If your parcel is stuck in transit in Malaysia, it means it’s delayed somewhere along its delivery route, often at a hub, checkpoint, or during courier handover.
It’s not lost in translation, but it’s not moving fast either. And when parcel delivery tracking doesn’t update for days, it can feel like your parcel has disappeared into a black hole somewhere between Klang and Kota Bharu.
But before you panic or contact support, it helps to understand why delays happen, what each tracking status means, and what actions you can take.
This guide explains:
- Common reasons parcels get stuck in Malaysia
- What tracking updates actually mean
- What to do if your parcel hasn’t moved
Why Does My Parcel Say “In Transit” for So Long?
“In transit” doesn’t mean lost, it means it’s on the move or waiting to move.
The term “in transit” covers a wide range of behind-the-scenes activities in a delivery system. Your package might be:
- Sitting at a courier hub waiting for the next scan
- Delayed due to route backlog or weekend holdover
- Awaiting customs clearance if from overseas
In Malaysia, parcels may stay “in transit” for 2–7 days, sometimes longer during public holidays or sale events like 11.11 and Raya.
Common Reasons Your Parcel Is Stuck in Transit (Malaysia 2025)
| Cause | Description | Affects | Typical Delay |
| High Parcel Volume | Backlogs during festive sales (11.11, CNY, Raya, Christmas) at sorting hubs | Domestic | 1–3 days |
| Courier Misrouting | Parcel sent to the wrong hub before being rerouted properly | Domestic | 2–5 days |
| Weather Disruptions | Floods or roadblocks prevent collection or delivery | Domestic | 1–3 days |
| Customs Clearance Delay | Missing invoice, incorrect declaration, or restricted items | International | 3–10 days |
| Recipient Address Issues | Incomplete address, wrong postcode, or failed delivery attempts | All types | Varies |
High Volume Backlogs
Sales like 11.11 (Single’s Day) or Shopee Payday cause parcel surges that flood central hubs. Your parcel might be scanned in Klang Valley and then sit idle for days before sorting resumes.
Courier Misrouting
If a parcel from JB is wrongly sent to Ipoh instead of KL, it has to be manually rerouted. The tracking status usually stays as “in transit” until the detour is resolved.
Weather Disruptions
In flood-prone areas like Shah Alam or parts of Johor, delivery vans may be rerouted or delayed until roads are cleared. This affects both outbound and inbound parcels.
Customs Clearance Hold (International)
Packages without proper commercial invoices or containing restricted items (cosmetics, health supplements, sharp objects) may be held by Malaysian customs until documentation is provided. Tracking often reads “Held at customs” or “Pending clearance.”
Recipient Issues
Even one wrong digit in a postcode can lead to failed delivery. Some couriers attempt redelivery the next day; others return it to the hub for manual review.
How Long Do Courier Delays Typically Last in Malaysia
Most parcel delays in Malaysia clear within 2–5 working days unless held by customs.
Delivery timelines vary based on destination, courier load, and whether the shipment is local or international. Here’s a breakdown of what’s normal and when to worry:
Domestic Deliveries (Within Peninsular Malaysia)
Typical Delay: 1–3 working days
Minor delays are usually caused by hub congestion, especially around major cities like Klang Valley or Penang. Most parcels resume movement within a couple of days, even if the tracking hasn’t refreshed yet.
Interstate Deliveries (Sabah & Sarawak)
Typical Delay: 5–7 working days
Deliveries to East Malaysia take longer due to air/sea routing and limited cargo space. Tracking may remain “in transit” while the parcel waits at the KLIA hub or a regional depot in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.
International Deliveries
Typical Delay: 5–10 working days
Cross-border shipments often slow down at customs, especially if documentation is incomplete or item descriptions raise flags. Parcels from China, Singapore, or Korea may move quickly, while those from the US or EU may face more inspection steps.
When Should You Start Worrying?
If your parcel has been “in transit” for more than 7 working days with no updates:
- Track it via the courier’s official site (not just Taobao or Temu app)
- Note the last scan location and timestamp
- Contact the courier’s support team with your tracking number
- Request a status update or escalation if it’s past the expected delivery window
What Do Different Parcel Tracker Statuses Mean?
Tracking terms vary, but each update reflects a step in the logistics chain. Here’s a breakdown of common tracking statuses in Malaysia:
| Tracking Status | What It Means |
| In Transit | Parcel is on the move or at a sorting hub |
| Out for Delivery | Parcel is on the last-mile journey to recipient |
| Held at Customs | Parcel awaiting clearance or documentation |
| Exception | A problem has occurred (misroute, damaged label) |
| Delivered | Item has reached the recipient (with timestamp) |
Always match the tracking update with the timeline. If “In Transit” status lasts over a week, something may be off.
Parcel Tracking Hasn’t Moved in Days? Here’s What to do
When your tracking hasn’t moved in days, don’t panic-scroll or refresh 12 times an hour. Follow this practical step-by-step to get things moving.
