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Global Market · Southeast Asia
Vietnam – Malaysia Logistics
Malaysia market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Population
- 36 million
- Area
- 330,803 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$400 billion
- GDP per capita
- 11,108 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 37 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 2.2%/year
- Currency
- MYR (MYR)
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 1,121 km
Economic size
In 2023, Malaysia’s nominal GDP reached US$400 billion, ranking No. 37 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$11,108. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 2.2% per year.
Growth potential
- Mid-sized economy, ranked No. 37 in the world by GDP.
- Tariff preferences with Vietnam through ATIGA, RCEP, CPTPP.
- One of Vietnam’s top trading partners.
- Close to Vietnam (about 1,121 km), with short transit times.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Goods that meet the rules of origin may qualify for preferential duty rates with the appropriate C/O under the following agreements:
- ATIGA ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement
- RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
- CPTPP Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Shipping from Vietnam to Malaysia
Ocean
2–7 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–2 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
1,121 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 35 ports in Malaysia. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Klang | MYPKG | Large | 16 m |
| Tanjung Pelepas | MYTPP | Medium | 14 m |
| Johor | MYJHB | Large | 9 m |
| Port Dickson | MYPDI | Medium | 11 m |
| Pulau Pinang | MYPEN | Medium | 9 m |
| Kota Kinabalu | MYBKI | Medium | 8 m |
Port guides: Malaysia
International airports
Malaysia has 26 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur International Airport | KUL | Sepang |
| Kuching International Airport | KCH | Kuching |
| Kota Kinabalu International Airport | BKI | Kota Kinabalu |
| Senai International Airport | JHB | Johor Bahru |
| Langkawi International Airport | LGK | Langkawi |
| Penang International Airport | PEN | Penang |
Services for the Vietnam – Malaysia lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Malaysia?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Malaysia take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 2–7 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Malaysia?
The main cargo ports in Malaysia include Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, Johor, Port Dickson.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Malaysia?
International air cargo to Malaysia mainly arrives via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuching International Airport (KCH), Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Malaysia have?
Both countries are parties to ATIGA, RCEP, CPTPP. Businesses need the appropriate C/O to claim preferential duty rates.
Other markets in Southeast Asia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.