Cryptocurrency has gained significant traction in Malaysia, with more investors exploring digital assets as an alternative investment.
While crypto is not legal tender in Malaysia, trading is legal and regulated under the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).
This guide will walk you through how to invest in cryptocurrency in Malaysia safely and legally.
Understanding Cryptocurrency
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses blockchain technology for security, making transactions decentralized and transparent.
Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies are not controlled by any central authority, making them immune to government intervention.
Types of Cryptocurrencies
- Transactional Tokens – Used for payments (e.g., Bitcoin, Litecoin).
- Platform Tokens – Power blockchain applications (e.g., Ethereum, Solana).
- Utility Tokens – Provide access to services (e.g., Chainlink, Uniswap).
- Governance Tokens – Give voting rights in decentralized projects (e.g., Maker, AAVE).
- Security Tokens – Represent ownership of real-world assets and are regulated like securities.
Legality of Crypto in Malaysia
Is Crypto Legal in Malaysia?
Yes! Cryptocurrency trading is legal in Malaysia as long as it is done through licensed Digital Asset Exchanges (DAX) registered under the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).
However, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender, meaning you cannot use them to pay for goods and services.
Thinking about starting your crypto journey? 🚀 Luno is one of Malaysia’s most trusted and SC-approved exchanges. Read my full review to discover its fees, features, and whether it’s the right platform for you!
Approved Cryptocurrencies in Malaysia
As of February 2025, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has approved the following 19 cryptocurrencies for trading on licensed exchanges:
| Cryptocurrency | Symbol | Utility |
| Bitcoin | BTC | Digital currency for peer-to-peer transactions. |
| Ethereum | ETH | Platform for various decentralized applications and services. |
| Avalanche | AVAX | Platform for decentralized applications and custom blockchain networks. |
| Polygon | MATIC | Enhances Ethereum’s scalability and usability. |
| Bitcoin Cash | BCH | Digital currency focusing on efficient payments. |
| Ripple | XRP | Enables fast and low-cost international money transfers. |
| Litecoin | LTC | Digital currency for everyday transactions. |
| Solana | SOL | Platform for scalable decentralized applications. |
| Chainlink | LINK | Provides reliable tamper-proof data for smart contracts. |
| Uniswap | UNI | Facilitates decentralized trading of various tokens. |
| Cardano | ADA | Platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications. |
| Polkadot | DOT | Facilitates cross-chain transfers of data and assets. |
| Cosmos | ATOM | Enables communication between multiple blockchains. |
| Worldcoin | WLD | Designed for universal basic income and global transactions. |
| Aave | AAVE | Facilitates lending and borrowing without intermediaries. |
| Curve DAO | CRV | Provides low slippage swaps between stablecoins. |
| Maker | MKR | Manages the DAI stablecoin system. |
| Synthetix | SNX | Enables trading of synthetic assets representing real-world values. |
| Stellar | XLM | Facilitates cross-border transactions between any currencies. |
Before investing, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and understand the unique features and utilities of each cryptocurrency. Always use regulated exchanges and practice proper risk management to protect your investments.
Where to Buy Crypto in Malaysia
Licensed Cryptocurrency Exchanges (DAX) – The Safe Way
The safest way to buy cryptocurrency in Malaysia is through SC-approved Digital Asset Exchanges (DAX), including:
- Luno – User-friendly, good for beginners.
- Tokenize – Offers more altcoins.
- SINEGY – Focused on local users.
- MX Global – Backed by Binance.
- Hata & Torum – Newly licensed exchanges.
Each exchange has different fees and features, so compare them before signing up.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly exchange, check out my Luno Malaysia Review, Hata Malaysia Review and Tokenize Malaysia Review to compare their features, fees, and supported cryptocurrencies.
Alternative Methods (Higher Risk)
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Marketplaces – Directly buy from sellers (higher risk).
Bitcoin ETFs – Invest in Bitcoin indirectly through exchange-traded funds.
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!
Crypto ATMs – Not available in Malaysia due to regulatory restrictions.
Looking for an alternative to Luno and Tokenize? 💡 Hata is a rising crypto exchange in Malaysia with competitive features. See how it stacks up against other platforms in my detailed review! 🔍 Read the full breakdown here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Crypto in Malaysia
1. Choose a Licensed Crypto Exchange
Before buying crypto, make sure to use a platform approved by Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) for safety and compliance. Some popular SC-regulated exchanges include:
- Luno – Beginner-friendly, supports BTC, ETH, XRP, and more.
- Tokenize Malaysia – Offers a wider range of altcoins.
- SINEGY & MX Global – Other approved local platforms.
Compare fees, supported cryptocurrencies, and ease of use before deciding.
2. Create an Account & Verify Identity (KYC)
All licensed exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification to comply with regulations.
- Sign up with your email and set a strong password.
