was passed by both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara this year with the new law granted royal assent on July 3 and gazetted on July 17 this year. Mr. Lim Guan Eng said the levy is made to encourage domestic tourism.
Guys and girls, if you need a break, maybe you could have a holiday in good ‘ol Malaysia. There are many hidden gems in this country and you just need to know where to look. Read on some of the awesome places you can go to in Malaysia here and purchase tickets with discounts there!
