KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The government announced on Friday that the duty-free shopping limit for visitors and tourists in Langkawi and Labuan will be increased to RM10,000 in a move aimed at boosting tourism on the two islands.

However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2027, said visitors and tourists must stay for at least 48 hours to qualify for the higher duty-free allowance.

With the duty-free shopping allowance set to increase to RM10,000, what can visitors actually buy in Langkawi and Labuan?

While both islands offer a wide range of duty-free goods, shoppers hoping to make the most of the higher allowance may want to focus on items that usually cost more on the mainland.

It remains unclear when the new limit will take effect and which product categories will qualify. The availability of specific brands may also vary between retailers and the two islands.

Currently, duty-free allowances for goods purchased on the two islands vary according to the category of items.

Under existing rules, different limits apply to goods such as clothing, cosmetics, food products and alcoholic beverages.

Shoppers who exceed the prescribed limits are generally required to pay duty on the excess amount rather than the entire purchase, subject to the applicable customs rules.

Meanwhile, cigarettes and tobacco products have been subject to tax on all Malaysian duty-free islands, including Langkawi, Labuan, Tioman and Pangkor, since January 1, 2021. This means shoppers no longer enjoy duty-free savings on these products.

Alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits and malt liquor, remain eligible for duty-free concessions, subject to the applicable conditions. However, the existing allowance is capped at a combined total of one litre per person.

With that in mind, here are some items and brands visitors can look out for:

1. Fashion and accessories

Shoppers can browse branded watches, wallets, leather goods, sportswear, clothing and other accessories.

Brands to look out for may include Casio, G-Shock, Seiko, Citizen, Adidas, Nike and Puma.

2. Perfumes and cosmetics

Branded perfumes, fragrances, skincare products, makeup and beauty gift sets are among the items shoppers can consider.

Brands to look out for include Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Shiseido and MAC Cosmetics.

3. Electronics and gadgets

Selected electronic goods, headphones, portable speakers, cameras, personal-care appliances and other gadgets are also worth browsing.

Brands shoppers may find include Sony, JBL, Bose, Apple, Samsung, Philips and Panasonic.

4. Cookware and cutlery

Pots, pans, cups, plates, dinnerware, glassware, casserole dishes and cutlery are among the kitchen essentials shoppers can look for.

Brands to look out for include Corelle, Luminarc, CorningWare, Visions, Pyrex, Arcopal, La Gourmet, Tefal, Joseph Joseph and HappyCall.

5. Bags and suitcases

Travel bags, luggage, suitcases, backpacks, handbags and shoulder bags are other options for shoppers.

Brands to look out for include Samsonite and American Tourister.

6. Chocolates and confectionery

Imported chocolates, sweets, biscuits, cookies and confectionery gift boxes remain popular choices among visitors.

Brands shoppers may find include Ferrero Rocher, Lindt, Toblerone, Godiva, Cadbury, Hershey's and KitKat.

7. Local products and souvenirs

Visitors can also browse locally made chocolates, traditional snacks, batik, handicrafts, textiles, decorative gifts and souvenirs featuring local landmarks.

Malaysian-made food products and locally produced gifts are other options for those looking to bring home something from the islands.