Malaysia Phone Number Format: How to Call Locally & Internationally

A Malaysian phone number format consists of the country code (60), a trunk prefix ‘0’(for domestic calls), an area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number. The overall structure varies slightly between landlines and mobile phones.

For Malaysia, the country code is 60. It is used when a call is made to the country from abroad. When dialing locally, you do not need to include this code.

The trunk prefix, 0, appears at the beginning of all phone numbers in Malaysia for domestic calls. Dialing this code signals that the call is staying inside the national network. However, this prefix is removed when the number is dialed from abroad.

Area codes are used for landline numbers in Malaysia. They represent the city or region where the number is registered. In Malaysia, area codes are typically 1 to 2 digits long (including the trunk code) and help route calls to the specific geographic area.

In Malaysia, mobile numbers start with the mobile prefixes such as 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, and 019, which are assigned to different mobile carriers. Unlike landline area codes, mobile prefixes are not linked to a specific city or region.

The subscriber number is the local number assigned to an individual or business phone line. It comes after the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for mobile numbers) and completes the full phone number.

• For landline numbers, the subscriber number is 6 to 8 digits, depending on the area code.
• For mobile numbers, the subscriber number is 7 or 8 digits, depending on the mobile prefix.

The Malaysian phone number format for domestic calls starts with the trunk code 0, followed by the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for mobile numbers, and then the subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial a Malaysian phone number for local calls:

• Step 1: Dial the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix, including the leading 0.
• Step 2: Enter the subscriber number.

Local Landline Number: 03 2345 67XX

• 03 – Area code, including trunk code ‘0’
• 2345 67XX – Subscriber number

Mobile Phone Number: 012 345 67XX

• 012 – Mobile prefix, including the trunk code
• 345 67XX – Subscriber number

Toll-Free Number: 01800 88 12XX

• 01800 – Toll-free prefix including the trunk code
• 88 12XX – Subscriber number

The international phone number format for Malaysia includes your country’s exit code, Malaysia’s country code (60), and the area code or mobile prefix without the leading 0, followed by the subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial a Malaysian phone number from overseas:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international exit code. You can also use the “+” signal if dialing from a mobile phone.
• Step 2: Enter Malaysia’s country code, 60.
• Step 3: Add the area code or mobile prefix, without the leading 0.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber number.

Landline Number: 011 60 3 2345 67XX or + 60 3 2345 67XX (Calling Malaysia from the US)

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 60 – Malaysia country code
• 3 – Kuala Lumpur area code
• 2345 67XX – Subscriber’s landline number

Mobile Number: 011 60 12 345 67XX or +60 12 345 67XX

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 60 – Malaysia country code
• 12 – Mobile prefix
• 345 67XX – Subscriber’s mobile number

Toll-Free Number: 011 60 1800 88 12XX or +60 1800 88 12XX

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 60 – Malaysia country code
• 1800 – Toll-free prefix
• 88 12XX – Subscriber’s number

Malaysian emergency numbers are three to five-digit short codes, making them easy to remember in urgent situations. They provide quick access to emergency response, scam reporting, utility fault reporting, and social support services and can be dialed from both landline and mobile numbers.

Before calling Malaysia from abroad, consider time zone differences between Malaysia and your country, international call charges, and whether the number is a landline or a mobile phone. Being aware of these details helps ensure the call connects successfully, avoids unnecessary costs, and reduces the chances of dialing errors or missed calls.

Malaysia follows Malaysia Time (MYT), which is UTC +8. It may be several hours ahead or behind the country you’re calling from. For example, when it is morning in Europe, it may already be late afternoon in Malaysia. So, it’s important to consider the time differences between your country and Malaysia to ensure you make a call at an appropriate time for the receiver.

International call rates vary by country and carrier. Traditional carriers often charge higher per-minute rates for overseas calls, and these costs can add up quickly, especially for frequent callers. Consider using virtual phone numbers to save on costs. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service providers offer these numbers at a low international calling rate.

Before dialing, it is important to identify whether the number is a mobile or a landline. Each type follows a different numbering structure and total length. Mobile numbers use dedicated mobile prefixes, while landlines rely on regional area codes. Dialing a mobile number as if it were a landline, or vice versa, can result in incorrect routing or call failure.

The Malaysian phone number format is straightforward once the structure is clear. Local calls use an area code or mobile prefix followed by the subscriber number, while international calls require adding your country’s exit code and Malaysia’s country code (60) at the beginning.

For those who call Malaysia frequently, managing the call charges is as important as dialing the number correctly. International calls through traditional carriers can become expensive over time.