Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 30 million people. Its telecommunications sector is relatively developed, with widespread access to both landline and mobile services. This article will provide an overview of the telephone service in Malaysia, including international codes, major providers, connection procedures, and payment methods.
International Code and Area Codes
The international code for Malaysia is +60. When making an international call to Malaysia, you must first dial your country’s international access code (usually 00 or +), followed by 60, and then the area code and phone number.
Here are some popular area codes for expat destinations within Malaysia:
- Kuala Lumpur: 3
- George Town: 4
- Johor Bahru: 7
- Kuching: 82
- Kota Kinabalu: 88
Major Telephone Providers
The major telephone providers in Malaysia are Telekom Malaysia (TM), Maxis, Digi, and Celcom. These companies offer both landline and mobile services, with varying degrees of coverage and pricing.
Landline Providers
Telekom Malaysia (TM) is the main provider of landline services in Malaysia. It operates under the brand name “Unifi” and offers high-speed broadband internet, telephone, and television services. TM’s customer service can be contacted at 100 or +603 2241 1290 for international calls.
Mobile Providers
Maxis, Digi, and Celcom are the three major providers of mobile services in Malaysia. Each company offers a range of plans and packages to suit different needs and budgets.
- Maxis: Maxis offers both postpaid and prepaid plans, with 4G and 5G coverage across the country. Its customer service can be contacted at 123 or +6012 123 123 for international calls.
- Digi: Digi offers a range of postpaid, prepaid, and internet-only plans, with 4G and 5G coverage across the country. Its customer service can be contacted at 016 221 1800 or +6016 221 1800 for international calls.
- Celcom: Celcom offers a range of postpaid and prepaid plans, with 4G and 5G coverage across the country. Its customer service can be contacted at 1111 or +6019 601 1111 for international calls.
Arranging Telephone Connection
To arrange a landline connection in Malaysia, you must visit a TM point-of-sale location and provide identification documents such as a passport or IC (Identity Card). You will also need to fill out an application form and pay a deposit.
To arrange a mobile connection in Malaysia, you can visit a physical store or apply online through the provider’s website. You will need to provide identification documents and may need to undergo a credit check, depending on the plan you choose.
Payment Methods
The most common way to pay for telephone services in Malaysia is through online banking or automatic debit from a bank account. Some providers also offer prepaid plans, which can be topped up using scratch cards or online payments.
For landline services, TM sends monthly bills to the customer’s registered address, and payment can be made through various methods, including online banking, credit/debit card, or over-the-counter at a TMpoint branch.
For mobile services, bills can be accessed through the provider’s app or website, and payment can be made using various methods, including online banking, credit/debit card, or over-the-counter at physical stores.
In conclusion, the telecommunications industry in Malaysia is highly developed and offers a wide range of services to both residential and business customers. Mobile phone usage is widespread and the market is highly competitive, with multiple major telcos offering a variety of plans and packages to suit different needs. Fixed-line telephone services are also available but are less commonly used. The process of arranging telephone connections in Malaysia is relatively straightforward and bills can be paid through various channels, including online payments, bank transfers, and physical payments at authorized stores.