Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s first and most popular cryptocurrency, known as “digital gold.”
In Malaysia, Bitcoin is gaining traction as an alternative investment, with millions of young investors participating in the crypto market.
How do you buy, store, and secure Bitcoin safely?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about investing in Bitcoin in Malaysia.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a blockchain network without the need for banks or governments.
Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin is scarce, with a total supply of only 21 million BTC, making it an attractive hedge against inflation and economic instability.
Key Features of Bitcoin:
- Decentralized: No central authority controls Bitcoin.
- Transparent: All transactions are recorded on the blockchain.
- Limited Supply: Only 21 million BTC will ever exist.
- Borderless: Can be sent and received worldwide.
Is Bitcoin Legal in Malaysia?
Yes, Bitcoin is legal in Malaysia, but it is not recognized as legal tender. This means businesses are not required to accept it for payments.
However, Bitcoin trading is regulated under the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) to ensure investor protection.
Regulated Exchanges
To buy and sell Bitcoin safely in Malaysia, you must use an exchange approved by the Securities Commission Malaysia:
- Luno
- Tokenize Malaysia
- SINEGY
- MX Global
- Hata
- Torum – Not available yet
How to Buy Bitcoin in Malaysia (Step-by-Step Guide)
Buying Bitcoin in Malaysia is easy if you follow these steps.
However, it’s important to use a licensed exchange and secure your Bitcoin properly to avoid scams or unnecessary risks.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to buy Bitcoin safely:
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Crypto Exchange
A cryptocurrency exchange is a platform where you can buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exchange:
Licensed by the Securities Commission (SC) Malaysia – Ensures compliance with local laws.
Low fees – Some platforms charge lower trading fees and offer free deposits.
Ease of funding – Supports FPX bank transfer, e-wallets, or debit/credit cards.
Security – Features like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and insurance.
User experience – A clean interface and good customer support.
Tip: Always use SC-licensed exchanges to avoid potential scams or unregulated platforms.
Step 2: Sign Up and Verify Your Account
Once you’ve chosen an exchange, the next step is to register and verify your identity.
How to Create an Account:
- Go to the exchange’s website or app and click “Sign Up”.
- Enter your email, phone number, and a strong password.
- Verify your email and phone number via OTP.
Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) Process:
To comply with Malaysian regulations, exchanges require identity verification (KYC) before allowing deposits or withdrawals.
What You Need for KYC Verification:
- MyKad (IC) – Front and back images.
- Selfie Verification – A live photo of yourself.
- Proof of Address (optional) – Utility bill, bank statement, or phone bill.
Verification Time: Usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on the exchange.
Why KYC is Important: It prevents fraud and ensures safe and legal trading in Malaysia.
Step 3: Deposit Funds (Add Money to Your Account)
Before buying Bitcoin, you need to deposit Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) into your exchange account.
Funding Options Available:
- FPX Bank Transfer – Cheapest and fastest option, often free or low-cost.
- Credit/Debit Card – Instant, but higher fees (2%-3% or more).
- eWallets (TNG, GrabPay, etc.) – Available on some exchanges but may include extra fees.
Tip: Use FPX bank transfers to minimize fees and get the most Bitcoin for your money.
Step 4: Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
Now that your account is funded, you can proceed to buy Bitcoin.
Buying Options:
- Market Order – Buy instantly at the current market price.
- Limit Order – Set a price, and the order executes only when Bitcoin reaches that price.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin:
- Log into your exchange account.
- Select Bitcoin (BTC) from the list of cryptocurrencies.
- Enter the amount of MYR you want to invest.
- Choose market order for an instant purchase or limit order if you want a specific price.
- Click Buy and confirm the transaction.
Important Tip: Start small and gradually invest more as you become comfortable with crypto investing.
Step 5: Secure Your Bitcoin (DO NOT Keep It on the Exchange!)
After purchasing Bitcoin, DO NOT leave it on the exchange, especially if you’re holding it long-term. Exchanges can be hacked, and your Bitcoin may be at risk.
How to Store Bitcoin Safely
Bitcoin security is crucial because, unlike traditional bank accounts, Bitcoin transactions are irreversible—if you lose access to your BTC or fall victim to a scam, there’s no way to recover it. Here’s how to store your Bitcoin safely, depending on your needs:
Hot Wallets (Online Wallets) – Best for Convenience
Hot wallets are software-based wallets that remain connected to the internet. They are suitable for users who trade frequently or need quick access to their Bitcoin.
✅ Pros:
- Instant access to funds for trading or transactions.
- Free to use and easy to set up.
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies.
❌ Cons:
- More vulnerable to hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.
- Requires extra security measures (e.g., two-factor authentication (2FA), strong passwords).
Examples of Popular Hot Wallets:
- Trust Wallet – User-friendly, supports multiple assets.
- Phantom – Popular among crypto traders.
- MetaMask – Known for Ethereum and DeFi but also supports Bitcoin.
When to Use a Hot Wallet:
✔️ If you trade Bitcoin frequently.
✔️ If you need to send or receive BTC quickly.
✔️ If you’re experimenting with small amounts of BTC.
🚨 Golden Rule: Not your keys, not your Bitcoin! Always store your BTC in a wallet where you control the private keys.
Cold Wallets (Hardware Wallets) – Best for Security
Cold wallets are offline storage solutions that keep your private keys completely disconnected from the internet. These are the safest way to store Bitcoin, especially for long-term holders (HODLers).
✅ Pros:
- Immune to hacking since private keys never touch the internet.
- Protects against phishing attacks and exchange hacks.
