Is Hemp Legal in Malaysia?

Industrial hemp is illegal in Malaysia. The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 makes no statutory distinction between low-THC Cannabis sativa and drug-type cannabis, so cultivation of any Cannabis plant is treated as a narcotics offense regardless of cannabinoid profile.

The Department of Agriculture has not issued hemp cultivation licenses, and no domestic supply chain exists for hemp fiber, seed, or biomass. Imports of hemp seed for food, hemp protein, hemp textiles, and CBD-bearing hemp extracts are routinely refused by Malaysian customs unless the importer holds a specific Ministry of Health authorization, which is rarely granted. Penalties for unlicensed cultivation are severe, with a single mature plant triggering a mandatory minimum of three years imprisonment and six strokes of the cane under Section 6B.

Conversations about a domestic hemp framework have surfaced in Parliament in recent years but no enabling legislation has passed as of 2026.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.