- Upload a clear photo of your IC (for Malaysians) or passport (for foreigners).
- Take a selfie verification as required by the platform.
- Verification typically takes a few minutes to 1-2 days.
3. Deposit Funds in MYR
Once verified, fund your account using:
- FPX bank transfer – Instant deposits from Malaysian banks.
- E-wallets – Some platforms support TnG, GrabPay, or Boost.
- Direct bank transfer – May take longer but works as an alternative.
Check for deposit fees and minimum deposit requirements before transferring funds.
4. Select Cryptocurrency & Buy
Now, you can purchase crypto based on your preferences:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – The most well-known and widely accepted crypto.
- Ethereum (ETH) – A leading blockchain for smart contracts and DeFi.
- Other SC-approved coins – Some exchanges offer XRP, LTC, SOL, etc.
Decide whether to buy via market order (instant purchase) or limit order (set your price).
5. Secure Your Assets in a Wallet
For better security, avoid keeping large amounts of crypto in exchange wallets. Instead, transfer your assets to a private wallet:
- Hot wallets (Trust Wallet, MetaMask) – Convenient but connected to the internet.
- Cold wallets (Ledger, Trezor) – Offline and safest for long-term holding.
Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and keep your recovery phrases secure.
Things to Consider Before Buying Crypto in Malaysia
1. Fees & Costs
Crypto trading isn’t free—different platforms have different fee structures that can affect your overall investment.
Trading Fees – Exchanges charge a small fee per trade, typically 0.1% – 2%, depending on the platform and transaction type (market vs. limit order).
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees – Some platforms charge RM0 for MYR deposits, but crypto withdrawals may have high network fees (especially for BTC and ETH). Always check fee schedules before trading.
Spreads & Hidden Costs – Some platforms have wider buy/sell spreads, meaning you may lose value when buying or selling.
2. Market Risks
Crypto is a high-risk investment—prices can skyrocket or crash within hours.
Volatility – Unlike stocks or gold, crypto prices are highly unstable. Be prepared for significant price swings.
Regulatory Risks – Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) regulates certain platforms, but future laws could impact how crypto is taxed or traded. Unlicensed exchanges could be banned at any time.
3. Other Considerations
Tax Implications – While Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on crypto, frequent traders might be taxed under income tax laws. It’s best to consult an accountant for clarity.
Transaction Speed & Liquidity – Some cryptocurrencies take longer to process. Bitcoin (BTC) can take 10–60 minutes, while others like XRP or SOL are much faster.
4. How to Spot & Avoid Crypto Scams
The crypto space is filled with scams—protect yourself by being vigilant.
Check if an exchange is SC-registered before investing. Unlicensed platforms pose higher risks.
Avoid “guaranteed returns” schemes – If it sounds too good to be true, it’s likely a Ponzi scam.
Never share your private keys or seed phrases – Once stolen, your funds are gone forever.
Watch out for phishing sites & fake apps – Always double-check URLs and download official apps from trusted sources.
⚠️ Notable Crypto Scams in Malaysia
Here are some notable cryptocurrency scams in Malaysia that highlight the importance of vigilance:
- Former Engineer Loses RM9.47 Million in Crypto Scam: In January 2025, a 63-year-old retired engineer from Johor fell victim to an online cryptocurrency investment scam, resulting in a loss of RM9.47 million. The scam promised high returns from Bitcoin investments.
- Man in Johor Bahru Loses Nearly $300k in Crypto Scam: In November 2024, a 42-year-old man from Johor Bahru was defrauded of close to RM1 million after falling for a cryptocurrency scam tied to purported Bitcoin investments.
- Unauthorized Crypto Mining Leading to Significant Losses: Between 2018 and 2023, illegal crypto mining operators in Malaysia stole approximately $723 million worth of electricity. These unauthorized operations have strained the country’s power grid and resulted in substantial financial losses.
Many of these scams utilized social media advertisements, WhatsApp groups, and influencers to lure victims. Always exercise caution and verify investment platforms before committing any funds.
5. Shariah-Compliant Crypto Options
For Muslim investors, crypto investments should align with Islamic finance principles (avoiding riba, excessive speculation, and haram activities).
- Halogen Capital launched Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant crypto fund.
- Bitcoin (BTC) is debated among scholars—some say it’s halal, while others consider it haram due to its speculative nature. Always do your own research (DYOR) or consult an Islamic finance expert before investing.
Want to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia but not sure where to start? 🧐 This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know—from choosing an exchange to securing your crypto. 🛡️ Start your Bitcoin journey today!
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency offers exciting investment opportunities, but it comes with risks. Always use licensed exchanges, secure your assets, and invest wisely.
Remember, cryptocurrency is highly volatile—never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Have you invested in any cryptocurrency? Or are you ready to start your cryptocurrency investing journey? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any questions you may have!
Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, or feel free to reach out directly to me via email [email protected]
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