Malaysia’s trade ministry has rolled out a new rule requiring trade permits for high-performance AI chips made in the US. This means you need to let the authorities know at least 30 days in advance if you’re planning to export, transship, or transit items that aren’t already on the country’s strategic items list. The aim here is simple: close the gaps and prevent any dodgy attempts to bypass export controls.
The move comes as Malaysia tightens semiconductor regulations, partly due to US concerns over crucial chips reaching China. The authorities are clear—they won’t tolerate any circumvention or illicit trade. Violators should expect strict legal consequences, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to enforcing these rules.
In addition to these changes, Malaysia is also looking into potential breaches involving servers tied to a fraud case in Singapore. With those servers reportedly containing advanced chips that might be subject to US export controls, the situation is a reminder of how complex and dynamic the tech export landscape can be. For anyone involved in tech exports, keeping up with these regulatory shifts is key.
