Standard Pallet Size in Malaysia: Dimensions, Fit, Materials

Choosing the right pallet size in Malaysia isn’t always straightforward. Should you go with 1200×1000mm or 1100×1100mm? How many fit in a 40ft container? Does your pallet need heat treatment for export—and which material handles Malaysia’s heat and humidity best?

This guide answers all of that. Backed by our experience as a plastic pallet manufacturer, you’ll get a clear view of Malaysia’s standard pallet dimensions, how to choose based on your warehouse or export needs, and what materials actually hold up in local logistics.

What Are the Standard Pallet Sizes in Malaysia?

If you’re planning to store or ship products in Malaysia, knowing the standard pallet size can help you avoid a lot of costly mistakes. Let’s get straight to the most common sizes used across the country.

Pallet users in Malaysia mostly rely on a few consistent standards. The most typical pallet sizes are:

These are the standard pallet dimensions that fit most Malaysian racking systems, forklifts, and transport units. Choosing the wrong size can lead to wasted space or compatibility issues, especially in high-density warehousing.

Are These Pallet Sizes ISO Certified or Globally Accepted?

If you’re exporting goods from Malaysia, your pallets must meet international standards to avoid shipment delays or rejections. The key global benchmark is ISO 6780, which defines standardized pallet dimensions and clearances for seamless international logistics.

✅ ISO 6780 Approved Pallet Sizes Include:

• 1200mm × 1000mm
• 1100mm × 1100mm
• 1200mm × 800mm (Euro Size)
• 1140mm × 1140mm
• 1067mm × 1067mm (U.S. standard)

Good to know: Both 1200×1000mm and 1100×1100mm plastic pallets—commonly used in Malaysia—are ISO-compliant and fully export-ready.

Choosing ISO-approved pallets ensures compatibility with container loading plans, international racking systems, and customs processes, reducing the risk of repalletization and transit issues.

How to Choose the Right Pallet Size for Your Business in Malaysia?

Choosing the right pallet size in Malaysia isn’t just about knowing the available options—it’s about matching your business needs with the right specifications. Let’s break it down so you can make the best call for your operations.

1. Start With Where Your Pallets Are Going

If you’re exporting, your pallet size must match the destination country’s logistics standards. For example, shipments to Europe often use 1200×800mm Euro pallets, while North American markets prefer 48×40 inch equivalents.

If your shipments are headed to Singapore, make sure your pallet dimensions align with local preferences—see our standard pallet size in Singapore guide for detailed specs.

But if your operations are mostly within Malaysia or Southeast Asia, you’re safe sticking with 1200×1000mm or 1100×1100mm, which are the most common standard pallet dimensions in the region.

2. Check Your Warehouse or Rack System

The wrong pallet measurements can create wasted space or unstable stacking. Look at your existing storage setup:

• Narrow aisle racking may require smaller footprints like 1100×1100mm;
• Block stacking on open floors gives you more flexibility in dimensions and height;
• For automated storage systems (AS/RS), precision is key—your pallet must fit with minimal clearance errors.

Always verify the standard pallet height and fork entry clearance to make sure the pallets fit your warehouse equipment. If needed, we can help you adjust pallet specifications or recommend suitable models based on your storage system and handling tools.

3. Consider Your Industry’s Handling Style

Not every sector moves goods the same way. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Food & Beverage: You may need a pallet with easy washing, ventilation, and moderate weight capacity. 1200×1000mm is common for this.
• Pharma or Electronics: Compact, cleanroom-compatible pallets like 1100×1100mm work better.
• Agriculture or Bulk Exports: For larger loads and stacking strength, 1200×1200mm or heavy-duty options are ideal.

If your loads are irregular in shape, you might benefit from custom pallet dimensions to avoid waste and reduce shift during transport.

The key is simple: start from your logistics goal, check your equipment limits, and factor in your product type. Not sure which pallet size fits your workflow? We offer expert sizing support based on your floorplan, racking system, and handling tools. See our pallet consultation service to learn how we help you make the right decision from day one.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 20ft or 40ft Container from Malaysia?

Whether you’re exporting pallets from Malaysia or using containers for local deliveries and internal storage, knowing how many units fit into a 20ft or 40ft container helps you plan logistics more efficiently and avoid underutilized space.

Container space is limited, and the exact number of pallets depends on their footprint, height, and stacking method. Below is a quick reference based on the two most commonly used pallet sizes in Malaysia.

Container Loading Reference Table

These numbers apply to floor-loaded single-stacked pallets without racking or shelving. With double stacking (allowed for stable plastic pallets), you can typically fit up to 40 pallets in a 40ft container.

