Is the word mala the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

While the literal meaning of "mala" (a suitcase or bag) is identical in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding slang. In Brazil, "mala" is a very common way to describe a person who is annoying, tiresome, or unpleasant (e.g., "Ele é muito mala"). In Portugal, while the word is understood, it is rarely used to describe people; a Portuguese person would instead use words like chato, pesado, or maçador to express the same idea.

Brazilian Portuguese examples:

1. Preciso arrumar minha mala para a viagem. (I need to pack my suitcase for the trip.)
2. Aquele cara é muito mala, não para de falar. (That guy is so annoying, he doesn't stop talking.)
3. Esqueci minha mala no aeroporto. (I forgot my suitcase at the airport.)
4. Não seja mala, me ajuda aqui! (Don't be annoying, help me here!)
5. Essa mala está muito pesada. (This suitcase is very heavy.)

Continental Portuguese examples:

1. Preciso de fazer a mala para as férias. (I need to pack my suitcase for the holidays.)
2. Aquele tipo é muito chato, não para de falar. (That guy is very annoying, he doesn't stop talking.)
3. Esqueci a minha mala no aeroporto. (I forgot my suitcase at the airport.)
4. Não sejas maçador, ajuda-me aqui! (Don't be tiresome, help me here!)
5. Esta mala está muito pesada. (This suitcase is very heavy.)