If you are travelling to Malaysia with young children, child car seats are something you need to plan for. Malaysian law requires them, but availability in taxis and ride-hailing services is limited. Here is what you need to know to keep your kids safe and legal on the road.
Malaysian Child Seat Law
Since January 2020, Malaysian law mandates child restraint systems for children travelling in private vehicles. Children under 136 cm in height (or approximately under 12 years old) must use an appropriate child restraint system.
The law applies to all private vehicles, including hired cars with driver. It does not currently apply to taxis and e-hailing services (Grab), which means those services are exempt from providing child seats — but that does not mean your child is safer without one.
Which Seat Type for Which Age
Child seats come in several categories based on age, weight, and height:
Infant Carrier (Birth to ~12 months)
A rear-facing seat for babies up to approximately 13 kg. The baby reclines in a bucket-style carrier that can often be removed from the car and used as a carry seat. Essential for newborns and infants.
Toddler Seat (1 to ~4 years)
A forward-facing seat with a five-point harness for children approximately 9 to 18 kg. This is the most common seat type requested by families travelling in Malaysia. The seat provides head, body, and hip protection.
Booster Seat (4 to ~12 years)
A booster raises the child so the vehicle's seatbelt sits correctly across the chest and hips rather than the neck and stomach. Used for children approximately 15 to 36 kg who have outgrown the harnessed toddler seat but are not tall enough for the adult seatbelt.
The Problem with Taxis and Grab
Standard taxis and Grab vehicles in Malaysia do not carry child seats. You can request a GrabFamily vehicle (which includes a child seat), but availability is very limited — especially outside KL — and you cannot choose the seat type.
This creates a real problem for parents. You either travel without a child seat (legal in taxis/Grab but unsafe), bring your own from home (bulky and inconvenient), or book a private car service that provides one.
How We Handle Child Seats
When you book with us, simply tell us your child's age (or weight/height if you prefer) and we install the appropriate seat in the vehicle before pickup. No extra charge, no hassle.
We carry:
- Infant carriers for babies under 12 months
- Forward-facing toddler seats for children 1 to 4 years
- Booster seats for children 4 to 12 years
If you need multiple seats (for example, a toddler seat and a booster for two children), let us know and we install both. The vehicle choice may need to be an MPV rather than a sedan to accommodate two child seats plus adult passengers. See our vehicle options.
Tips for Travelling with Kids in Malaysia
Request the Seat When Booking
Do not assume a child seat will be available on the spot. Request it at the time of booking so the correct seat type is ready and installed. If you have specific brand or model preferences, mention them — though most families are happy with any properly certified seat.
Confirm the Seat Is Properly Installed
When you get into the vehicle, check that the child seat is securely attached — it should not move more than 2.5 cm side to side when you push it. The harness straps should be snug against your child's chest (you should be able to fit one finger between the strap and their collarbone, but not more).
Rear-Facing for as Long as Possible
Safety research consistently shows that rear-facing is safer for young children. Keep your child rear-facing until they exceed the weight or height limit of their rear-facing seat. In Malaysia, most children can remain rear-facing until age 2 or beyond.
For Long Trips, Plan Breaks
Children should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours without a break. For outstation trips to Cameron Highlands (3 hours) or Penang (4 hours), your driver can stop at rest areas for stretching, feeding, and nappy changes. Just let them know you will need stops.
Bring Entertainment
A tablet loaded with downloaded shows, colouring books, or favourite toys keeps children content during longer drives. The Cameron Highlands road has over 100 turns — a distracted child handles it better than a bored one staring out the window.
Flying In? What About the Airport Transfer?
If you are arriving at KLIA with children, your airport transfer vehicle can have the child seat pre-installed and waiting. Your driver meets you at arrivals, helps with luggage, and the seat is already set up in the car. No dragging a car seat through the airport or hoping your taxi has one.
If you are bringing your own child seat from home (some parents prefer their own), let us know and the driver ensures there is space for it and assists with installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a child seat for a 20-minute airport transfer?
Legally, yes — in a private hired vehicle with driver, the child seat requirement applies regardless of trip duration. More importantly, accidents are just as likely on short trips. The 20-minute airport transfer to your hotel involves a highway, speed, and other vehicles. The seat is there for protection, not compliance.
My child is almost 12 — do they still need a booster?
The law uses 136 cm height as the threshold. If your child is under 136 cm, they should use a booster. Even above 136 cm, the seatbelt should sit across the chest and hips properly — if it rides up to the neck, a booster is still recommended.
Can I hold my baby on my lap instead?
This is unsafe at any speed. In a 50 km/h collision, a 5 kg baby becomes a 150 kg force — impossible to hold. Always use an infant carrier, even for short trips. We provide them at no extra charge.
Travelling with kids? We provide child seats at no extra charge with every booking. Just tell us your children's ages and we handle the rest.
Book with Child Seats