Drug offences in Malaysia are treated extremely seriously. The possible consequences range from a fine for a relatively small quantity of drugs to imprisonment, whipping, life imprisonment and even the death penalty for drug trafficking.
This guide is written to help ordinary members of the public, accused persons and family members understand the five most common categories of drug offences in Malaysia under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The five main categories discussed in this guide are:
- Section 6 – possession of raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw or cannabis;
- Section 12 – possession, custody or control of dangerous drugs;
- Section 39A(1) – increased punishment for possession involving specified quantities;
- Section 39A(2) – more serious possession involving larger quantities; and
- Section 39B – drug trafficking.
There are many other drug-related offences under Malaysian law. However, these five provisions are among the most common and important offences encountered in criminal courts throughout Malaysia.
A person searching from the United Kingdom may use the term drug offence solicitor in Malaysia, while a person from the United States or another jurisdiction may search for a drug case attorney in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the more commonly used descriptions are drug offence lawyer, criminal lawyer,drug trafficking lawyer, or a section 39B lawyer.
Regardless of the terminology used, anyone arrested or investigated for a drug offence in Malaysia should obtain legal advice from a Malaysian criminal lawyer familiar with the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Understanding Drug Charges in Malaysia
The exact charge faced by an accused person will usually depend on several matters, including:
- the type of drug allegedly recovered;
- the weight of the drug confirmed by the chemist;
- where the drug was allegedly found;
- whether the accused had possession, custody or control of the drug;
- whether the prosecution alleges actual or presumed trafficking;
- the accused person’s knowledge of the drug;
- whether statutory presumptions apply;
- the accused person’s criminal record; and
- the overall facts and circumstances of the arrest.
The weight of the drug is particularly important because it may determine whether the accused is charged under Section 6, Section 12, Section 39A(1), Section 39A(2) or Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
1. Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
Section 6 generally concerns the possession of raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw and cannabis.
The heading of the provision states:
“Section 6 : Restriction on possession of raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw and cannabis”
For cannabis cases, Section 6 commonly applies where the quantity is below 20 grammes.
This is generally considered less serious than an offence under Section 39A(1), Section 39A(2) or Section 39B. A common example is where a person is alleged to have possessed a small quantity of cannabis for personal consumption, such as a few rolls or an amount equivalent to one or two cigarettes.
Upon conviction, a person may be liable to:
- a fine not exceeding RM20,000;
- imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
- both a fine and imprisonment.
What sentence is normally imposed under Section 6?
Although the court has the power to impose a sentence up to the statutory maximum, the actual sentence depends on the facts of each case.
Based on our experience and general sentencing trends, a first offender involving a relatively small quantity may receive a fine. Fines in some straightforward cases may fall within the region of approximately RM2,000 to RM4,000.
However, this is not a guaranteed sentencing range.
A higher fine or imprisonment may be imposed where aggravating circumstances exist, including:
- previous convictions;
- repeated drug offences;
- a larger quantity of drugs;
- an early or late plea of guilt;
- the circumstances in which the drugs were found; and
- the accused person’s overall criminal record.
A Section 6 charge is ordinarily heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Bail may generally be available, subject to the court’s decision and the circumstances of the case.
2. Section 12 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
Section 12 commonly concerns the possession, custody or control of dangerous drugs to which the relevant part of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 applies.Unlike Section 6, which is frequently encountered in cannabis cases, Section 12 may involve other forms of dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine and drugs listed in the First Schedule to the Act.
Section 12(2): Prohibition Against Possession, Custody or Control
Section 12(2) provides:
“(2) No person shall have in his possession, custody or control any dangerous drug to which this Part applies unless he is authorized to be in possession, custody or control of such drug or is deemed to be so authorized under this Act or the regulations made thereunder.”
The prosecution must establish the necessary legal elements of the offence. Depending on the circumstances, issues may arise concerning:
- whether the accused possessed the drugs;
- whether the accused had custody or control of them;
- whether the accused knew of the existence and nature of the drugs;
- whether the drugs were found in a shared location;
- whether another person had access to the place where the drugs were recovered; and
- whether any statutory presumption applies.
Punishment Under Section 12(3)
Section 12(3) provides:
“(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence against this Act and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.”
The maximum punishment is therefore:
- a fine not exceeding RM100,000;
- imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
- both.
Although the maximum fine is RM100,000, the court is not required to impose the maximum sentence in every case.
