January 15, 2018

Starting from January 1, 2018, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) no longer permits any kind of Short Range Devices (SRD) and Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) to operate in the frequency range from 869 MHz to 870 MHz. This key announcement came back in February 2015 via the Class Assignment issued under Section 169 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) and is now permanently implemented. This non-permit includes medical devices which fall in the categories of Short Range Devices (SRD) and Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), as well.

RFID tagging individual medical devices is not an uncommon practice among medical device manufacturers while Short Range Frequency usage is employed in many medical implants for tracking purposes. So, any medical device manufactured in the frequency range from 869 MHz to 870 MHz would no longer be permitted to be imported, exported or marketed in Malaysia, according to this latest regulation. New applications for approvals and for renewal of existing approvals of SRD and RFID operating in the frequency of 869-870 MHz will not be accepted.

Reference:

 1)  Spectrum Plan Amendment Notice No. 1 of 2017

  2) Requirements For Mobile Cellular Systems And International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Systems Operating In 824 MHz To 834 MHz Paired With 869 MHz To 879 MHz And 880 MHz To 915 MHz Paired With 925 MHz To 960 MHz