- Best for large amounts of Bitcoin or long-term investments.
❌ Cons:
- More expensive (costs RM300-RM800 depending on the model).
- Less convenient for frequent transactions.
- Must be kept physically safe (risk of loss or damage).
Examples of Popular Cold Wallets:
- Ledger Nano X – Bluetooth support, highly secure.
- Trezor Model T – Open-source firmware, touchscreen interface.
When to Use a Cold Wallet:
✔️ If you plan to hold Bitcoin long-term.
✔️ If you have a significant amount of BTC.
✔️ If you want maximum security against hacks and theft.
Additional Security Measures
No matter which wallet you choose, follow these best practices:
Enable 2FA – Always activate two-factor authentication on your wallets and exchanges.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
Backup Your Recovery Phrase – Store your seed phrase securely offline (not on cloud storage or your phone).
Beware of Phishing Scams – Never share your private key or seed phrase with anyone.
Consider Multi-Signature Wallets – For extra security, require multiple private keys to authorize transactions.
Step 6: Monitor and Manage Your Investment
Bitcoin is a volatile asset, so it’s essential to monitor your investment and stay updated on market trends.
You can track the Bitcoin price on your exchange or through apps like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko.
Be aware of the risks associated with high volatility and only invest what you can afford to lose.
For beginners, it’s often best to take a “buy and hold” approach, where you hold your Bitcoin for an extended period rather than trying to time the market.
Consider creating a diversified portfolio if you plan to invest further in cryptocurrency. Diversification can help reduce the impact of price fluctuations in any one asset.
Read my article on How to Invest in Cryptocurrency in Malaysia!
How to Sell Bitcoin in Malaysia (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you want to cash out your Bitcoin (BTC) for Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), follow these steps:
Step 1: Transfer BTC to a Licensed Exchange
- Open your crypto wallet (e.g., Trust Wallet, Ledger, or MetaMask).
- Copy your BTC deposit address from the exchange.
- Send BTC to the exchange and wait for confirmation (may take 10-30 minutes).
Tip: Always double-check the address before sending!
Step 2: Sell Bitcoin for MYR
- Go to the “Sell” section on the exchange.
- Select BTC → MYR.
- Choose a Market Order (instant sale) or Limit Order (set your price).
- Confirm the transaction.
Market Order = Sells immediately at the current price.
Limit Order = Sells only when BTC reaches your target price.
Step 3: Withdraw MYR to Your Bank Account
- Go to Withdraw Funds or Cash Out.
- Select FPX Bank Transfer (fastest & cheapest option).
- Enter your bank details and withdrawal amount.
- Confirm withdrawal (processing time varies by exchange).
⚠️ Check Withdrawal Fees – Some exchanges charge small fees for bank transfers.
Understanding Bitcoin Investment Risks
Investing in Bitcoin can be highly rewarding, but it comes with risks. Here’s what you need to know:
Price Volatility 📉📈
Bitcoin’s price can swing 10% or more in a single day due to market speculation and global events.
Only invest what you can afford to lose—never go all in.
Tip: If volatility stresses you out, consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA) instead of lump-sum investing.
Security Risks 🔒
Hacks & Phishing: Exchanges and wallets can be targeted by hackers.
Best Practices:
✅ Always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
✅ Never share your private keys—whoever has them controls your Bitcoin.
✅ Use hardware wallets (cold storage) for long-term security.
Irreversible Transactions ⚠️
Once sent, Bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed.
Double-check addresses before sending BTC—mistakes can be costly.
Avoid sending BTC to unknown or unverified wallets.
Scams & Fake Platforms 🚨
Avoid get-rich-quick schemes, Ponzi schemes, and fake investment platforms.
Only use SC-approved exchanges in Malaysia to avoid losing funds.
Beware of fake giveaways—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Regulatory Uncertainty ⚖️
Governments worldwide are still shaping Bitcoin regulations.
Malaysia has strict crypto regulations, but future policies could impact buying, selling, or taxation.
Stay updated with Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) guidelines.
Bitcoin Taxation in Malaysia
Bitcoin is not subject to capital gains tax in Malaysia for individual investors. However:
- If you trade Bitcoin frequently, profits may be subject to income tax.
- Businesses accepting Bitcoin must report it as income.
Alternative Ways to Invest in Bitcoin in Malaysia
Aside from buying Bitcoin directly, you can also invest through:
Bitcoin ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
Invest in Bitcoin indirectly through regulated ETFs.
List of Bitcoin ETFs:
- BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
- Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
- Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) (converted from a trust)
- ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
- Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
- Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
- VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
- WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)
- Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
- Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
You can invest in Bitcoin ETFs with brokers like Moomoo Malaysia and Rakuten Trade!
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading
Buy Bitcoin directly from sellers via P2P platforms.
Common platforms: Binance P2P, Huobi, Paxful.
Bitcoin Mining (Not Recommended in Malaysia)
Bitcoin mining is energy-intensive and requires expensive hardware.
Not cost-effective due to high electricity rates.
Final Tips for Bitcoin Investors in Malaysia
Start Small: Invest only what you can afford to lose.
Use Regulated Exchanges: Avoid unlicensed platforms.
Secure Your Bitcoin: Store in a hardware wallet for long-term holding.
Stay Updated: Follow news on Bitcoin regulations in Malaysia.
Avoid Hype & Scams: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Conclusion
Investing in Bitcoin in Malaysia is straightforward but requires due diligence and security awareness.
By using regulated exchanges, securing your assets, and staying informed, you can safely participate in the Bitcoin revolution.
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