For a first offender involving a relatively small quantity, fines in some cases may fall within the range of approximately RM2,000 to RM4,000. However, sentencing always depends on the facts, the quantity and type of drug, the accused person’s previous convictions and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Section 12 cases are generally heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Bail may normally be available, although bail is ultimately determined by the court according to the applicable law and circumstances.
3. Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
Section 39A(1) provides an increased punishment where the quantity of drugs reaches certain specified thresholds.
This provision covers cannabis as well as several other dangerous drugs.
The section states:
“(1) Every person found guilty of an offence against this Act where the subject matter of the offence is-
(a) 2 grammes or more but less than 5 grammes in weight of heroin;
(b) 2 grammes or more but less than 5 grammes in weight of morphine;
(c) 2 grammes or more but less than 5 grammes in weight of monoacetylmorphines;
(d) a total of 2 grammes or more but less than 5 grammes in weight of heroin, morphine and monoacetylmorphines or a total of 2 grammes or more but less than 5 grammes in weight of any two of the said dangerous drugs;
(e) 5 grammes or more but less than 15 grammes in weight of cocaine;
(f) 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes in weight of cannabis;
(g) 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes in weight of cannabis resin;
(h) a total of 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes in weight of cannabis and cannabis resin;
(i) 100 grammes or more but less than 250 grammes in weight of raw opium;
(j) 100 grammes or more but less than 250 grammes in weight of prepared opium;
(k) a total of 100 grammes or more but less than 250 grammes in weight of raw opium and prepared opium;
(l) 250 grammes or more but less than 750 grammes in weight of coca leaves;
(m) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 2-Amino-1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4 methyl) phenylpropane;
(n) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of Amphetamine;
(o) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine (DMA);
(p) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of Dimethoxybromoamphetamine (DOB);
(q) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET);
(r) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of Methamphetamine;
(s) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 5-Methoxy-3, 4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MMDA);
(t) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA);
(u) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of N-ethyl MDA;
(v) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of N-hydroxy MDA;
(w) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine;
(x) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA);
(y) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA);
(z) 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of 3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine (3,4,5-TMA); or
(za) a total of 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes in weight of any combination of the dangerous drugs listed in paragraphs (m) to (z),
shall, instead of being liable to the punishment provided for that offence under the section under which the person has been so found guilty, be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than two years but shall not exceed five years, and he shall also be punished with whipping of not less than three strokes but not more than nine strokes.”
Punishment Under Section 39A(1)
Unlike a straightforward Section 6 or Section 12 offence, there is no fine-only sentence under Section 39A(1).
The punishment is:
- imprisonment for a minimum of two years;
- imprisonment for a maximum of five years; and
- whipping of not less than three strokes and not more than nine strokes.
The imprisonment and whipping are mandatory upon conviction, subject to any other applicable law relating to whipping.
Example involving cannabis
The difference between Section 6 and Section 39A(1) can be understood through the weight of cannabis:
- below 20 grammes may fall under Section 6; and
- 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes falls within Section 39A(1).
A relatively small difference in the confirmed weight may therefore produce a major difference in punishment.
A Section 6 conviction may result in a fine, imprisonment or both. A Section 39A(1) conviction, however, carries mandatory imprisonment and whipping.
Section 39A(1) cases are generally tried in the Magistrates’ Court. Bail may be available, subject to the applicable law, the prosecution’s position and the court’s discretion.
4. Section 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
Section 39A(2) deals with larger quantities of dangerous drugs and carries a substantially heavier punishment than Section 39A(1).
