Malaysia now requires permits for US-made AI chip transfers

Malaysia’s trade ministry announced on Monday that, effective immediately, any export, transshipment or transit of high‑performance AI chips originating from the United States will need a Strategic Trade Permit.

The requirement kicks in under Section 12 of the Strategic Trade Act 2010, which covers items not already spelled out on Malaysia’s Strategic Items List.

Malaysia seeks to close regulatory gaps

Under the new guidance, individuals and companies planning to move these advanced chips must notify authorities at least 30 days before shipment if the devices are not explicitly listed. It is a broad catch‑all, intended to give customs and trade officials a heads‑up so they can vet any suspicious transfers.

The ministry says this step closes “regulatory gaps” while it reviews whether to formally add US‑origin AI chips to its strategic items catalogue. In practice, it means any device with enough processing power for cutting‑edge machine learning will now fall under closer scrutiny, even if it’s just passing through Malaysia on its way to somewhere else.

“Malaysia stands firm against any attempt to circumvent export controls or engage in illicit trade activities by any individual or company, who will face strict legal action if found violating the laws.” – Malaysia’s trade and industry ministry.

The warning is clear: break the rules, and you’ll face strict legal action under the STA 2010 or related legislation. And yes, they really mean it, penalties include hefty fines and possible criminal charges.

“This initiative serves to close regulatory gaps while Malaysia undertakes a further review of the inclusion of high-performance AI chips of US origin on the strategic items list of the STA 2010,” the investment, trade and industry ministry announced on Monday in statement.

Is Malaysia under US pressure to block movement of chips to China?

This tightening comes as Malaysia faces pressure from the United States to block the flow of critical AI chips into China. Back in March, the Financial Times reported Washington’s concern that semiconductors vital for next‑gen AI were slipping through third‑country routes like Malaysia and Thailand.

Such worries spiked when Singapore’s home affairs minister mentioned servers exported to Malaysia might’ve been bound elsewhere, potentially loaded with US‑controlled chips.

Meanwhile, local authorities are also probing whether shipments linked to a Singapore fraud case breached national laws. Those servers, under investigation, could have housed chips that fall under stringent US export controls.

Investment Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has since said preliminary probes found no proof the questioned servers ever landed at the data centre they were reportedly sold to. But the ministry’s new permit rule ensures there’s less room for doubt in future, every transfer will be documented, and any shady rerouting should trigger a red flag.

Last week, Bloomberg reported that the US plans to restrict shipments of advanced AI chips to Malaysia to prevent them from being diverted to China, as part of a broader crackdown on semiconductor smuggling.

Despite Malaysia’s previous pledges to tighten import scrutiny, chip exports to the country have surged, drawing US attention and prompting proposed curbs that may include temporary exemptions for American and allied firms operating there.

So, in short, Malaysia’s clamping down hard on AI chip movements. Whether one is shipping cutting‑edge hardware or simply moving test units between facilities, they will now need official clearance, and plenty of lead time, to keep everything above board.

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