Sterile male genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were released in a field trial in Malaysia in December 2010. The objective of the deliberate release was to study the biological characteristics of the GM mosquito under field conditions. This paper describes the biosafety review process, regulatory protocols at national level and public engagement before the limited field trial. Our experience has shown that public engagement is an important component of field releases to provide information, receive feedback from the public and gain public trust through the transparency of the process.