Uncertified walkie talkies in Malaysia: the risks
By Jolene Wong
MCMC rules, real enforcement numbers, and how to check your radios before someone else does.
The short version
Selling or using communication equipment that is not certified is an offence in Malaysia. Cheap radios bought online are the usual way people get into this, often without knowing.
This is actually enforced
- In July 2024, MCMC seized 138 walkie talkies worth more than RM20,000 from three premises around Jalan Pasar Pudu in Kuala Lumpur.
- The Deputy Communications Minister told Parliament that 314 walkie talkies were seized from 2021 to 2025. In the same period, 74 cases were investigated and 28 went to court, with fines totalling RM243,500. The report does not say all of those cases were about walkie talkies.
- From 2022 to 2025, 112 takedown notices went to e-commerce platforms and 21,151 links for uncertified equipment were removed. 3,175 of those links were for walkie talkies.
The penalty
Under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, the penalty is a fine of up to RM300,000, up to three years in jail, or both. The same Bernama report also names Section 239 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, at up to RM1 million, up to 10 years in jail, or both.
Why the rule exists
The ministry says uncertified radios can interfere with security forces, emergency services, and aviation and maritime navigation. Non-compliant units can also be an electric shock or fire risk, especially while charging.
How to check your radios
- Look for the certification label on the radio itself. MCMC says devices must be certified by MCMC or its registered certifying agency, and must carry the certification label.
- Check the power and the frequency. Licence-free use is only for low-power radios on the frequencies MCMC lists. Radios above 0.5 W need a licence.
- Ask your supplier for the certificate. A real supplier can show you.
Not sure about what you have? Send me a photo of the radio and its label on WhatsApp and I will tell you what I see.
Next: do you need an MCMC licence?