The Best VPN for Malaysia in 2024: Top 6 Cheap and Free Services
Though Malaysia is a beautiful and diverse country, its online landscape isn’t appealing. You’re bound to encounter online censorship, surveillance and cyber threats while in the country. Read on to discover the best VPN for Malaysia to keep you safe and private.
Written by Samson Kiarie (Writer)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated: 2024-10-08T13:09:44+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPN Services for Malaysia
- NordVPN — Best overall Malaysia VPN with double VPN feature. NordVPN’s best deal is available at a 73% discount.
- Surfshark — Cheapest VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. Sign up now to get 86% off the first two years.
- ExpressVPN — Best beginner-friendly VPN for Malaysia. ExpressVPN offers 49% off on the first year for new users.3
- CyberGhost — Best VPN for Malaysia with “smart rules” automation.
- Proton VPN — Secure VPN with Stealth protocol.
- TunnelBear — Best free VPN with Malaysian servers.
Facts & Expert Analysis About Malaysia VPNs:
- Freedom House report: Freedom House, an organization that rates a country’s online freedom, declared Malaysia “partly free” because the government enforces mild online censorship and surveillance.1
- Politically motivated prosecution: According to Amnesty International, the Malaysian government has used a raft of criminal laws to unfairly prosecute human rights defenders.2
- The VPN solution: Luckily, VPNs are legal in Malaysia, and using one helps circumvent online surveillance and censorship. The software enables you to access content and interact with people online without fear that someone is watching you.
Malaysia is fraught with cyber threats, mild censorship and surveillance. To reclaim internet freedom and access the internet without fear of hacking or other cyber threats, you must use the best VPN for Malaysia. A virtual private network (VPN) assigns you a unique IP address, allowing access to censored content and services in Malaysia.
A secure VPN also offers solid security and privacy, making it difficult for hackers, surveillance agencies and other malicious actors to monitor your online activity. However, not all VPN providers out there tick the right boxes.
Thankfully, we tested numerous VPNs on the market and narrowed down the list of Malaysian VPNs to six. In this guide, we reveal how the top six VPN services perform on the security, privacy, speed and streaming fronts. We also bring the providers’ pricing into the picture to help you make an informed decision.
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02/11/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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05/30/2024 Facts checked
We re-tested VPN services and updated our list to include VPNs that work best for Malaysian residents and Malaysians abroad. We removed VPN services that no longer work in Malaysia.
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10/01/2024
We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.
- 1
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, X-Coin
- : 10
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Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency6 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency103 ms - 3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
- : 8
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Average speedDownload Speed85 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency3 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
- : 7
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Average speedDownload Speed79 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency37 ms - 5
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, cash
- : 10
- :
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- 6
- : Credit card
- : Unlimited
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Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: NordVPN
NordVPN is a reliable, fast, all-around VPN service that works for users in Malaysia and Malaysians abroad. It unblocks any streaming service and delivers an interruption-free full HD or 4K experience. It also offers robust online security, helping users bypass censorship, surveillance and cyber threats. Try NordVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Choose the Best Malaysia VPN
When picking a virtual private network (VPN) for Malaysia, the provider’s security and privacy should be the first factors you consider. However, security and privacy aren’t the be-all and end-all of a Malaysia VPN. Other factors like server network and streaming performance are critical, depending on your needs:
Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
- Security: A VPN for Malaysia must offer essential security tools like secure protocols, encryption and a kill switch. Advanced security features like double VPN are must-haves for users looking for an extra layer of protection.
- Privacy: The VPN should adhere to a strict no-logs privacy policy to guarantee it won’t collect, share or sell user data. Features such as ad blockers and tracker blockers protect your privacy from third-party advertisers, while malware blockers thwart malicious websites to keep hackers and other cybercriminals at bay.
- Server network: Pick a VPN with servers in Malaysia if you want to access local content or services on a protected connection. A VPN with an extensive distribution of global servers suffices for Malaysian residents looking to bypass internet censorship and access content abroad.
- Streaming performance: If you want to access your go-to streaming site and enjoy a lag- and buffer-free experience, pick a VPN with good unblocking ability and fast download speeds. Unlimited bandwidth and data are also vital for streaming.
The 6 Best VPNs for Malaysia
We tested our top Malaysia VPN picks based on the criteria we described earlier. In this section, we highlight the unique features that sway the odds in each provider’s favor and discuss each VPN’s performance on key fronts. Here’s a summary of what each provider brings to the table:
| VPN: | Pricing Per Month | Kill Switch | Secure Protocols | No-Logs Policy | Obfuscation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3.09 | ||||
 | $1.99 | ||||
 | $6.66 | ||||
 | $2.19 | ||||
 | Free | ||||
 | Free |
1. NordVPN — Best Malaysia VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN is a secure VPN service that stands out for its advanced security features, like double VPN, which sends traffic through two servers. This adds an extra layer of protection that gives journalists, human rights defenders and political activists in Malaysia the confidence to share sensitive information without fear of politically motivated prosecution.
