Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Malaysia is +60. This code is required when making calls to Malaysia from another country. It precedes the national number, which includes the area code and subscriber number.
Malaysian fixed line numbers follow the format 0X-XXXX XXXX, where X represents digits 3-9. For example, a Kuala Lumpur landline might be 03-87654321. The hyphen separates the area code and subscriber number and should be included for display.
A robust regex for validating Malaysian mobile numbers is ^01[0-9]-\d{7,8}$. This accounts for variations in mobile prefixes (01X) and 7-8 digit subscriber numbers. However, due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the prefix no longer definitively identifies the carrier.
Storing phone numbers in E.164 format (+60XXXXXXXXXX) is recommended for database storage and international compatibility. This format ensures consistency and simplifies querying, especially when dealing with international numbers. Convert to local format for display.
The area code for Kuala Lumpur, along with Putrajaya and parts of Selangor, is 03. This prefix is used for fixed-line numbers within these regions and is followed by the 7-8 digit subscriber number.
To convert a Malaysian number to E.164, remove any spaces, hyphens, and the leading zero. Then, prepend +60. For example, 03-87654321 becomes +60387654321.
The emergency number in Malaysia is 999. This number connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services.
Malaysian mobile numbers are typically displayed as 01X-XXXX XXXX, where X can be any digit. This format separates the mobile prefix (01X) from the 7-8 digit subscriber number with a hyphen.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows subscribers to switch carriers while keeping their existing phone number. This means the prefix no longer reliably identifies the carrier, requiring carrier lookup services for accurate routing if necessary.
Use a carrier lookup service when accurate routing of mobile calls or SMS is critical. Due to Mobile Number Portability, the prefix alone is unreliable for determining the current carrier of a Malaysian mobile number.
Toll-free numbers in Malaysia follow the format 1800 XXXXXX. These numbers allow callers to reach businesses or services without being charged.
While prefixes are associated with operators, determining the mobile carrier solely from the prefix is unreliable in Malaysia due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Carrier lookup services are recommended for accurate identification.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regulates the telecommunications sector in Malaysia. They set standards for numbering plans, licensing, and other aspects of the industry. Consult their website for up-to-date regulations.
5G rollout is underway in major urban areas of Malaysia. The government is actively expanding nationwide 5G coverage through initiatives like Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).
Information on Malaysian network coverage and internet speeds can be found from resources like nPerf and directly from mobile operator websites, including Maxis and CelcomDigi. These sites offer coverage maps and speed test results.
Malaysia Phone Numbers: Complete Format, Validation & E.164 Guide (2025)
Learn how to format, validate, and implement Malaysian phone numbers in your applications. This guide covers everything from MCMC regulations to E.164 conversion – essential for building web applications, managing customer databases, and developing telecommunications platforms. Whether you're implementing SMS messaging systems, WhatsApp integrations, or ensuring IRBM e-invoice compliance, this guide provides the validation rules and code examples you need.
Understanding Malaysian Phone Number Structure
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regulates Malaysia's phone number system, which adheres to international standards while incorporating unique regional variations. Here's the structure:
What Are the Malaysian Phone Number Formats and Validation Rules?
1. How to Validate Fixed Line Numbers in Malaysia
0X-XXXX XXXX
(X represents digits 3–9)03-87654321
(Kuala Lumpur landline)^0[3-9]-\d{7,8}$
(Accounts for both 7 and 8 digit subscriber numbers after the area code, accommodating variations across regions. Enforces the hyphen.)82
for Kuching,88
for Kota Kinabalu). For example,03
serves Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and parts of Selangor.0
, for domestic use. When formatting for display, maintain the hyphen between the area code and subscriber number.Complete Area Code Reference Table
According to MCMC regulations, Malaysian area codes follow this structure:
Note: Area code 02 was formerly used for direct dialing to Singapore but was discontinued in May–July 2017. Area code 080 is reserved for domestic access from East Malaysia to Brunei. Area code 081 is reserved for future use.
Fixed Line Validation Code Examples
JavaScript:
Python:
PHP:
2. How to Validate Malaysian Mobile Numbers
01X-XXXX XXXX
(X represents digits 0–9)012-3456789
(7-digit subscriber number),011-23456789
(8-digit subscriber number)^01[0-9]-\d{7,8}$
(Accounts for 7 or 8 digit subscriber numbers following the 01X prefix. Note that some MVNOs might use slightly different formats.)Mobile Prefix-to-Carrier Mapping Table
According to MCMC data, the following table shows the current mobile prefix allocations (as of 2025). Note that due to MNP, these prefixes indicate the original carrier only:
Key Carriers:
Mobile Number Validation Code Examples
JavaScript:
Python:
PHP:
Java:
3. What Are Malaysia's Special Service Numbers?
1800-XX-XXXX
(7 digits after 1800)1-300-XX-XXXX
: Local rate telephone numbers1-700-XX-XXXX
: Personal numbering service1-900-XX-XXXX
: Multimedia service numbers600-XX-XXXX
: Audiotext hosting and premium-rate numbers999
(for police, fire, and ambulance) and112
(international emergency number)Comprehensive List of Special Service Numbers
According to MCMC regulations, the following special service numbers are available:
Premium Rate 600 Numbers Pricing (Peak/Off-Peak):
Source: CelcomDigi Special Rates
Special Number Validation Code Examples
JavaScript:
Python:
4. How to Convert Malaysian Numbers to E.164 Format
+60XXXXXXXXXX
(Remove the leading0
and any hyphens or spaces)+60387654321
+
, include the country code+60
, and contain no spaces, hyphens, or parentheses (e.g.,+60123456789
not012-345 6789
).How to Implement Malaysian Phone Number Validation in Your Application
Validation Best Practices
How to Format Malaysian Phone Numbers for WhatsApp
When adding Malaysian contacts to WhatsApp or sending WhatsApp messages programmatically, use E.164 format without spaces or special characters:
+60123456789
(for mobile012-3456789
)60123456789
(WhatsApp accepts numbers with or without the+
prefix)+60
followed by the digits after the leading0
.WhatsApp Number Formatting Examples:
What Are the Best Practices for Storing and Displaying Malaysian Phone Numbers?
Database Schema Recommendations
When storing Malaysian phone numbers in a database, consider this schema:
Key considerations:
phone_e164
as the primary searchable field with an indexphone_display
for presenting to users in local formatphone_type
for routing and business logicverified_at
to know which numbers have been confirmed via SMS OTPData Migration from Legacy Formats
If migrating from legacy systems with various formats:
What Is Malaysia's 5G Network Coverage in 2025?
Malaysia transitioned from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual 5G network model (effective December 31, 2024, per Ministerial Direction No. 4 of 2024). Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), wholly owned by the Minister of Finance, operates the first 5G network, while U Mobile operates the second 5G network.
5G Advanced Technology: In February 2025, DNB and Ericsson launched 5G Advanced technology on DNB's network, leveraging AI to enhance user experience with ultra-low latency and high throughput. DNB delivers a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps across the network, with an average 5G speed of 240 Mbps.
Coverage Targets: The state government, in collaboration with MCMC, is working to achieve 100% 5G network coverage across Selangor by 2025. 4G coverage is extensive, reaching over 95% of populated areas, including rural regions.
Find coverage maps and speed test data from resources like nPerf, DNB's interactive coverage map (digital-nasional.com.my/interactive-map), and operator websites (e.g., Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile). This information is valuable for developers building location-aware applications or services that rely on network connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysian Phone Numbers
What is the country code for Malaysia?
Malaysia's country code is +60. Add this prefix before the national number when calling from outside Malaysia, and remove the leading 0 from the domestic number.
How many digits are in a Malaysian mobile number?
Malaysian mobile numbers have either 10 or 11 digits total (including the leading 0). Prefixes 011 and 015 have 8-digit subscriber numbers (11 digits total), while all other mobile prefixes have 7-digit subscriber numbers (10 digits total).
How do I format a Malaysia phone number for WhatsApp?
Format Malaysian numbers in E.164 format for WhatsApp:
+60123456789
(remove the leading 0 and add +60). WhatsApp also accepts numbers without the + prefix, e.g.,60123456789
.What is the emergency number in Malaysia?
The emergency number in Malaysia is 999, which connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. You can also dial 112, the international emergency number.
How do I validate a Malaysian phone number?
Use regex patterns to validate format:
^0[3-9]-\d{7,8}$
for landlines and^01[0-9]-\d{7,8}$
for mobile numbers. Verify area codes against official MCMC lists and check digit length after removing formatting characters. For production applications, consider using libraries like Python's phonenumbers or validation APIs.What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Malaysia?
MNP allows customers to switch mobile providers while keeping their phone number. Implemented on October 1, 2008, Malaysia's MNP service currently has a high rejection rate (over 50%), significantly above the global best practice of below 10%.
What are the main mobile carriers in Malaysia?
The main mobile carriers are Maxis (prefixes 012, 017), Celcom (010, 013, 019), DiGi (016), and U Mobile (018). However, due to Mobile Number Portability, prefixes no longer guarantee which carrier currently serves a number.
Which area code is used for Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur uses area code 03, which also covers Putrajaya and parts of Selangor. Landlines in this area have 8-digit subscriber numbers.
What format should I use to store Malaysian phone numbers in a database?
Store phone numbers in E.164 format (+60XXXXXXXXXX) for consistency, international compatibility, and efficient querying. You can store the original format as a separate field if needed for display purposes.
Are toll-free numbers really free in Malaysia?
1800 numbers are free when called from landlines but are charged at local rates when called from mobile phones. Check with your carrier for specific rates.
What is the IRBM e-invoice phone number requirement?
As of April 12, 2025, Malaysia's IRBM requires all phone numbers in e-invoices to be in strict E.164 format: starting with
+
, followed by country code+60
, with no spaces, hyphens, or parentheses (e.g.,+60123456789
).What validation libraries support Malaysian phone numbers?
Several libraries support Malaysian phone numbers including Google's libphonenumber (available for Java, JavaScript, Python, C++), and commercial APIs like Abstract's Phone Validation API and Twilio Lookup.
Keeping Up-to-Date
The telecommunications landscape is constantly evolving. Refer to the MCMC website and the official Numbering and Electronic Addressing Plan (NEAP) for the latest regulations and numbering plan updates. The NEAP is published by MCMC and covers telecommunications numbering, including sub-section 13 on Domain Names.
Key Resources:
Change Management Best Practices: