Malaysia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Malaysia, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Malaysia

Capital

Kuala Lumpur

Main Cities

George Town

Local Languages

Malay & English

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Climate

Tropical Climate

General Visa Requirements:

Visitors on a recce can enter as tourists. For shoots, a PUSPAL permit is required before applying for a visa. All foreign crew require: Professional Visit Pass (PVP) and/or Journey Performed Visa (JP Visa). The JP Visa is issued by Immigration to legalize entry and convert status into a PVP. The PVP process requires a PUSPAL permit first. Once approvals are obtained, film crew will enter Malaysia on a normal social visit pass. The local fixer collects passports on arrival and converts them at Immigration into a PVP (passport returned the next day). Multi-entry visas are available at no additional cost. There are no port-of-entry restrictions, but the intended port should be notified ahead of time to avoid issues with carnet stamping. Israeli passport holders are restricted from entering Malaysia; however, a previous Israeli passport stamp does not restrict entry.

Required Documents:

An invitation letter from us
A recent profile photo
A scanned copy of your passport
Booking confirmation of your accommodation (even a Booking.com confirmation is acceptable)
Each crew member must apply individually

Visa Application Process:

Check if a tourist visa is required based on nationality:
https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/visa/visa-requirement-by-country/

Processing Time:

6–8 weeks lead time is required to collate paperwork and obtain all approvals.

Cost:

When applying through an agent, the cost is approximately RM1,200 per person, inclusive of visa processing and agent fees.

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation Requirements:
All foreign crew members require a temporary work permit, also known as a “special pass,” to work in Malaysia. https://www.kln.gov.my/web/jor_amman/forms/-/asset_publisher/2TQe/document/id/574666?inheritRedirect=false

Covered under the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) process.

Required Documents:

General filming permit
A recent profile photo
CV/Resume/Portfolio/IMDB link
A scanned copy of your passport
Estimated arrival and departure dates

Processing Time:

6–8 weeks (includes PUSPAL and Immigration approvals).

Cost:

Included in visa processing fees and handled by the agent.

Issuing Organization:

PUSPAL (Central Agency Committee for Application for Filming and Foreign Artists Presentations) under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia.

The committee includes representatives from:

Ministry of Communications & Multimedia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
Royal Malaysian Police
Immigration & Customs
Ministry of Tourism & Culture
City Hall
Inland Revenue Board

Required Documents:

Application letter from production company
Company profile
Film or performance synopsis
Crew list (biodata and passport copies)
Full filming equipment list (with serial numbers and values)
Some locations may request proof of PUSPAL submission before granting location permission

Processing Time:

PUSPAL meetings are generally held weekly (Tuesdays). 6–8 weeks for paperwork and approvals. For Sabah or Sarawak, allow at least 3.5 months for additional State Government approvals.

Cost:

Permit itself is free. The cost is per person attached to the PUSPAL Permit. See cost under Working Crew

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Malaysian fixer research and contacts authorities or owners. Negotiates filming permissions based on synopsis and ensures compliance with local regulations.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Negotiated directly by the fixer with the private owner.

Drone Regulations:

Obtain written approval from filming locations.

Apply to:

JUPEM (Department of Survey & Mapping Malaysia) – approx. 2–3 weeks.
CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia) – up to 2 months.
Both require:
Drone make, size, frequency band
Drone pilot bio and license
Flight maps and photos
Copy of the PUSPAL permit
After filming, JUPEM may request a DVD of footage for verification.

Drone Importation Regulations:

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) issues drone permits.

MCMC Certification: All drones must be certified by SIRIM (5–14 days).
Import Permit: Issued by SIRIM within 24 hours of certification.
The drone’s frequency band must be declared before applying.

General Flight Rules

Max altitude: 400 ft (122 m)

No-fly zones:

Putrajaya
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Parliament
Istana Negara (Palace)
Police or military zones
Prisons and government buildings
Within 5 km of any airport

Permit Issuance:

Local Drone Application: Drone operators apply directly for personal annual licenses.
Drone Importation Application: We partner with licensed drone companies for this service.