A few factors may affect these figures:

• Pallet height must not exceed internal container limits—usually around 2.4m stacked.
• Pallet weight and total cargo load should comply with port regulations and shipping line limits.
• Uneven loads or custom pallets may reduce packing efficiency.

Many of our Malaysian clients use 3 runners 1200×1000mm pallets for both export and domestic container operations, especially in cold chain, OEM distribution, and warehouse-to-retail flows.
We’ve optimized packing plans across industries to help maximize space and reduce shipping costs. If you need support planning pallet layouts inside containers, talk to our team for expert advice.

Do You Need Heat-Treated Pallets in Malaysia?

Heat-treated pallets are only required in specific export situations, not for all shipments from Malaysia. The key factor is the material and destination of your pallet.

You only need heat-treated pallets if:

• You’re exporting wooden pallets;
• Your destination enforces ISPM 15 regulations (such as the EU, the U.S., Australia);
• You must prove treatment with an official HT stamp on each pallet.

Plastic pallets do not require heat treatment—they are fully exempt from ISPM 15. That’s one reason why more Malaysian exporters are switching to plastic.

For domestic transport within Malaysia, heat treatment is not required, whether you’re using wood or plastic. Even for regional supply between Klang Valley, Johor, and Penang, you don’t need treated pallets.

All plastic pallets from our factory are export-ready without additional processing, making them ideal for companies that want to streamline shipments and avoid compliance delays.

Are Custom Pallet Sizes Available for Malaysian Warehouses?

Yes—custom pallet sizes are available in Malaysia, and in many cases, they’re worth it. But before jumping in, it’s important to ask whether your warehouse truly requires a custom solution.

You might need a non-standard size pallet if:

• Your racking system was built for imported shelf units;
• Your packaging doesn’t align with local standard pallet dimensions;
• You operate in cold rooms or conveyors that need tighter tolerances;
• Your product load is too narrow or wide for typical footprints.

In Malaysia, custom pallets are especially common in pharmaceuticals, cold storage, and high-speed automation, where exact fit matters more than unit cost.

If you’re looking for a plastic pallet manufacturer in Malaysia, we offer a strong alternative with faster support and wider customization options.

Our factory handles:

• Flexible mold development based on your CAD drawings or floor plans
• Custom sizes, colors, logos, steel reinforcements, or anti-slip finishes
• Specialized pallets for cold chain, automation, or high-humidity environments common in Malaysia
• Load-specific designs for narrow aisles, container fitting, or export-grade strength

With production based in China and direct shipping routes to Port Klang and Penang, we offer fast delivery, reasonable pricing, and no unnecessary MOQs. You get a pallet that works right—from specs to shipment.

What Material Works Best for Malaysia’s Climate and Logistics?

Malaysia’s hot and humid climate puts every pallet to the test—especially in ports, cold rooms, and long-haul transport. If you’re wondering which material holds up best, here’s a practical comparison to help you decide.

Pallet Material Comparison for Malaysian Conditions

Feature / Material	HDPE (Plastic)	PP (Plastic)	Wood
Humidity Resistance	Excellent (non-absorbent)	Good	Poor (absorbs moisture)
Heat Tolerance	Stable up to 60–70°C	Higher than HDPE	Warps/cracks under heat
Cold Chain Suitability	Strong	Moderate	Not suitable
Load Capacity (Dynamic)	High	Moderate to High	Varies (less stable)
Lifespan (under use)	5–10 years	3–6 years	1–3 years
Maintenance Need	None	Low	High (prone to damage)
Export Compliance (ISPM 15)	Fully Exempt	Fully Exempt	Requires Heat Treatment
Ideal Industries	Cold storage, export, pharma	Light industry, closed-loop	Local transport, low-budget
Cost Efficiency (Long-term)	High	Medium	Low

If you’re operating in Malaysian ports, humid warehouses, or cross-border supply chains, plastic pallets—whether HDPE or PP—tend to outperform wood in durability, hygiene, and long-term cost efficiency. HDPE works best for heavy-duty or cold chain use, while PP is a reliable option for light industry and internal distribution.

Choosing the Right Pallet Size in Malaysia Starts With the Right Manufacturer

Finding the right pallet size in Malaysia means more than just picking a standard—it’s about matching your operation, climate, and shipping flow. As a dedicated plastic pallet manufacturer, we help you go beyond guesswork with material expertise, container planning insights, and size recommendations that actually fit your needs.

Let us simplify your decision. Share your application, load type, and budget, and we’ll deliver the most cost-effective, durable pallet solution—ready for Malaysia’s logistics and beyond.
👉 Contact us now for a custom quote or expert sizing support.