How to Buy Bitcoin in Malaysia

Are you trying to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Malaysia? Selecting the best platform and navigating the constantly changing regulatory environment can be daunting for any crypto enthusiast, regardless of skill level. Luckily, Malaysia has made great strides in cryptocurrency regulation, and there are currently a number of exchanges that have been approved by the government. In this guide, we will review the status of Bitcoin in Malaysia, its popularity, and how to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia through different local and international crypto exchanges.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Malaysia: Summary

Malaysia is an expanding crypto economy, and obtaining Bitcoin in the country is quite simple. Recently, the Malaysian government started the process of officially approving certain cryptocurrency exchanges to operate in the country, following a clear set of regulations. To purchase Bitcoins in Malaysia, follow these steps:

1.     Download or get a Bitcoin wallet or set up an online wallet
2.     Go to Best Wallet
3.     Choose the amount of BTC that you want to buy
4.     Enter your payment information and bitcoin address

Alternatively, you can go to each of these exchanges if you want to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia:

Sinegy

To be reviewed

Visit exchange

Luno

Read review

Visit exchange

Coinmama

Read review

Visit exchange

Visit site

CEX.IO

Read review

Exchange

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Is Bitcoin Legal in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, the Capital Markets and Services Act of 2007 regulates cryptocurrencies as securities. A number of Digital Asset Exchanges (DAX), including Luno, Sinegy, Tokenize, MX Global, Torum, and Hata, have received approval from the Securities Commission (SC). As these platforms are completely regulated and licensed, Malaysians can trade in a more secure and open environment. To make sure local laws are followed, only use platforms that are registered with the SC.

As of 2025, casual bitcoin investments are exempt from capital gains tax in Malaysia. However, it can be taxable income if your cryptocurrency activity counts as a company, such as regular trading, mining, or taking cryptocurrency as payment. The “badges of trade” test is used by the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to assess if your activity is related to your business. Consult a local tax advisor if in doubt.

How Popular is Bitcoin in Malaysia?

According to the Google trends chart, people in Malaysia are keen to keep up with Bitcoin news. The chart displays the interest level, or search activity, for the term “Bitcoin” within the country’s overall search queries.

Despite the growing popularity of Bitcoin around the world, Malaysia, like most other countries saw peak Bitcoin search interest in the 2021 bull market and that level has yet to be topped.

In Malaysia, Bitcoin isn’t commonly used for regular transactions, but some tech-savvy shops and cafés in Penang and Kuala Lumpur are trying out crypto payments. The usage of cryptocurrency for international investments and remittances is also growing, particularly among younger people.

Main Malaysian Bitcoin Communities

Malaysia has several online Bitcoin resources, such as:

• Bitcoin Malaysia on facebook with over 140k members;
• Malaysian sub-thread on BitcoinTalk forums;
• Local Events seem to be happening on a regular basis with numerous Bitcoin, blockchain, and cryptocurrency related in-person groups registered on Meetup.com.

Malaysia-Based and Regulated Bitcoin Exchanges

While there are no Malaysian-specific Bitcoin exchanges, the below exchanges have services targeted towards Malaysian Bitcoins users.

SINEGY Technologies

SINEGY is a trading platform and OTC desk founded in 2017 by an all-Malaysian team. As OTC trading tends to be reserved for very high value trades, we will focus on their trading aspect here. SINEGY’s exchange supports deposits or withdrawals in both crypto and fiat format.

Domestic fiat deposits are free, while international deposits are under the influence of intermediary banks, which will charge for the transmittance service. The only two fiat deposit options are MYR and SGD, while crypto deposits are available via Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP).

Fiat withdrawals cost 2 or 0.10 MYR, depending on the method, while crypto withdrawals are charged a fixed network fee. For now, fiat withdrawals are only possible in MYR, but the exchange claims that SGD will soon be available.

For more info, check out their SINEGY’s official fees page.

Luno

Claiming to be “The world’s most international cryptocurrency team”, Luno is the leader in cryptocurrency trading in Malaysia. Luno provides its services to a variety of geographical regions aside of Malaysia including Europe, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia.

On the downside, Lunos fee structure is a bit complex so it’s worth checking Luno’s official page.

For instance, fees vary depending on your country and amount of purchase when using ‘instant buy’ feature. Crypto deposits are naturally free, except for network fees.

International Crypto Exchanges in Malaysia

The number of international exchanges servicing customers from Malaysia is on the rise as well. Malaysians enjoy the service of most international platforms and wallets, such as:

Best Wallet – The Best Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet in the Market

An alternative option to buying on exchanges is Best Wallet, which we regard as the best non-custodial crypto wallet for 2025. Best Wallet is an interesting option because it is essentially a one-stop option for all your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency needs. Not only can you store your Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies in the wallet, but you can also seamlessly buy new crypto right through the wallet.

Additionally, Best Wallet is non-custodial, which means nobody but the user has access to the private keys and backup passphrases. Users take full control of the crypto coins via a mobile app, browser extension, or desktop software.

Not only does Best Wallet allow you to hold and trade Bitcoin, but it is also compatible with many other cryptocurrencies, which means it could be an all in one stop for all of your crypto needs. Best Wallet features very liquid markets for thousands of tokens on over 60 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Sui, Dogecoin, Uniswap, and many others.

When it comes to trading fees, Best Wallet charges none. The only fees you may encounter are blockchain fees. It’s important to note that Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning your crypto will remain safe and in your hands.

CEX.IO

Founded in 2013, CEX.IO is a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange that enables you to buy and sell a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.

You can use a credit/debit card or a bank transfer to deposit funds into your account for free, with fees as low as 0.2% when trading.

To learn more, read our full CEX.IO.

Changelly

Changelly is a quick cryptocurrency exchange that requires you to already own cryptocurrencies to get started. You can easily exchange any supported cryptocurrency for Bitcoin. The fees are low at 0.5% per transaction, and Changelly does not ask for your government-issued ID to sign up.

Through their partners, you can also buy Bitcoin with a credit/debit card. There is a minimum limit of $50 and a maximum limit of up to $10,000 on your first transaction.

Read our full Changelly review for more information.

Coinmama

You can easily purchase Bitcoin from Coinmama with a credit or debit card, which makes getting your first Bitcoins simple and effective. While secure and reputable, this exchange usually has a pretty steep fee of up to 5.5% per transaction.

To learn more about this exchange read our full review of Coinmama for more.

How Many Bitcoin ATMs are There in Malaysia?

Malaysia does not currently have any Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) in operation as of 2025. Due to regulatory concerns, certain machines that had previously been in operation for a short time were shut down. To trade Bitcoin safely, Malaysian users should instead use authorized crypto platforms.

Conclusion: How to Buy Crypto in Malaysia

While not being accepted as a legal tender, Malaysia’s attitude towards Bitcoin seems to be warming up. By taking the step of regulating crypto exchanges, the government will hopefully ensure the financial safety of Malaysian crypto users.

As global adoption accelerates, Malaysia has the opportunity to further integrate Bitcoin into its financial system, attracting investment and strengthening its position as a hub for blockchain and fintech development. By continuing to embrace Bitcoin with clear and supportive regulations, Malaysia can empower its citizens with greater financial freedom and position itself at the forefront of the digital economy.

See also: What is Bitcoin Dominance in 2025?

FAQs

Is it legal to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia?

The Securities Commission Malaysia has approved the buying and selling of Bitcoin and 18 altcoins.

Where can I use Bitcoin in Malaysia?

Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in Malaysia, but some tech-savvy companies are trying out crypto payments.

How much tax does Malaysia impose on Bitcoin?

As of 2025, Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on casual crypto investments.

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