Different answers from MAS

Different answers from MAS

I flew from Tokyo to Johor Bahru (JHB) via Kuala Lumpur (KUL).I called both airlines to connect my booking together since they are under One world. During check in at Narita International airport Tokyo , I reconfirmed that I am able to have my boarding pass and luggage to be picked up at Johor Bahru airport. The transit time was more than 3hours which had more than enough time for both airlines to transfer my luggage . Upon arrival at JHB airport, my luggage did not come out and also I was told that I need to come back to pick up the luggage myself ! Later another staff told me that they will send to my address ASAP. Can see some pax also having same problem. What happen to MAB? 

Baggage would typically need to pass through customs inspection (with you being present) at the first point of entry into Malaysia. This is the typical process worldwide, though there are a few exceptions at some airports which can screen baggage originating from another country (such as the case at Chiang Mai airport).

This could have added to the confusion as I believe some Malaysian airports do have this capacity (namely those in Sarawak and Sabah) but most domestic pennisular Malaysia airports do not.

Just because you were transferring between OW carriers and are able to have your bags tagged through, doesn't mean you get a free pass on all other baggage transfer rules.

I'm not personally familiar with Malayasia but it sounds to me that Forst Port of Entry rules apply. In many countries (as with Australia) you are required to complete all customs formalities at your first port, including collecting your baggage for processing, regardless of it is tagged through.

An airline won't pay to deliver your bag if it is lost due to your own actions, including failure to collect where required.

To be fair, I don't think the domestic interlining rules in Malaysia is that clear. Unlike Qantas that announces it through the cabin PA upon landing of international flights, I don't believe MH makes such announcements. 

I was going to reply that this information is available from TIMATIC, which is the visa database airlines and travel agents use. However when I checked it myself it does clearly state that:

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at the airport of final destination in Malaysia, provided it is labeled so.

So now I am at a loss as to why MH won't deliver your bag.
(To be fair, I did admit to not being familiar with Malaysian rules off the top of my head).

Soure: http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/MY-Malaysia-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm#Import regulations

My understanding that your first leg is international while second domestic. I cannot reconfirm that for Malaysia, but in Australia even if you check your baggage through to destination (i.e. Melbourne), you still have to pick it up and put through custom when international flight lands (i.e. Sydney). In distant past I was fooled by customer service when I boarded in Europe that I will pick baggage first time in Melbourne (my route was via Sydney) and since then lesson learned.

It is not about different tickets or different airlines, it about international-domestic transfer.

I travelled to kota kinabalu from ADL via KUL on MH recently all on MH.

I was expecting to collect my bag in KL but after hours of trying to get help after it didnt show on the belt I was advised that it would go direct to KK. Sure enough it went direct and I cleared customs in KK even though it was not the first port of entry. Hope that helps a bit

Dave,

Malaysian Custom and Immigration policies for travel to/within the Peninsula and from the Peninsul to East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) is different.

Not too long ago prior to federation, the territories of North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak were in fact separate colonies.

Thanks for that Babushka