Timing:

Permit processing takes approximately 2 months.

Cost:

20 kg and below: RM 250 (~$60)
Above 20 kg: RM 1000 (~$230)

Carnet Status:

Yes, Malaysia accepts ATA carnets.

General Process

Import request and detailed equipment list (with serial numbers and values).
Notify the entry/exit port in advance to ensure a customs officer familiar with carnets is available.

Required Documents:

Equipment list including serial numbers and values / carnet document

Issuing Organization:

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department issues the equipment customs clearance.

Timing:

3-5 working days

Cost:

Equipment bond: 1% of the total equipment value (capped at $300) Clearing agent fee: MYR 2,000 (approximately $450)

General Overview:

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia.
It consists of two regions separated by the South China Sea, bordered by Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Strategically located along the Strait of Malacca and the Southern South China Sea.

Security Requirements:

Unarmed and uniformed guards for production or filming events.
Personal security guards can be arranged if necessary.

Rebates/Incentives:

Overview

The Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) offers a 30% cash rebate on Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure (QMPE).
An additional 5% cultural test rebate exists but is rarely granted.

Key Details

Rebate: 30% on QMPE
Eligible Productions: Feature films, TV series, animation (feature or series), documentaries, and post-production

Minimum Spend:

Feature Films – RM 5 million (~USD $1.2 million)
TV Series – RM 385,000 (~USD $92,000) per hour
Post-production – RM 1 million

Application: Submit to FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia) at least 2–3 months before production.

Additional Requirements

At least 30% of the crew must be Malaysian citizens or PR holders.
Productions must include a FINAS screen credit and a CPA audit.
Must comply with all Malaysian laws and guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria

Production Types: Feature films, TV series, animation, documentaries, post-production
Minimum Spend: Must meet QMPE thresholds
Malaysian Content: Should include local storylines, characters, or settings, or use local facilities
Crew: Minimum 30% Malaysian participation
Audit & Credit: CPA audit and FINAS credit required

Reference Links

Meet our Local Team

Malaysia

Petaling Jaya

Dean

Malaysia

Zabrina

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Malaysia

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

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The Overview

Introduction

Hoodlum offers top-tier film fixer services with a strong presence in Malaysia, providing essential support to international production teams. With years of experience, we excel in location scouting, obtaining permits, and sourcing local crews to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Malaysia, known for its vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities, is an attractive destination for filmmakers. Whether you’re working on a commercial, feature film, TV series, or documentary, Hoodlum’s expert local team ensures seamless production logistics.

Planning a film project in Malaysia? Let Hoodlum handle the logistics—from permits to locations—while you focus on your creative vision. Contact Hoodlum today and discover how we can turn your Malaysia film production into a success.

Country Overview

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a multicultural nation rich in history and diversity. Here’s an overview of this incredible country: Read more about Malaysia here.

Bordering Countries:

Thailand to the north
Indonesia to the south
Brunei to the east
Singapore to the south

Main Cities:

Kuala Lumpur: The vibrant capital city and economic powerhouse, known for its iconic skyline featuring the Petronas Towers.
George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and diverse culinary scene.
Johor Bahru: A bustling city located just across the causeway from Singapore, serving as a hub for trade and tourism.
Malacca City: A historic port city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions reflecting its colonial past.

Local Languages:

Malay: Official language
English: Widely spoken
Chinese dialects: Commonly used in business and daily life
Tamil: Frequently spoken among the Indian community

Local Currency:

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Climate:

Malaysia has a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures averaging between 20°C and 32°C (68°F and 90°F) throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from November to March. The best time for filming is during the dry seasons, when conditions are ideal for outdoor shoots.

Visa Requirements

General Requirement:
To enter Malaysia, visitors must obtain a business visa in advance through the eVISA system. Note that visas on arrival are no longer accepted.

Required Documents: To apply for a business visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

An invitation letter from us
A recent profile photo
A scanned copy of your passport
Booking confirmation of your accommodation (even a Booking.com confirmation is acceptable)
Each crew member must apply individually

Processing Time:
The visa application process typically takes 3 business days.

Cost:
The cost of a business visa is $50.

Note:
Please ensure you apply for your visa in advance.

International Crew Accreditation

Required Documents: To apply for accreditation, you will need to provide the following documents:

General filming permit
A recent profile photo
CV/Resume/Portfolio/IMDB link
A scanned copy of your passport
Estimated arrival and departure dates

Processing Time:
The accreditation process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Cost:
The cost of accreditation is $180 per crew member, valid for 30 days.

Note:
Please ensure you apply for accreditation well in advance of your trip to avoid any delays or issues with your travel plans.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organisation:
The Film in Malaysia Office (FIMO), under the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).

Timing:
The permit is typically processed within 3 to 4 weeks.

Required Documents: To apply for the permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

List of foreign crew and cast with passport scans
Exact filming dates
Filming locations
Script/Treatment/Synopsis/Outline

Cost:
Varies depending on the type of production:

Documentaries/TV commercials/Photography: MYR 200 (approximately $45) + MYR 50 per filming day
Feature films & TV series: MYR 600 (approximately $135) + MYR 50 per filming day

Private Locations

Location Scouting and Agreement:
Our location scout will provide personalized options based on your project brief. Once a location is selected, we will facilitate a standard location agreement with the location owner, ensuring a smooth and successful shoot.

Cost:
The cost of private locations is project-specific, and we will work with you to find the perfect location that fits your budget and meets your needs.

Drone Permit

Drone Importation Regulations:
Advance notice of 2-3 months is required for drone importation. However, local professional drone operators are available.

Permit Issuance:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) issues drone permits.

Application Requirements:

Local Drone Application: Drone operators apply directly for personal annual licenses.
Drone Importation Application: We partner with licensed drone companies for this service.

Timing:
Permit processing takes approximately 2 months.

Cost:
Varies depending on drone make, specifications, payload capacity, and number of drones.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Country Status:
Malaysia is a carnet country.

Customs Clearance Process:
Malaysia uses a “non-refundable bond” system for equipment clearance. The process involves:

Equipment bond: 1% of the total equipment value (capped at $300)
Clearing agent fee: MYR 2,000 (approximately $450) per clearance (includes meeting the crew at the baggage hall)

Required Documents:

General Film Permit
List of equipment with values and serial numbers
Crew photos (for identification purposes)

Clearance Issuance:
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department issues the equipment customs clearance.

Timing:
With pre-prepared paperwork, the crew will spend less than 10 minutes at customs.

Important Note:
Do not attempt to bring in unlicensed drones or other unauthorized equipment.

Costs:

Equipment bond: 1% of the total equipment value (capped at $300)
Clearing agent fee: MYR 2,000 (approximately $450)

Safety and Security

Malaysia is generally a safe country, with some areas requiring extra caution. We assess each location on a case-by-case basis to ensure your safety.

Security Requirements:
The level of security needed varies depending on the location. Some areas require no security, while others may recommend Private Close Protection Officers (CPOs). Heavily armed police escorts may be necessary for high-risk areas.

We will advise on the appropriate level of security for your specific needs.

General Film Permit:

What organisation issues the permits?

PUSPAL (Central Agency Committee for Application for Filming and Foreign Artists Presentations) under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia.
The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications & Multimedia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Malaysian Police, Immigration & Customs, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, City Hall, and the Inland Revenue Board.

2. Timings

– The PUSPAL committee is meant to meet once a week (on Tuesdays), though meetings have been inconsistent recently.

– The full process of gathering paperwork and obtaining approvals typically takes 6–8 weeks.

– For shoots in Sabah or Sarawak, allow at least 3.5 months for separate State Government approvals.

3. Required information / documentation for application

– Application letter from the production company

– Production company profile

– Synopsis of the film or performance

– Details of each crew member (biodata)

– Copies of crew passports

– Full list of filming equipment (including serial numbers and values)

– Some locations may request proof of PUSPAL submission before granting filming permission