The section states:
“(2) Every person found guilty of an offence against this Act where the offence is not punishable with death and where the subject matter of the offence is-
(a) 5 grammes or more in weight of heroin;
(b) 5 grammes or more in weight of morphine;
(c) 5 grammes or more in weight of monoacetylmorphines,
(d) a total of 5 grammes or more in weight of heroin, morphine and monoacetylmorphines or a total of 5 grammes or more in weight of any two of the said dangerous drugs;
(e) 15 grammes or more in weight of cocaine;
(f) 50 grammes or more in weight of cannabis;
(g) 50 grammes or more in weight of cannabis resin;
(h) a total of 50 grammes or more in weight of cannabis and cannabis resin;
(i) 250 grammes or more in weight of raw opium;
(j) 250 grammes or more in weight of prepared opium;
(k) a total of 250 grammes or more in weight of raw opium and prepared opium;
(l) 750 grammes or more in weight of coca leaves;
(m) 30 grammes or more in weight of 2-Amino-1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methyl) phenylpropane;
(n) 30 grammes or more in weight of Amphetamine;
(o) 30 grammes or more in weight of 2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine (DMA);
(p) 30 grammes or more in weight of Dimethoxybromoamphetamine (DOB);
(q) 30 grammes or more in weight of 2, 5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET);
(r) 30 grammes or more in weight of Methamphetamine;
(s) 30 grammes or more in weight of 5-Methoxy-3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MMDA);
(t) 30 grammes or more in weight of Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA);
(u) 30-grammes or more in weight of N-ethyl MDA;
(v) 30-grammes or more in weight of N-hydroxy MDA;
(w) 30 grammes or more in weight of N-methyl-1-(3, 4-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine;
(x) 30 grammes or more in weight of 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA);
(y) 30 grammes or more in weight of Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA); or
(z) 30 grammes or more in weight of 3, 4, 5-Trimethoxyamphetamine (3,4,5-TMA),
shall, instead of being liable to the punishment provided for that offence under the section under which the person has been so found guilty, be punished with imprisonment for life or for a term which shall not be less than five years, and he shall also be punished with whipping of not less than ten strokes.”
Punishment Under Section 39A(2)
The punishment under Section 39A(2) is:
- imprisonment for life; or
- imprisonment for a term of not less than five years; and
- whipping of not less than ten strokes.
There is no fine-only punishment.
This means that any person convicted under Section 39A(2) faces mandatory imprisonment and whipping, subject to any applicable legal exemption from whipping.
Bail for a Section 39A(2) charge
There is no bail at all for a Section 39A(2) charge (unbeilable). A person charged under Section 39A(2) will ordinarily be detained pending the conclusion of the case because of the statutory restrictions governing bail for serious offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Drug trials may take a substantial period to conclude. The actual duration depends on factors such as:
- the availability of the chemist’s report;
- the number of prosecution witnesses;
- the court’s available trial dates;
- legal applications filed before or during the trial;
- whether the accused is jointly charged with other persons; and
- whether the matter proceeds through trial, representation or plea negotiations.
A person facing a Section 39A(2) charge should therefore appoint a drug offence lawyer in Malaysia as early as possible. The defence lawyer will need to examine the circumstances of the search, seizure, arrest, investigation, handling of exhibits and the prosecution’s evidence of possession, custody, control and knowledge.
Sentencing under Section 39A(2)
The statutory minimum term is five years’ imprisonment.
An accused person who pleads guilty at an early stage may receive credit for the plea, depending on the facts and circumstances. However, a sentence of five years is not automatic or guaranteed.
Where a person is convicted after a full trial, the sentence may be substantially higher. Sentencing depends on the weight and type of drug, the accused’s role, previous convictions, mitigating factors and the particular facts of the case.
5. Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952: Drug Trafficking
Section 39B is the most serious drug offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
It concerns trafficking, offering to traffic and acts preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in dangerous drugs.
Section 39B provides:
“(1) No person shall, on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, whether or not such other person is in Malaysia-
(a) traffic in a dangerous drug;
(b) offer to traffic in a dangerous drug; or
(c) do or offer to do an act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
(2) Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence against this Act and shall be punished on conviction with death or imprisonment for life and shall, if he is not sentenced to death, be punished with whipping of not less than twelve strokes.”
What is the punishment for drug trafficking under Section 39B?
Following the abolition of the mandatory death penalty, the death sentence is no longer mandatory for every person convicted under Section 39B.
The court now has sentencing discretion.
The punishment upon conviction is:
- the death penalty; or
- imprisonment for life.
Where the accused is sentenced to imprisonment for life instead of death, the accused must also be punished with whipping of not less than twelve strokes, subject to applicable legal exemptions.
This remains one of the most severe offences under Malaysian criminal law.
Is Section 39B a bailable offence?
No, there is no bail at all for a Section 39B Offence (Unbailable). A person charged under Section 39B will ordinarily remain in custody pending the conclusion of the case because of the statutory prohibition concerning bail for offences punishable with death.
A Section 39B case is tried in the High Court.
Because the consequences include death or imprisonment for life, the defence must be prepared carefully and comprehensively from an early stage.
What Must the Prosecution Prove in a Malaysian Drug Case?
The prosecution must prove the legal ingredients of the particular charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Although the exact ingredients differ depending on the provision, important issues commonly include the following.
1. Possession
The prosecution may be required to establish that the accused had possession of the dangerous drugs.
Physical proximity alone may not necessarily establish legal possession. The court will consider where the drugs were found, who occupied or controlled the location and whether the accused knew of the drugs.
