Advice on lock for check in luggage

The TSA is a US government entity. Its rules can only apply in the USA, not if travelling between Malaysia and a European country.
There is no requirement from any European country to use a specific type of lock on your luggage when flying.

There is a requirement in the US that you luggage be unlocked or accessible to TSA for an inspection, if necessary. Hence, the TSA locks. However, we simply use plastic cable ties to secure all zipper. If TSA want access, they will cut them off --- and they have. I assume the same would apply with European security.

You don't have to have a TSA approved lock but if TSA inspects your luggage and can't open the lock they will break it. I have had my luggage inspected by them.

This is the type of lock I use. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Combination-Accepted-4688DBLU/dp/B000WO84Z2/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=78683804742163&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=t&hvqmt=p&keywords=lock%2Btsa&qid=1572443918&sr=8-4&th=1. I like them because it's a narrow cable that goes thru the zipper holes and kind of spring locks into the lock base i.e. it won't fall out. Then when you're ready to lock it you just spin the dials preset to whatever combo you want. It makes it handy if I need to open the suitcase for any reason before checking it.

You can also use cheap cable ties if you just want to know if your luggage has been tampered with. The drawback is you need some sort of cutter to remove like a knife that you can get thru security.

And yes, as said TSA is only a USA entity. European airport security is different and sometimes has different rules. Example, at Heathrow all liquids in my carryon had to go in the one quart bag even if medicine like nasal spray which in the US can be in a separate bag..

A toe-nail clipper works very well for cutting a plastic cable tie. Carry it in an outside, unsecured pocket on my bag along with the extra ties. I have had the cable tie removed, bag inspected, note left behind, and an orange cable tie re-applied to the bag. There have been reports here of the TSA lock being removed and tossed. And, of course, regular locks being cut off. The plastic ties, TSA locks, etc., are not going to prevent theft if the thief is determine but it is a prevention and, most importantly, is that bag stays closed during all of the handling.

Frank, good idea on the nail clipper. And I'd prefer cable ties over the old style locks with the hard metal shanks vs the cable type i currently have. And yes, locks only discourage theft, not prevent. I've been known to lock my carryon in the overhead of I'm worried it might get riffled thru while I'm asleep. Yep, I'm a worrier.

All these posts are irrelevant. The OP is, as far as I can see, flying between Malaysia and Italy. Anything the TSA does and does not approve of, and how to cope with their rules, has absolutely no influence on how he should secure his luggage.

Hi,
I always use those strips. And I keep spare and a small scissor in one of those pockets in the front of the suitcase. I put a few strips per zipper. It has worked for many many years....

I always use TSA approved locks. My luggage has been opened several times the last time on a trip to China. They always leave a note--never had anything removed or rummaged through. Not sure what looked suspicious in luggage--maybe lots of liquids such as sunscreen, mouth wash, etc. These were bagged together.

Only in the USA does TSA have the key to open TSA locks. Outside of the US, I believe they will page you if they want to check your luggage - or just cut the lock off

I never bother locking my checked luggage because I never put anything of value in them. If I am carrying anything of value, it always goes in my carryon. Soft sided luggage can easily be opened with a razor blade. Zippered bags can be compromised by plunging a stick pen in the right location on the zipper.

Another vote for plastic cable ties, or zap-straps.
I use black ones, and zip them in as tight as possible, then they can hardly be seen.
If I'm checking the bag, I put a cheap pair of scissors and a handful of spare ties in the outside case pocket.
No keys to lose , or combinations to remember, or locks to get damaged.

I'm with Philip. I don't lock my checked bag as I don't have anything of value in there. I DO use a carabiner to clip the zippers together so they don't come open. In a pinch I use a twist tie, especially for the smaller outside pockets.

I stopped locking my luggage after traveling with my brother and SIL and BOTH of their cable locks failed on the same trip. She finally got hers open with scissors and worrying the cable apart. He had to get pliers from the maintenance guy at the first hotel to get his open.

The only valuables I have other than cards and money are some older binoculars. I have them in my carry on because they don't need to be jolted around like they would be with baggage handling and would have the cards and money on me anyway. I do have all my tickets for various things or events in my carry on bag as well.