Yes, dashcams are legal in Malaysia, provided they comply with the Road Transport Act 1987 and Personal Data Protection Act 2010. Their use is permitted for accident documentation and traffic monitoring, but privacy and data retention rules apply.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Malaysia
- Road Transport Act 1987 (Section 46): Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle safety systems. Installation must not violate traffic regulations.
- Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA): Footage containing identifiable individuals must be stored securely and not shared without consent, per PDPA guidelines enforced by the Personal Data Protection Department (PDPD).
- Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) 2026 Compliance: From 2026, dashcams recording audio require SKMM’s approval under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as part of Malaysia’s evolving digital surveillance regulations.
Dashcams are widely used by rideshare drivers and private motorists, but misuse—such as recording in restricted zones or publishing footage without consent—can lead to fines under the Penal Code or PDPA breaches. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) may request footage for investigations, but unauthorized dissemination risks legal liability. Always ensure recordings are for legitimate purposes and comply with local data protection standards.