2. Custody or control
A charge may be based on custody or control even where the drugs were not physically found on the accused’s body.
For example, drugs may allegedly be recovered from:
- a vehicle;
- a house;
- a rented room;
- a suitcase;
- a parcel;
- a bag;
- a workplace;
- a locked compartment; or
- premises shared with other people.
The surrounding evidence must be carefully examined to determine whether the accused had custody or control of the drugs.
3. Knowledge
Knowledge is frequently one of the most important issues in a drug trial.
The accused may deny knowing that drugs were present. This issue commonly arises in cases involving:
- borrowed vehicles;
- shared houses;
- shared rooms;
- luggage packed by another person;
- parcels collected for another person;
- vehicles driven for an employer;
- drugs concealed in hidden compartments; and
- items carried at another person’s request.
The court will evaluate the accused person’s explanation against the prosecution evidence and the surrounding circumstances.
4. Nature and weight of the drug
The prosecution must ordinarily rely on scientific evidence from a chemist to establish the nature and weight of the substance.
The final weight confirmed by the chemist is extremely important because it may determine the applicable charge and punishment.
For example, the difference between:
- Section 6 and Section 39A(1);
- Section 39A(1) and Section 39A(2); or
- possession and presumed trafficking,
may depend on the type and confirmed weight of the drug.
5. Chain of custody
The prosecution must account for the handling and movement of the exhibits from the time of seizure until the drugs are analysed and produced in court.
The defence may examine:
- who seized the exhibits;
- how the exhibits were marked;
- how they were packed and sealed;
- who stored them;
- who transported them;
- when they were sent to the chemist;
- whether the seals remained intact; and
- whether there were unexplained gaps in the movement of the exhibits.
A break or material weakness in the chain of custody may become an important issue at trial.
Comparison of the Five Main Drug Offences in Malaysia
Section 6
Common example: Cannabis below 20 grammes.
Possible punishment: Fine not exceeding RM20,000, imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
Court: Generally the Magistrates’ Court.
Bail: Generally available, subject to the court.
Section 12
Common example: Possession, custody or control of methamphetamine or another dangerous drug in a quantity below the Section 39A threshold.
Possible punishment: Fine not exceeding RM100,000, imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
Court: Generally the Magistrates’ Court.
Bail: Generally available, subject to the court.
Section 39A(1)
Common example: Cannabis weighing 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes, or methamphetamine weighing 5 grammes or more but less than 30 grammes.
Punishment: Imprisonment from two to five years and whipping from three to nine strokes.
Fine available: No fine-only sentence. Imprisonment of a minimum 2 years is mandatory.
Court: Generally the Magistrates’ Court.
Section 39A(2)
Common example: Cannabis weighing 50 grammes or more, or methamphetamine weighing 30 grammes or more, where the offence is not punishable with death.
Punishment: Life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than five years, together with whipping of not less than ten strokes.
Bail: Not available at all (unbailable).
Section 39B
Offence: Trafficking, offering to traffic or doing an act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in dangerous drugs.
Punishment: Death or imprisonment for life. Where life imprisonment is imposed instead of death, whipping of not less than twelve strokes also applies, subject to applicable legal exemptions.
Court: High Court.
Bail: Not available at all (unbailable).
What Should You Do If a Family Member Is Arrested for a Drug Offence in Malaysia?
If a family member is arrested for a drug case, the first step is to obtain accurate information.
Try to determine:
- the police station handling the investigation;
- the investigating officer’s name and contact details;
- the place and date of arrest;
- the type of drug allegedly recovered;
- the approximate quantity;
- where the drug was allegedly found;
- whether any other person was arrested;
- whether the accused made any statement;
- the remand period; and
- the next court date.
Avoid making public accusations or publishing detailed facts about the case online. Statements posted on social media may affect the accused person, witnesses or the defence strategy.
A drug offence lawyer in Malaysia can communicate with the relevant authorities, explain the investigation and court process, advise the family and begin assessing the possible defence.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Early legal representation is particularly important in serious drug cases.
A Malaysian drug offence lawyer may assist by:
- advising the accused during the investigation stage;
- attending remand or court proceedings where appropriate;
- identifying the exact charge and punishment;
- explaining whether bail is legally available;
- analysing the search and seizure;
- reviewing the prosecution’s evidence;
- examining the chemist’s report;
- checking the chain of custody;
- identifying witnesses;
- advising on representations to the prosecution;
- preparing cross-examination;
- conducting the trial; and
- handling an appeal where necessary.
