If you’ve received a missed call from a number starting with +60 or you are trying to place an international call to Southeast Asia, you might be wondering: Which country uses the 60 area code?
The short answer is: Country code +60 belongs to Malaysia.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about dialing Malaysia, understanding its area codes, and staying safe from potential international phone scams.
1. The Basics: Malaysia’s Country Code (+60)
Every country is assigned a unique international subscriber dialing (ISD) code by the International Telecommunication Union. For Malaysia, that code is 60.
When dialing a Malaysian number from abroad, you must always prefix the number with +60 or 0060.
2. How to Dial a Malaysian Number
To call a Malaysian phone number from another country, follow this format:
- Exit Code: Dial your country’s international exit code (e.g., “011” for the USA, “00” for the UK/Europe).
- Country Code: Dial 60.
- Area Code: Dial the specific city or region code (omit the leading ‘0’).
- Subscriber Number: Dial the local phone number.
Example: To call a landline in Kuala Lumpur (Area Code 03), you would dial:
+60 3 [Local Number]
3. Major Area Codes in Malaysia
Malaysia uses specific codes for different states and territories. Here are some of the most common ones:
| City/Region | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya | 3 |
| Penang, Kedah, Perlis | 4 |
| Perak | 5 |
| Negeri Sembilan, Melaka | 6 |
| Johor | 7 |
| Kuching (Sarawak) | 82 |
| Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) | 88 |
4. Mobile Phone Numbers in Malaysia
If you are calling or messaging a Malaysian mobile phone (via WhatsApp or SMS), the format is slightly different. Mobile numbers in Malaysia typically start with 01.
When using the international code +60, you remove the leading zero.
- Local format: 012-XXX-XXXX
- International format: +60 12 XXX XXXX
Common mobile prefixes include 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, and 19, depending on the service provider (such as Maxis, Celcom, or Digi).
5. Is a Call from +60 a Scam?
While +60 is the legitimate code for Malaysia, scammers often use international numbers to conduct “Wangiri” (one-ring) scams or “spoofing” attacks.
Tips for staying safe:
- Expectancy: If you don’t know anyone in Malaysia and aren’t expecting a business call from there, be cautious.
- Avoid Calling Back: If you receive a one-second “missed call” from a +60 number, do not call back. This could result in high international toll charges.
- WhatsApp Scams: Be wary of messages from unknown +60 numbers offering “easy jobs” or asking for personal financial information.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What time zone is Malaysia in?
A: Malaysia operates on Malaysia Time (MYT), which is UTC +8. Consider this before calling to avoid waking someone up!
Q: Can I use WhatsApp with a +60 number?
A: Yes. WhatsApp uses the international format (+60) to identify Malaysian users.
Q: Is +60 the same as +61?
A: No. +60 is Malaysia, while +61 is Australia. Make sure you check the second digit carefully!
Summary
If you see +60 at the start of a phone number, it is originating from Malaysia. Whether you are calling a business in Kuala Lumpur or a friend in Penang, remember to drop the leading “0” from the local area code or mobile prefix to ensure your call goes through successfully.