TripZillaFor travellers flying out of Malaysia, be prepared to fork out a little extra starting 1st September 2019 as the government’s new departure levy tax comes into effect. The rate of the tax is based on your travel destination and flight class.
Those travelling to ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei) will be taxed RM8 and RM50 for economy and non-economy flights respectively. On the other hand, travellers heading to non-ASEAN countries will have to pay a departure levy of RM20 and RM150 depending on their flight class.
According to the government of Malaysia, one of the main purposes of the new levies is to encourage domestic travel. However, there are certain exemptions including:
1. Infants less than 24 months old
2. Passengers who are only in Malaysia for 12 hours between transiting flights
3. Flight crew on duty
4. Passengers/pilots of personal aircraft
In addition, those who have purchased their flight tickets before 1st September will also be exempted from the new tax. So, if you’re planning a year-end holiday, now might be a good time to get your tickets!
