Hi guys,

Not sure if this is the right forum, but I'll ask anyways.

Been thinking about getting a genuine RTL-SDR dongle stick. Plenty are available on Lazada and Shopee, but I cannot be sure they are genuine ones. The website for RTL-SDR details out how to differentiate, but being online it's not easy to spot. So the safest bet is to buy from their official store on AliExpress.

I'm pretty sure AliExpress purchases will be opened by our Kastam, and almost sure that Kastam will hold it back due to it being a radio receiver. Is my concern baseless? Is there any local outfit that sell geuine RTL-SDR dongle?

TIA

usually Sirim permit also required

What's wrong about it? If Kastam wants to open and check items, it does not matter if it is from AliExpress, Lazada or Shopee. I'd say it is either random or being suspicious. Lond time ago I ordered something from AliExpress and I did not see any sign of it being opened.

bought RTL-SDR dongle last year from aliexpress. no problem receiving. Do buy standard 1. not too cheapo models

depends on your luck
only once i had to apply for sirim for radio capable items bought oversea, which was an amazon fire tv
bought wifi cards multiple times from aliexpress, all goes through fine

on a side note, damn this thing is really expensive now. bought rtl2832u dongle a few years back for ~RM36 only

RSP1 better

Expensive. Haha

Hit and miss also leh. Haven't decided whether I want to gamble with his haha. Is the Sirim process leceh and also how long and how much?

Thanks. I feel a bit more reassured .

I doubt Kastam checks much of Lazada or Shopee packages that originate from overseas.

If you import radio capable device on your own, there's a possible snag with MCMC / Sirim if Kastam opens it up.

Not particularly related, but I bought a replacement headunit for my car, higher spec than my current one. Sangkittat Kastam, POS Malaysia offered to setel, at some service charges of course. 1 week later arrived no problem.

Wao now I want to buy also, bought radio last time it's reliable but still limited in feature. with rtl-sdr you can receive image from satellite also

AliExpress nowadays kena 10% tax

Cb madani

Overseas items will arrive at the same locations, they will pass through the same scanner regardless.

sirim i did it myself back then, RM100. if use runner, maybe RM200-RM300
communicate with them through email first (sirimpermit@sirim.my) , they'll guide you on the info, documents and form needed
then need to go to sirim office in shah alam, 1-2 hours settle already

👍 👌 thanks

Taobao also got tax liao.

Memang cb madani

If I'm not mistaken, communication or radio capable device here are more on two way communication. The main reason is govt do not want device that transmit radio signal outside designated frequency ranges defined to be used in Malaysia.

That is why importers need to apply for AP. They will check device model to be imported in database. If this was approved before, then you will get an AP without problem. If not in database (never been imported before), then you need to supply sample to be tested to see if the device operate within designated legal frequency band in Malaysia. If everything is okay then you will get AP. This probably take 2 weeks after the sample provided. Forgot the testing fee. Not too expensive.

WiFi devices are 2 way communication but business may tricked customs bringing in product from common manufacturer brands in Malaysia but models were meant for different countries. Japan and US for example has frequency channel that are different from Malaysia. WiFi meant for China market has lower transmit power than allowed in Malaysia. Last time got one company brought it spread spectrum radio for long distance radio link between two locations. The thing was declared as spectrum analyzer (test device) and got through without problem.

Those seller in Shopee and Lazada bring in products which are not yet approved in big quantity without problem. Probably they use land route through Singapore which I believe much easier than through air cargo

For radio, I can't find sentence defined in law but I think it should be no problem because it is receiving only. You can call customs to get clarification. Otherwise just buy from local seller. Unless products are too popular, products are unlikely fake products.

That was announce long time already. Last time below RM500 no tax but seller can bring in goods in small quantity many times and make lot of profit without paying tax.

Now need to buy more than 500 ?

It means even 500 or less get taxed

Took the plunge and ordered today. Hopefully will be smooth sailing.

Happy to report the dongle arrived with no problems midway. Phew!