Malaysia offers some of the most affordable and flexible prepaid mobile options in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a tourist, long-stay visitor, or resident, understanding the basics of prepaid SIM cards will help you choose the right plan and keep connected with fast data, voice calls, and SMS across Malaysia.
🇲🇾 Basics: How Malaysian Prepaid SIM Cards Work
- Prepaid SIM cards in Malaysia are widely available and sold for a low cost, usually between RM 5 and RM 15 for a starter pack with included credit.
- All users must register their SIM cards — with passport verification for non-Malaysians, including biometric/passport scanning at purchase or through digital ID tools.
- Device registration isn’t usually required separately for SIM use, but unlocked phones that support local frequencies will ensure full coverage and speed.
- Malaysia has phased out 3G under the national Jendela project; 4G LTE and 5G services are the focus nationwide.
Where to Buy
You can buy prepaid SIM cards:
- Airports (e.g., Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang) — easy setup on arrival.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, KK Mart, MyNews) — cheap starter packs.
- Telco official stores in malls and storefronts — full support and package selection.
- Online eSIM providers (data-only eSIM) — ideal before arrival.
Frequency Bands in Malaysia
Mobile networks in Malaysia use a range of cellular frequencies suitable for most unlocked smartphones:
| Technology | Frequency Bands (Typical) |
|---|---|
| 4G / LTE | B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B20 (800), B28 (700) |
| 5G NR | n26 (850), n28a/b (700), n78 (3500) |
| 2G (fallback) | B3 (1800), B8 (900) |
Most modern smartphones compatible with 4G and 5G will work well across all major Malaysian carriers.
Coverage & Speed (General Overview)
Malaysia’s mobile network coverage varies by operator and location:
| Provider | Network Coverage | Typical Speed / Experience |
|---|---|---|
| CelcomDigi | Very high coverage in towns & cities | Reliable connectivity, strong 4G reach |
| Maxis (Hotlink) | Extensive urban & rural reach | Strong LTE & growing 5G footprint |
| U Mobile | Good city coverage | Competitive mid-tier 5G speeds |
| Unifi Mobile | Good in urban areas | Top 5G download throughput in recent tests |
At a Glance: Prepaid SIM Comparison
| Provider | Approx. Starter Pack Price | Data | Voice | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotlink (Maxis) | ~RM 10 | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| CelcomDigi | ~RM 10 | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| U Mobile | ~RM 10 | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| Unifi Mobile | ~RM 10 | Varies | Yes | Yes |
Prices and availability vary by location and vendor. Airport prices may be slightly higher.
SIM Card Price & Top-Up Methods
Starter Packs
Typical prepaid SIM starter pack prices:
| Provider | Approx. Price (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Hotlink | RM 10–15 |
| CelcomDigi | RM 10 |
| U Mobile | RM 10 |
| Tune Talk | RM 7–10 |
| Unifi | RM 10 |
Top-Up Methods
- Online via apps/website (credit card)
- Physical voucher from stores
- Mobile banking / eWallet top-ups
- USSD codes
Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons
Below are example add-on data plans — terms vary, and telcos update offers regularly.
Hotlink (Maxis)
| Data Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Pass | ~1–5 GB | 1 day |
| Weekly | ~10 GB | 7 days |
| Monthly | ~25–60 GB | 30 days |
Activation codes typically via Hotlink app or *100# dial menu
CelcomDigi
| Data Add-On | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ~5–10 GB | 7 days |
| Medium | ~20–40 GB | 30 days |
| Large | ~80+ GB | 30 days |
Dial menu or CelcomDigi app
U Mobile
| Data Add-On | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Daily/Weekly | ~1–12 GB | 1–7 days |
| Monthly | ~30–50 GB | 30 days |
Dial *188# / app
Tune Talk
| Data Add-On | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | ~10–20 GB | 7–15 days |
| Monthly | ~30–50 GB | 30 days |
Activation via app / dial code
Unifi Mobile
| Data Add-On | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term | ~10 GB | 7 days |
| Monthly | ~30–50 GB | 30 days |
Via Unifi app or *101#
Note: Plans change often and sometimes include unlimited speed-capped offers.
How to Check Remaining Balance & SIM Number
| Task | Code / Method |
|---|---|
| Check balance | USSD code (often *100# or *101#), or provider app |
| Check SIM / phone number | *100# or *139# or provider app |
Always confirm specific codes with your operator’s documentation.
Tourist SIM Cards
Malaysia offers dedicated tourist SIM packages — typically with generous data and voice options valid 7–30 days, available at airports and city shops.
Roaming & eSIM Options
- Roaming packages are available but often pricier than local SIMs.
- Digital eSIM providers like Airalo and Holafly let you pre-purchase mobile data and activate on arrival without changing a physical SIM.
Official & App Resources
Official Sites
- 💻 Hotlink: https://www.hotlink.com.my/
- 💻 CelcomDigi: https://www.celcomdigi.com/
- 💻 U Mobile: https://www.u.com.my/
- 💻 Unifi Mobile: https://www.unifi.com.my/
📱 Apps (iOS / Android)
- Hotlink App
- CelcomDigi App
- U Mobile App
- Unifi Mobile App
These apps let you top up, check balances, and manage plans easily.
Help Line Numbers
For assistance, use the operator’s customer support line (typically found on their official website or via app).
Biometric & Registration Rules (2026)
Malaysia now requires biometric verification (e.g., passport scan) when registering prepaid SIMs to reduce fraud, and registration must be completed before activation.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s prepaid SIM market is affordable, accessible, and highly competitive, offering excellent choices from Hotlink to CelcomDigi, U Mobile, Tune Talk, and Unifi. Whether you’re a tourist needing short-term data or a resident keeping long-term connectivity, Malaysia has prepaid plans to suit diverse needs — with wide coverage and modern 4G/5G networks. Just remember to complete mandatory registration upon purchase to activate your SIM.