BackHow to Call Malaysia from Singapore: +60 Country Code Guide
Learn the correct way to call Malaysian numbers from Singapore. Covers the +60 country code, mobile and landline formats, area codes for Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, and how to save contacts for WhatsApp.
What This Guide Covers
1 Steps to Call Malaysia from Singapore
Follow these standardized dialing formats for mobile and landline calls to JB, KL, or Penang. Simply swap the placeholders with your contact’s specific digits to connect instantly.
2 Area Codes for Every State in Malaysia
From Kuala Lumpur (03) and Johor Bahru (07) to Penang (04), every state has a unique prefix. This includes specific codes for Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.
3 Why Your Calls to Malaysia may Fail
If your call isn't connecting, it is likely due to one of these 4 pitfalls. They are simple errors, but they will block your connection every time.
What is Malaysia's Country Code?
Malaysia's country code is +60. This code is required for all international calls to Malaysia, whether you are calling a mobile phone or a landline. The 60 country code replaces the domestic trunk prefix (0) used within Malaysia.
What This Means for You:
You only need to remember one code: +60. It works for every Malaysian number, whether mobile or landline, and across all carriers. Save your Malaysian contacts in +60 format once and they work for calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
How to Call a Malaysia
Mobile Number from Singapore?
To connect from Singapore, you must use the international format by replacing the leading "0" of the Malaysian mobile prefix with the country code.
What This Means for You
The format remains consistent across all Malaysian carriers. Whether your contact uses Maxis (012), Celcom (019), or Digi (016), simply use +60 and omit the first zero.
Malaysia Phone Number Examples
These examples show how to convert a Malaysia number to the correct international format.
The pattern is the same for all numbers: replace the leading 0 with +60.
Note: Numbers starting with 011 or 015 have 8 digits after the prefix (11 total digits including the 0). All other mobile numbers have 7 digits after the prefix (10 total).
Malaysia Area Codes by City
Malaysian landlines use geographic area codes. Kuala Lumpur uses 03, Johor Bahru uses 07, and Penang uses 04. The area code tells you which state or city the number belongs to.
Peninsular Malaysia
East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak)
East Malaysia area codes have 2 digits (08X). Landline numbers in East Malaysia are 6 digits after the area code.
What This Means for You: Calling a hotel in KL? Dial +60 3. Calling a restaurant in Penang? Dial +60 4. The area code is always 1 digit for Peninsular Malaysia (3-7 and 9) and 2 digits for East Malaysia (82-89).
How to Call JB from Singapore?
The Johor area code is 07. To connect from Singapore, use the +60 country code and drop the leading 0 from both landline and mobile numbers.
Local format:
07-234 5678
Dial from SG:
+60 7 234 5678
Local format:
012-345 6789
Dial from SG:
+60 12 345 6789
What This Means for You
Old shortcuts like the 02 prefix are no longer in service. Whether calling a JB restaurant or a local shop, you must use +60 every time to ensure your call connects.
Common Mistakes
When Dialling Malaysia Numbers
These errors cause most failed calls to Malaysia. Each mistake triggers a "number not recognised" error or routes your call to the wrong destination.
✕ Missing the Malaysia Country Code
Dialling 012-345 6789 without +60 will not connect. Your phone assumes a local Singapore number and the call fails.
✕ Including the Leading 0 After +60
Dialling +60 012 345 6789 adds an extra digit. The 0 is a domestic trunk prefix and must be dropped when using the 60 country code.
✕ Wrong Number of Digits
Malaysian mobile numbers are 9-10 digits after +60 (7-8 digit subscriber number). Landlines are 8-9 digits after +60 (6-8 digit subscriber number depending on region). Too few or too many digits will not connect.
✕ Calling Malaysian Toll-Free Numbers
Malaysian toll-free numbers (1-800) do not accept international calls. Contact the business using their standard landline or mobile number.
The correct format is always +60 followed by the number without the leading 0. Mobile: +60 12 345 6789. KL landline: +60 3 2345 6789. JB landline: +60 7 234 5678.
How to Save Malaysian Contacts
for WhatsApp?
Save Malaysian contacts in international format and they work for regular calls, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and all messaging apps automatically.
What This Means for You: Take 2 minutes to update your Malaysian contacts to +60 format. Once saved correctly, you never need to think about the format again. The same contact works whether you are calling from Singapore, travelling overseas, or messaging on WhatsApp.
The Easiest Way to Call Malaysia
from Singapore
Traditionally, calling Malaysia meant choosing a prefix (008 or 018), watching the per-minute clock, and getting a bill that reflects how long you talked. On StarHub's 5G Unlimited+ plans (Core, Plus, or Max), none of that applies. International calls and SMS are built into your plan, so you dial +60 and it connects, the same as calling a number in Singapore.
While WhatsApp is ideal for casual WiFi or data-based calls, a direct line remains essential for reaching landlines such as hotels, restaurants, or offices and official numbers that don't support messaging apps. It’s also your reliable fallback when data connections are weak. With 5G Unlimited+, you can make those direct calls anytime.
💡 Already on 5G Unlimited+?
Your Malaysia calls are already covered. Dial +60, drop the leading 0, and talk. No activation, no add-ons needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Malaysia country code is +60. Use it for all calls to Malaysian mobile and landline numbers from outside Malaysia. The 60 country code replaces the domestic trunk prefix 0.
The 60 country code identifies Malaysia in the international telephone numbering plan. When you dial +60 from Singapore, your call is routed to the Malaysian telephone network.
No. Drop the leading 0 when calling from Singapore. The 0 is a domestic trunk prefix used only for calls within Malaysia. Replace it with +60.
Johor Bahru uses area code 07. To call a JB landline from Singapore, dial +60 7 followed by the 7-digit local number.
No. Both countries use UTC+8. You do not need to calculate time zones when scheduling a call to Malaysia.
No. Malaysian toll-free numbers (1-800) do not accept international calls. Contact the business using their standard landline or mobile number.
A mobile plan with unlimited IDD, such as StarHub 5G Unlimited+ plans, includes unlimited calls to Malaysia at no extra charge. For occasional calls, VoIP apps like WhatsApp offer free calls over WiFi or data.
Call Malaysia Like It's Local
Your mobile plan should empower you, not hold you back. With StarHub's 5G Unlimited+ Plans, you get the flexibility of a no-contract SIM Only service paired with the power of unlimited data and built-in device savings. It’s time to live your best life, connected.
Switch to 5G Unlimited+ PlanDisclaimer:
This content is provided for general information and convenience. While we take care in preparing our articles, readers should refer to official sources or professional advice for specific, up-to-date details.
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