Step 1: Track It on the Official Courier Site
Skip the third-party apps and plug your tracking number into the courier’s actual website or a parcel tracker platform like ParcelDaily. That’s where real-time data updates first.
Step 2: Find the Last Scan Location and Time
Look for the last status entry. Was it at a hub? “In transit”? That timestamp tells you where it got stuck and possibly, why).
Step 3: Contact Courier Customer Service
Have this ready:
- Tracking number
- Sender & recipient name
- Date of shipment
- Last scan location
- Ask clearly if the parcel is delayed, lost, or waiting for processing. Then ask:
“Could you check if this parcel is delayed, held, or awaiting a scan update?”
Step 4: Contact the Seller (If it’s from an Online Store)
Sellers can lodge an internal inquiry faster than you can. They often get backend access and faster replies, especially with Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.
Delayed International Shipping? It might be at Kastam
If your international parcel tracking hasn’t moved in days, there’s a good chance it’s sitting with Kastam, and no, they don’t always tell you upfront.
Parcels are commonly flagged for inspection when entering Malaysia. Here’s why it might be stuck:
Common Reasons Kastam Hold Your Parcel
1. No Commercial Invoice Attached
Customs officers need to see what the item is and what it’s worth. If the seller forgot to include a proper invoice, your parcel may sit untouched.
2. Undervalued Declared Amount
Listing your new smartwatch as “RM20 electronics” might save a few ringgit on paper—but Kastam will likely flag it for suspected tax evasion.
3. Restricted or Taxable Items
Products like cosmetics, health supplements, e-cigarettes, or electronics often require permits or trigger tax collection. These get inspected more frequently.
What Documents You’ll Be Asked For
If your parcel is held, Malaysian Customs will usually request the following before it can be released:
- Commercial Invoice
A document showing the full item description, quantity, unit price, and total value. - Proof of Payment
A receipt or screenshot from your payment method (Shopee, PayPal, bank transfer) - Copy of IC or Passport
Used to verify recipient identity for customs processing. - Import Permit (If Applicable)
Only needed for certain categories like medicine, food items, or regulated tech.
What If No One Contacts You?
Kastam doesn’t always initiate contact. If your tracking says “Held at Customs” for more than 5 working days, take the lead:
- Call your courier (Ninja Van, J&T) and ask:
“Can you check if my parcel is being held by Kastam, and if documents are needed for clearance?”
- Email the required documents directly to the courier’s customs or support team
- Keep your reference number handy in case of follow-up
Tip to Avoid Customs Delays Next Time
Before placing an international order:
- Make sure the seller includes a proper invoice
- Declare the correct value honestly
- Avoid importing restricted items without permits
Most parcels stuck with Kastam are cleared within a few working days, if you provide what they need, quickly and clearly.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic, Track Smarter with ParcelDaily
At ParcelDaily, we know how frustrating it can be when your parcel seems to vanish mid-journey. But delays aren’t always a sign of disaster, they’re often the result of routine hub scans, customs reviews, or courier schedule changes.
“Over the last 7 years, we’ve helped our customers ship over 10 million parcels, and collectively saved over RM20 million through optimised COD and fulfilment support.” – ParcelDaily
That track record isn’t just a number, it shows our deep experience with delivery bottlenecks and resolution pathways. When your parcel stalls, the key is clarity: know where it is, why it’s paused, and what to do next.
With ParcelDaily, you can:
- Track across all major Malaysian couriers in real time, no app needed!
- Understand what each status means, so you know exactly when to escalate.
- Take swift action with clear guidance on next steps, whether it’s contacting you, seller, or customs.
So the next time your parcel is “stuck in transit,” skip the panic scroll. Use ParcelDaily for your standard tracking delivery needs.
We’re here to help you track better, one delivery at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parcel Stuck in Transit
What Does “In Transit” Mean In Parcel Tracking?
It means your parcel is on the move or waiting to move between courier hubs. It hasn’t been lost, just not scanned or delivered yet.
Why Hasn’t My Parcel Moved For Several Days?
It’s likely delayed at a hub, stuck in customs, or awaiting the next scan. Sales periods, bad weather, or misrouting can all slow it down.
How Long Should I Wait Before Contacting The Courier?
Wait 3–5 working days for domestic delays, and up to 7 days for international. If there’s still no update, contact support with tracking info.
Do Public Holidays Affect Parcel Delivery In Malaysia?
Yes. Couriers often pause operations during national holidays, which leads to a backlog. Expect longer delays after events like Hari Raya or CNY.
Are Customs Allowed To Hold Parcels Without Notice?
Yes. Kastam may hold your parcel without notifying you right away. If it says “Held at Customs” for more than 5 days, contact your courier.
What Can I Do If The Tracking Status Hasn’t Changed?
Track the parcel on the courier’s official site, note the last scan, and call customer service with details. You can also escalate through the seller.