For a Section 39A(2) or Section 39B charge, the accused must remain in custody throughout the proceedings. Delay in obtaining legal representation may also make it more difficult to locate witnesses, obtain CCTV footage, preserve documents or investigate the accused person’s explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Offences in Malaysia
What is the difference between Section 6 and Section 39A(1)?
For cannabis, the difference is primarily determined by weight.
Cannabis below 20 grammes may be prosecuted under Section 6. Cannabis weighing 20 grammes or more but less than 50 grammes falls within Section 39A(1).
Section 6 allows a fine, imprisonment or both. Section 39A(1) carries mandatory imprisonment and whipping.
What is the difference between Section 39A(1) and Section 39A(2)?
Section 39A(2) applies to larger quantities and carries a substantially heavier punishment.
Section 39A(1) carries imprisonment from two to five years and whipping from three to nine strokes.
Section 39A(2) carries life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than five years, together with at least ten strokes of whipping.
Does being charged with possession mean the accused will definitely be convicted?
No.
A charge is an allegation. The prosecution must prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
The defence may dispute possession, custody, control, knowledge, the identity of the drug, the weight, the chain of custody or other elements of the prosecution’s case.
Can a foreigner appoint a drug offence lawyer in Malaysia?
Yes.
A foreign citizen arrested in Malaysia may appoint a Malaysian criminal lawyer. The person’s family may also contact a law firm in Malaysia from overseas to obtain information and arrange representation.
A foreign client may search online using terms such as:
- drug offence lawyer Malaysia;
- drug offence solicitor Malaysia;
- Malaysian drug trafficking lawyer;
- drug case attorney Malaysia;
- criminal defence lawyer Malaysia;
- lawyer for drug arrest in Malaysia; or
- Section 39B lawyer Malaysia.
The title used in the United Kingdom is often solicitor, while the word attorney is more common in the United States. In Malaysia, the commonly used terms include lawyer, advocate and solicitor, or criminal lawyer.
Is the death penalty mandatory for Section 39B?
No. Following the abolition of the mandatory death penalty, the court has discretion to impose either death or imprisonment for life upon conviction under Section 39B.
However, the death penalty remains legally available. Section 39B therefore continues to be an exceptionally serious criminal charge.
Can a person be charged before the chemist’s report is completed?
The investigation and initial court process may begin before the final chemist’s report is available. However, the chemist’s findings are important because they confirm the nature and weight of the substance and may affect the final charge.
About the Author: Criminal Lawyer Sivahnanthan Ragava
This guide is written by Sivahnanthan Ragava, a Malaysian criminal lawyer and the founder of Chambers of Sivahnanthan Ragava.
His practice focuses exclusively on criminal cases, including:
- drug trafficking charges under Section 39B;
- serious drug possession charges under Section 39A(2);
- drug possession offences under Sections 6, 12 and 39A(1);
- murder and other offences against the person;
- sexual offences;
- kidnapping;
- corruption;
- money laundering;
- criminal breach of trust;
- commercial crime; and
- other serious criminal prosecutions.
Sivahnanthan Ragava represents Malaysian and foreign clients in criminal proceedings and advises family members whose loved ones have been arrested or charged in Malaysia.
International clients searching for a drug offence solicitor in Malaysia or a drug case attorney in Malaysia should understand that Malaysian criminal proceedings must be handled by a lawyer qualified to practise under Malaysian law.
Speak to a Drug Offence Lawyer in Malaysia
A drug charge can affect a person’s liberty, family, employment, immigration status and future.
A person accused of a drug offence should obtain legal advice based on the exact facts of the case. The type of drug, confirmed weight, place of recovery, ownership of the premises or vehicle, access by other persons, chain of custody and evidence of knowledge may all be important.
Chambers of Sivahnanthan Ragava provides criminal defence representation for drug cases in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and throughout Malaysia.
This includes cases involving:
- cannabis;
- methamphetamine;
- heroin;
- morphine;
- cocaine;
- MDMA;
- opium;
- drug possession;
- custody or control of dangerous drugs;
- Section 39A(1);
- Section 39A(2); and
- drug trafficking under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Malaysian drug offences and is intended to make the law easier for members of the public to understand.
It does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. The charge, availability of bail, possible sentence and appropriate defence depend on the particular facts, applicable legislation, evidence and current decisions of the Malaysian courts.
Anyone arrested, investigated or charged with a drug offence should obtain individual legal advice from a qualified Malaysian lawyer.