In addition, NordVPN servers in Kuala Lumpur enable Malaysians abroad to access local content. On the other hand, Malaysian residents can connect to NordVPN servers in more than 100 countries to circumvent internet censorship. NordVPN is also the fastest VPN, which makes it ideal for users engaging in speed-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and torrenting.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
NordVPN’s apps are easy to navigate for all users thanks to their well-organized and clutter-free UI. Features are explicitly described to help first-time users configure them to meet their needs. Plus, NordVPN groups servers in categories and offers a search function to help users quickly find the ideal server.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protoco | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | |
| NordLynx | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2* | AES 256-bit | |
NordVPN offers essential security features, but unlike ExpressVPN (our third pick), obfuscation isn’t built in. Instead, NordVPN has obfuscated servers in 16 countries. However, there’s no obfuscated server in Malaysia, so NordVPN isn’t helpful for Malaysians in countries with VPN bans. NordVPN also adheres to a strict no-logs policy — it doesn’t collect, store or share user data.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN is relatively cheap compared to some of its competitors. The monthly plan costs $12.99, which is still pricey, but the extended plans are more affordable. The two-year plan costs $3.09 per month, making it NordVPN’s best deal. The provider offers a seven-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our NordVPN review.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Best Cheap Malaysia VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Good
Surfshark sets itself apart from other Malaysia VPNs with its unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers unique security features, such as rotating IP, which periodically changes your IP address when the VPN is connected. This makes it difficult for surveillance agencies or hackers to monitor your online activity.
Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, with 25 of those servers in Malaysia. This enables residents to bypass censorship and surveillance and help Malaysians abroad access content back home. During our testing, the VPN unblocked streaming services on the first attempt and can easily unblock Tencent Video, iQIYI, Viu, MUBI and other Malaysian sites.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
Surfshark’s UI isn’t as neat as that of our top two picks, but it still presents a flat learning curve. Key features such as the kill switch, NoBorders mode and rotating IP are quickly accessible from the home window. For example, you can turn the rotating IP feature on or off without opening the settings page.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protocol | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2* | AES 256-bit | |
Besides the basic security features, Surfshark has an array of advanced features, like MultiHop (a version of double VPN). Surfshark’s MultiHop is dynamic, meaning you can pick the entry and exit nodes. This gives you complete control over the country your traffic passes through. For example, you can avoid routing traffic through countries known for surveillance.
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark’s monthly plan costs $15.45, which is the most expensive. However, the extended plans offer appealing discounts. The two-year plan costs $1.99 per month, making it the service’s most affordable plan. There’s a seven-day free trial on Android and iOS and a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans. Learn more in our full Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Beginner VPN for Malaysia
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is the best beginner-friendly VPN for Malaysia due to its ease of use, excellent security, privacy and streaming performance. The provider has servers in 105 countries, including Malaysia. The global server distribution gives Malaysian residents plenty of IP address options to bypass censorship, and the Malaysian server helps those abroad access Malaysian news and content.
During our testing, ExpressVPN allowed us to watch full HD movies uninterrupted on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and other major streaming sites. It’s the best VPN for streaming, whether you want to watch movies on iQIYI, Viu, MUBI or other Malaysian sites from abroad or watch your go-to series and TV shows from back home while visiting Malaysia.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN is beginner-friendly. Thanks to the well-organized design and intuitive user interface (UI), first-time users will find their way around with ease. Even better, each feature has a brief description of how it works, which makes it easier to tweak the settings to match your specific needs.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protocol | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | |
| Lightway | ChaCha20, AES 256-bit | |
| IKEv2 | AES 256-bit | |
Beyond the secure protocols and reliable kill switch, ExpressVPN has obfuscation baked right into its core. Each server you connect to scrambles VPN metadata from your traffic to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. This is helpful for Malaysians looking to access content back home from countries that restrict VPN use, like China and India.
In addition, ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy. KPMG audited the ExpressVPN system and technologies and found that they don’t retain user data by design or accident.
and IP location concealed.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
The downside to ExpressVPN is its pricing, which is comparatively steep. The monthly plan costs $12.95, but extended plans offer appealing discounts. The best deal is the one-year plan, which will set you back $6.66 per month.
If you’re hesitant about the hefty pricing, start with a seven-day free trial on the Android and iOS apps. Alternatively, get a paid plan for desktop, and if you’re not satisfied, take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to request a refund. Read our full ExpressVPN review to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost — Best VPN for Malaysia With Smart Rules Automation
in Kuala Lumpurand a torrenting-optimized server.
Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
CyberGhost’s 37 servers in Kuala Lumpur give Malaysians abroad a sizable pool of IP addresses with which to access news and watch their favorite local shows. Malaysian residents can connect to any server in 100 countries to bypass censorship. CyberGhost also offers a torrenting server in Malaysia, so you can access torrenting websites and apps while in Malaysia.
CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers can unblock most platforms. Whether you want to watch movies on Netflix, MUBI, Viu or Tencent Video, CyberGhost has you covered. However, it can’t access Amazon Prime Video. Its speeds dip over long distances, so you may experience infrequent lags and buffering while accessing streaming sites abroad.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost offers additional security features that may complicate the configuration process for users who lack technical knowledge. The settings are all over the place on the desktop UI, which steepens the learning curve. Thankfully, the mobile design keeps ease of use in mind — it won’t take long for first-time and advanced users alike to get used to it.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protocol | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2 | AES 128-bit | |
CyberGhost’s “smart rules” is a unique security feature that lets you automate the VPN connection. You can configure the app to establish a VPN connection upon detecting an unsecured Wi-Fi network for round-the-clock protection. This is helpful for internet users relying on public Wi-Fi networks, such as tourists, who are easy targets for cybercriminals in Malaysia.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost’s monthly plan costs $12.99 and has a 14-day money-back guarantee. Extended plans offer appealing discounts and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $2.19 per month.
CyberGhost is the only provider on our list with a 24-hour free trial on desktop. It also offers a seven-day free trial on iOS and a three-day trial on Android. Learn more in our comprehensive CyberGhost review.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. Proton VPN — Secure VPN With Stealth Protocol
Proton VPN’s free version offers unlimited monthly data, a rarity for free VPN providers. It also has free servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland and the United States, making it ideal for users looking to bypass censorship in Malaysia without spending a dime.
Bear in mind that Proton VPN doesn’t let users select their preferred free server. Instead, the app connects free users to the closest free server. Therefore, it’s highly likely that free users in Malaysia will be connected to Japan.
The paid version offers a fleet of 32 servers in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Users abroad will have a large pool of Malaysian IP addresses to choose from, which is ideal for accessing Malaysian content and services. Paid users have access to Proton VPN servers in 91 countries, and its servers offer excellent speeds and unblocking ability for streaming.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
are accessible on the home screen.
The Proton VPN main window looks cluttered and intimidating because it displays lots of details about your connection. Thankfully, the main features, like the kill switch, port forwarding and NetShield, are easily accessible from the main UI. This is coupled with a description of how each feature works, which goes a long way towards simplifying usability.
Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protocol | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | , , |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| Stealth | AES 256-bit | |
Security is Proton VPN’s real forte. Beyond the basic security features, Proton VPN offers the Stealth protocol on Mac, Android and iOS devices. The Stealth protocol uses obfuscation to make VPN traffic look like regular web traffic, enabling users to bypass censorship undetected. In addition, Proton VPN offers NetShield — a built-in ad and malware blocker.
Proton VPN Pricing & Value
Proton VPN’s monthly plan costs $9.99, which is cheaper than all other providers on our list. The two-year plan is Proton VPN’s best deal, setting you back $4.99 per month. Each plan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 10 simultaneous connections. Read our Proton VPN review to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
6. TunnelBear — Best Free VPN With Malaysian Servers
TunnelBear is the best free VPN for Malaysia, and it’s ideal for users on a tight budget. It gives you access to servers in 47 countries, including Malaysia. Malaysian residents can connect to servers abroad to bypass censorship, while Malaysians abroad can connect to the Malaysian server to access local content and services.
However, TunnelBear only offers 2GB of data per month, which might not be adequate for users engaging in data-intensive online activities like gaming and torrenting. Another downside is that TunnelBear doesn’t unblock any major streaming apps, so it might not be ideal if streaming is your cup of tea.
TunnelBear Hands-On Testing
The combination of TunnelBear’s intuitive design and lean feature set flattens its learning curve. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned VPN user, you won’t struggle to navigate the app. The provider recently added a server search function on the Windows, Mac, iOS and Android apps, which has made it easier for users to find optimal servers by name or keyword.
Notes From the Lab: TunnelBear Security Analysis
| VPN Protocol | Encryption Protocol | Devices Supported |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2 | AES 256-bit | |
TunnelBear’s GhostBear — an obfuscation feature — is available for users on Windows, Mac and Android. When activated, GhostBear makes your VPN traffic less detectable. It helps Malaysian residents access educational and government sites that frown upon VPN use. It also enables Malaysians in countries where VPNs are banned to keep up with events back home.
TunnelBear Pricing & Value
TunnelBear’s unique selling proposition is its free plan, which gives you access to servers in 47 countries and 2GB of monthly data. The paid plans are also more affordable than some of the best services. However, they aren’t a great value because TunnelBear has a lean feature set. Learn more in our comprehensive TunnelBear review.
