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If you're a Malaysian living overseas, you can apply for postal voting if there's an upcoming election
Postal voting is not automatic, and it's not open permanently. It only opens when the Election Commission (EC), or Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia, announces postal voting applications for a specific state or general election.
The application window for postal voting is typically two to four weeks.
For instance, the EC has opened applications for postal voting for this year's Negeri Sembilan state election from 12 June to 10 July 2026.
Who can apply for postal voting from overseas?
Malaysian citizens living overseas can apply for postal voting if they are registered voters and meet the eligibility requirements.
For most overseas Malaysians, this means applying under Category 1B. This includes Malaysians who are working, studying, or living abroad. Living in another Malaysian state does not count as living overseas.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for postal voting in Malaysia if you're overseas:
STEP 1: Log in to MySPR
After logging in with your IC number and password, click on 'Permohonan' > 'Permohonan Undi Pos' > 'Borang Permohonan'. This will lead you to the application form for postal voting.
If it's your first time opening a MySPR account, here's a simple guide.
STEP 2: Choose the correct postal voting category and fill up your details
Under 'Category', select 'Pengundi Luar Negara'. Next, enter your reason for applying for postal voting, along with relevant information like your contact number and mailing address.
Important: Enter your address in Roman letters only. Enter a phone number reachable by the courier in your country of residence.
STEP 3: Confirm your details and check the acknowledgement
Make sure your overseas address is complete and accurate, as this is where your postal ballot will be sent if your application is approved.
Check the checkbox and click 'Daftar' to submit your application.
STEP 4: Go through the verification process to complete your application
Click 'Saya Pasti' to confirm all your information submitted is complete and accurate.
Request a TAC number, and click 'Hantar' to finalise the application.
What happens after you apply?
After submitting your application, check your postal vote application status through MySPR.
Your application may still need to be processed before it is approved.
If your application is approved, the postal ballot will be sent to the overseas address you provided. You must then mark and return the ballot according to the instructions given.
Frequently asked questions
Can Malaysians overseas apply for postal voting in a state election?
Yes, if postal voting applications are opened for that specific state election and your voter record is tied to a seat in that state. For example, if postal voting is opened for a Johor state election, it is meant for eligible Johor voters, not every Malaysian overseas.
Can Malaysians in Singapore apply for postal voting?
Yes. Malaysians living in Singapore may apply under Category 1B if they are registered voters and applications are open for that election. Singapore counts as overseas because the voter is outside Malaysia.
Can Malaysian students overseas apply for postal voting?
Yes. Malaysian students living overseas can apply under Category 1B if they are registered voters. They still need to apply through MySPR. Postal voting is not automatic for overseas students.
Can I apply for postal voting if I am only travelling overseas temporarily?
It depends on the Election Commission's requirements for that election. Category 1B is generally meant for Malaysian citizens living overseas, so voters who are only travelling temporarily should check the latest EC conditions before applying.
Can I apply if I live in another Malaysian state?
No, not under the overseas postal voting category. Living in another Malaysian state is not the same as living overseas. For example, a Sabah voter living in Kuala Lumpur does not qualify under Category 1B just because they are far from their polling centre.
What happens if I choose the wrong postal voting category?
Your application may be rejected or delayed. For most overseas Malaysians, the relevant category is Category 1B. Always check the category before submitting your application.
Can I apply after Parliament or a state assembly is dissolved?
Only if postal voting applications are open and the deadline has not passed. Dissolution does not mean applications stay open indefinitely. The key date is the deadline announced by the Election Commission for that election.
Can I change my overseas mailing address after applying?
It depends on whether your application has already been processed or approved. If you entered the wrong address, check MySPR and contact the Election Commission as early as possible. Do not wait until ballots are issued.
Where do I check my postal vote application status?
You can check your postal voting application status through MySPR. Your application may show as pending, approved, rejected, or another status depending on what the system displays for that election.
Related election guides
- When Is The Next Election? Here Are The Deadlines For Every State And Federal Poll In Malaysia
- What To Do If Your Voter Details Are Wrong In MySPR
- If I Change The Address On My IC, Will My Voting Constituency Change?
- How To Check Your Voter Status, Voting Place, And Constituency In Malaysia
- What Is MySPR Semak And How Do You Use It?
- How To Check Your Polling Station, Saluran, And Voting Details Online
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Check your voter details through MySPR Semak and apply through MySPR when postal voting applications are open.
Last updated: 1 July 2026
