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PDPA (Malaysia)
Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Malaysia)
WhenIn force since 2013; amended in 2024, with the DPO and breach rules applying from 1 June 2025
Who enforces itPersonal Data Protection Commissioner (JPDP)
Who it applies toData controllers and processors handling personal data in commercial transactions in Malaysia.
Tell the regulatorNotify the Commissioner as soon as practicable and within 72 hours of the breach
DPO requiredControllers and processors must appoint a DPO when processing data of over 20,000 subjects, se…
RegistrationPrescribed classes of controllers (banking, insurance, health, telecoms, education, real estat…
Transfers abroadTransfer allowed if destination law is substantially similar or protection equivalent, or unde…
Request deadlineComply with access and correction requests within 21 days, extendable by 14 days with written…
Maximum fineUp to RM1,000,000 (about USD 235k) and/or 3 years' imprisonment for breaching the data protect…
Every requirement we score, with the rule in plain words and the section it comes from. Darker means more demanding. See every law side by side →
Reach and lawful basis
Reach abroad
1
Applies to persons established in Malaysia, or using equipment in Malaysia other than for transit; foreign users must nominate a local representative.s.2(2)-(3) · source ↗
Limited to commercial transactions (s.2(1)).
Lawful basis
3
Consent is the general rule; non-consent processing only where necessary for contract, legal obligation, vital interests, justice and similar listed grounds.s.6(1)-(2) · source ↗
Consent
3
Consent must be obtained in a form that can be recorded and maintained by the data controller.PDP Regulations 2013 reg. 3 · secondary source · source ↗
Regulation text not opened; requirement reported by DLA Piper.
Sensitive data
2
Health, political, religious, offence and biometric data need explicit consent or a listed exception.ss.4, 40(1) · source ↗
Breach of s.40 is an offence: up to RM200,000 and/or 2 years (s.40(3)).
Children
3
For data subjects under 18, a parent, guardian or person with parental responsibility acts and consents.s.4 ('relevant person') · source ↗
People's rights
Rights
2
Access, correction, withdrawal of consent, prevent damaging processing, stop direct marketing and data portability.ss.30, 34, 38, 42, 43, 43A · source ↗
Counted: access, correction, objection (ss.42-43), portability. No erasure, restriction or automated-decision right.
Request deadline
2
Comply with access and correction requests within 21 days, extendable by 14 days with written notice.ss.31(1)-(3), 35(1)-(3) · source ↗
Marketing
1
Data subjects may require a controller, by written notice, to stop or not begin processing for direct marketing.s.43(1) · source ↗
MCMC Aug 2025 consultation on consent for unsolicited commercial messages not in force.
Governance
DPO required
1
Controllers and processors must appoint a DPO when processing data of over 20,000 subjects, sensitive data of over 10,000, or systematic monitoring.s.12A; DPO Guideline para 4.2 · source ↗
Statute is unconditional; Commissioner's guideline sets thresholds. In force 1 Jun 2025.
DPO qualifications
2
No minimum qualification; DPO must be in Malaysia 180 days a year or easily contactable and proficient in Malay and English; register within 21 days.DPO Guideline paras 5.4, 6.10, 7.1 · source ↗
Aug 2025 Competency Guideline sets non-mandatory competency tiers (secondary).
Registration
2
Prescribed classes of controllers (banking, insurance, health, telecoms, education, real estate and others) must register and renew certificates with fees.ss.14-16; Class of Data Users Order · source ↗
Processing without a certificate: up to RM500,000 and/or 3 years (s.16(4)). Class list from DLA Piper. Circular 1/2026 on registration not read.
DPIA
0
No DPIA requirement in the Act; Commissioner guidelines on DPIA expected.Not addressed · secondary source · source ↗
DPIA guideline expected in 2026 per DLA Piper.
Records
1
Keep a record of applications, notices, requests and other information relating to personal data, in the Commissioner's prescribed form.s.44 · source ↗
Retention
2
Do not keep data longer than necessary and take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently delete it.s.10(1)-(2) · source ↗
PDP Standard 2015 retention standard applies (under review).
Breaches
Tell the regulator
2
Notify the Commissioner as soon as practicable and within 72 hours of the breach.s.12B(1); Circular Bil. 2/2025 para 4(4) · source ↗
Failure to notify: up to RM250,000 and/or 2 years (s.12B(3)).
Tell people
2
Notify affected data subjects without unnecessary delay where significant harm is likely, within 7 days of notifying the Commissioner.s.12B(2); Circular Bil. 2/2025 para 5(2) · source ↗
Transfers
Transfers abroad
2
Transfer allowed if destination law is substantially similar or protection equivalent, or under listed exceptions (consent, contract, due diligence).s.129 (as amended by A1727 s.12) · source ↗
Cross Border Transfer Guideline 3/2025 recognizes TIAs, BCRs, contractual clauses and certification.
Enforcement
Maximum fine
2
Up to RM1,000,000 (about USD 235k) and/or 3 years' imprisonment for breaching the data protection principles.s.5(2) · source ↗
Criminal liability
3
Most breaches are criminal offences with imprisonment; directors and officers are jointly liable unless they prove due diligence.ss.5(2), 16(4), 40(3), 133 · source ↗
Officer liability section number (s.133) not visible in fetched text; reported by DLA Piper.
Private action
0
No statutory right for data subjects to sue for compensation; complaints go to the Commissioner.Not addressed · secondary source · source ↗
Commissioner has proposed adding a private right of action.
Scores are our reading on the published rubric, checked 18 October 2026. Not legal advice.
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