- 2GB
- 2GB
- Unlimited
- Unlimited GB, unlimited devices, priority customer service
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Unlimited GB, centralized billing, account manager, price per user per month (minimum 2 users)
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
Can You Use a Free VPN in Malaysia?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in Malaysia, provided it’s a reputable one. Remember that many free VPN providers have poor infrastructure and can barely circumvent surveillance or access blocked content. Some collect and sell user data, while others are honeypots for hackers and other cybercriminals.
That said, if you’re unwilling to spend money on a VPN, we recommend trying the free versions of paid providers. Proton VPN, Windscribe, hide.me and TunnelBear offer secure free versions.
The Best Free VPN for Malaysia: TunnelBear
TunnelBear is the best free VPN service for Malaysia for two reasons. First, it has a server in Malaysia, making it ideal for users and Malaysians abroad to access local content and services. Second, TunnelBear offers robust security and is suitable for bypassing surveillance and censorship in Malaysia. The only issue is that you’re limited to 2GB of data per month.
Are VPNs Legal in Malaysia?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Malaysia, so using one in the country won’t put you on a collision course with the authorities. However, remember that the legality of VPNs in Malaysia doesn’t mean you should use them to engage in illegal activity. Using a VPN for illegal activity is prohibited.
How to Use a VPN in Malaysia
If you’re using a Malaysia VPN for the first time, follow our step-by-step guide to sidestep any potential hurdles. We’ll use NordVPN to show you how to access content from abroad and bypass censorship while in Malaysia.
- Subscribe to a VPN for Malaysia
Subscribe to a premium VPN for Malaysia or start a free trial with a reputable provider.
- Download and Install the VPN App
Download the VPN app on your Windows or Mac device. If you intend to use the VPN on mobile, install it from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
- Launch and Configure the VPN
Launch the VPN and log in using the credentials you created during signup. Open the settings page and activate the kill switch, obfuscation and other critical security features.
- Connect to a Malaysia VPN Server
If you want to access Malaysian news, movies, TV shows or services from abroad, connect to a Malaysian server. Once the VPN connection is established, conduct a DNS leak test to confirm you have a Malaysian IP address and access the service you want.
- Connect to a Server Abroad
If you want to enjoy internet freedom, access a service banned in Malaysia or unblock platforms and services abroad, connect to a server outside Malaysia. The location should be a country where the banned service is available.
Why You Need a Malaysia VPN
While in Malaysia as a citizen or tourist, you need a VPN to circumvent censorship and content restrictions. Malaysia’s online censorship isn’t as strict as China’s or Russia’s, but the authorities are known to clamp down on political criticism, human rights issues, and news and media. A VPN connects you to a server outside Malaysia to help you access blocked sites and content.
VPNs also enable residents to access streaming sites abroad and help Malaysians abroad access local news, content and services. A secure VPN protects personal data from hackers, third-party advertisers and government agencies. It cloaks your IP address and makes the device hard to monitor, shielding you from session hijacking, identity theft and network snoops.
Community Feedback: The Best Malaysia VPN on Reddit
We found two intriguing discussions about this topic on Reddit. The first one involved a user looking to visit Malaysia who asked for recommendations about the best VPN to use in the country. Redditors recommended some providers on our list, but some also mentioned Private Internet Access (PIA), which is another reliable option.
In the second one, an internet user told a story about a hacking incident in Malaysia. This proves that cyber threats in Malaysia are real and underscores the need for a VPN to keep your personal data and accounts out of hackers’ reach.
Final Thoughts
When picking the best VPN for Malaysia, choose one that offers excellent online security and privacy to keep you hidden from online policing, government surveillance and cybercrime. Your VPN of choice should offer secure protocols, a kill switch and other advanced tools like obfuscation and double VPN.
Though all our recommendations tick all the boxes, we recommend using NordVPN due to its all-around performance. It offers top-notch security, the best connection speeds and excellent unblocking capability. If NordVPN seems interesting to you, you can check it out risk-free and claim a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
Have you used a VPN in Malaysia to bypass censorship or access Malaysian services from abroad? Which VPN provider did you use? Which feature did you like most about the VPN service? We’d like to hear about it in the comment section. As always, thanks for reading.
FAQ: Cheap and Free VPN for Malaysia
NordVPN is the best VPN to use in Malaysia thanks to its solid online security and privacy. It also offers unmatched unblocking ability and fast connection speeds, making it the best VPN for streaming in Malaysia.
Yes, you can use NordVPN in Malaysia. It has servers in Kuala Lumpur and helpful advanced security features such as double VPN.
To connect a VPN to Malaysia, launch the VPN app, select a Malaysian VPN server and hit the connect button.
To change your VPN to Malaysia for free, get the best free VPN with a Malaysian server, like TunnelBear.
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