The ULTIMATE Cryptocurrency in Malaysia Guide [2023 Update]

Looking to learn about cryptocurrency in Malaysia context? You’ll find must-know information here. However I have to say..

GO BACK if you are not willing to learn about digital security. I’m dead serious, GO BACK. Cryptocurrencies as an investment are NOT suitable for you right now. You’re entering the high risk, high rewards zone. The risk mostly comes from (1) greed and (2) lack of digital security knowledge.

Additionally, if you don’t have 3 6 12 months’ worth of savings, then go to the 6 Ways to Get Bitcoin for Free (for People Bullish on Bitcoin Price) article. Unless you have ‘play money’ aka amount you can afford to lose, prioritise accumulating bitcoin with your time and skills rather than buying them.

Disclosure

Alright, full disclosure time – I am a crypto investor, since the end of 2015. I can talk your ears off about its utility value but let’s face it, most people get into it for the profit potential, including myself.

Profit potential, with emphasis on potential, is not guarantee. Most of the time, cryptocurrencies’ value is driven by supply and demand. While it has fundamentals rooted in decentralisation, many have dismissed the asset as purely speculative.

In case that isn’t clear, I’ll repeat: (1) I’m biased because I’m a crypto investor, and (2) cryptocurrencies can be seen as speculative or even gambling for people who don’t value decentralisation as a feature.

Still here? Good, alright let’s move on from the disclaimers and get into the actual how-to. Please be aware that the information here is not meant as financial advice, do your own research. In fact I insist on it – if you’re someone who’s lazy to do research, sooner or later you’ll be eaten alive.

Introduction

The first thing you should know, IMO, is despite having ‘currencies’ in its name, cryptocurrencies are mostly not used as money, in the strictest sense of the word. For example:

• Bitcoin – Except in specific situations (El Savador, donating, surviving in a dictatorship regime, country has very high inflation, etc), most people don’t use it as currency or for making payments. Rather, it’s treated as digital asset, a store of value
• Other cryptocurrencies – there are thousands of them. They could be utility tokens for tech platforms, payment network, gaming, ‘bitcoin 2.0’, scams, jokes, basically it can be 1001 things because the underlying technology (blockchain) can be applied in so many ways

I have divided this guide into the following sections:

1. Are cryptocurrencies legal in Malaysia
2. 9 Cryptocurrencies you can get in Malaysia
3. How to buy cryptocurrency in Malaysia – List of Licenced Exchanges
4. What other cryptocurrencies should I get (and how)?
5. 5 Rules to not get scammed when you invest in cryptocurrency in Malaysia
6. [Muslim corner] Is cryptocurrency halal? How to calculate zakat on cryptocurrency?
7. Can cryptocurrency be converted to cash
8. Are gains from cryptocurrency taxable in Malaysia
9. Why are there two bitcoins

Let’s go!

#1 – Are cryptocurrencies legal in Malaysia?

Yes, selected cryptocurrencies are legal in Malaysia. Securities Commission Malaysia regulates them under the Digital Assets Guideline, issued on 28 October 2020. As of time of writing, four exchanges are approved to sell cryptocurrencies in Malaysia: Luno, SINEGY, Tokenize and MX Global.

I can’t stress how much regulation of crypto exchangers in Malaysia was a big deal to the community – I heard over a dozen exchangers applied for the licence to operate but couldn’t meet SC’s stringent requirements, and the negotiation process itself took years so only the most stubborn persistent survived.

Before you ask, no, Binance is not licensed to operate in Malaysia. Why? I don’t know why, they just didn’t bother to go through the application processes. So I would say to everyone – you want to use the unregulated exchanges, sure. Just be aware of the risks.

*In boomer voice* I GET IT, YOU DON'T WANT TO USE REGULATED EXHANGES, YOU WANT TO USE BINANCE AND OTHERS. KIDS THESE DAYS DON'T KNOW HOW IT'S LIKE TO BE CONSTANTLY AFRAID OF YOUR EXCHANGE BEING HACKED AND ALL YOUR FUNDS LOST, BACK WHEN IT WAS UNREGULATED

— Suraya | suraya.eth (@surayaror) April 27, 2021

#2 – 9 Cryptocurrencies You Can Get in Malaysia

As of time of writing, Securities Commissions have approved the buying and selling of these 9 cryptocurrencies in Malaysia:

1. Bitcoin (BTC) – The OG crypto. The one you heard about the most, and the one that started it all
2. Ethereum (ETH) – Blockchain platform. Founded by Vitalik Buterin
3. Litecoin (LTC) – kinda like budget version of bitcoin (oop I said it). They say that if bitcoin is digital gold, then litecoin is digital silver
4. Ripple (XRP) – Ripple is actually a private and CENTRALISED company, which means crypto purists hate it. Holding XRP is kinda sorta like holding stocks in a remittance service provider
5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – A fork of Bitcoin. See Section #9 – Why are there two bitcoins
6. Uniswap (UNI) – Decentralised crypto exchange
7. Chainlink (LINK) – ‘Blockchain oracles for hybrid smart contract’
8. Cardano (ADA) – Blockchain platform. Founded by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson
9. Solana (SOL) – Blockchain platform

Which of the above to get? Personally, I think Bitcoin and Ethereum are excellent as starting point as they have the longest history and good reputation. Not financial advice, do your own research.

Can you get other cryptocurrencies? Can. See #4.

#3 – How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Malaysia – List of Approved Exchanges

As of time of writing, Securities Commissions have approved 4 exchanges to open shop in Malaysia: Luno, SINEGY, Tokenize and MX Global.

Account opening is easy: Go to the websites, register, complete KYC (know-your-customer process), transfer money and buy any of the 9 cryptocurrencies offered.

Here are all four platforms, the cryptocurrencies offered in each platform, and how the interface looks like.

1) Luno

Get: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH, UNI, LINK, ADA, SOL

Of all the options, I’ve used Luno the longest, and had good experience. I may have made my first bitcoin from them too!

[Obligatory referral code: Buy RM500, get RM50 in BTC (instant 10% ROI) with my code ‘LNSURAYA50′ (valid for new users only).

Steps: Open a new account at Luno.com > Go to REWARDS > Choose ENTER CODE > Enter the given promo code > Click Apply Code > Deposit the minimum amount required > Buy the minimum transaction amount > Get rewarded with the additional Bitcoin.]

2) SINEGY

Get: BTC, ETH

SINEGY is Malaysia’s homegrown exchange!

3) Tokenize

Get: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH, SOL, UNI

First launched in Singapore, Tokenize made news when Kenanga Investment Bank acquired 19% stake in its Malaysian operation.

Obligatory referral code: Click here to get 15 Tokenize Points when you sign up with my link. The points are exchangeable for digital assets offered in Tokenize.

4) MX Global

Get: BTC, ETH

MX Global is the newest licensed exchange in Malaysia, and also a home-grown platform ‘built in Malaysia for Malaysians ‘.

#4 – What other cryptocurrencies should I get (and how)?

If you’re new to the world of cryptocurrencies, then I suggest you stick to the 9 approved cryptocurrencies in Malaysia first.

As you learn more and gain more experience, then maybe you can branch out to other cryptocurrencies. You can see explore other cryptocurrencies on websites like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap. Personally, I use these three strategies to decide which cryptocurrencies to get.

Getting other cryptocurrency in Malaysia is pretty easy:

• Get BTC/ETH from any of the 4 licensed exchange above
• Transfer to another exchange that offers the cryptocurrency you want. Make sure it’s reputable (*cough Binance is not bad cough*)
• Make the exchange. Whenever you’re stuck, remember to check the FAQ and Academy sections, everything is there

I’m not able to suggest or recommend any particular cryptocurrencies to get. I used to tell people to look at fundamentals and technology before deciding to ‘invest’ in a particular cryptocurrency. But sometimes, even the most promising projects fail – I’ve had tokens that lost 99% of their value and never recovered.

In crypto, you just don’t know what’s going to happen – I mean, no one predicted the Dogecoin phenomenon, the founder created it as a joke. But as I’m writing this, the market cap for Dogecoin is 41 BILLION dollars.

(As od Sept 2022, Dogecoin’s marketcap is down to 8 billion dollars)

So, here’s the approach I suggest: Rather than using the gambling approach, go check out different cryptocurrencies and what they are used for because not all of them are for ‘store of value’.

Some platforms use cryptocurrencies/tokens to interact in the platform. So if you’re interested in the project, then it is not a bad idea to get the cryptocurrencies for learning purposes.

For example:

• Programmers interested to learn how to build DApps (Decentralised Apps) and code smart contracts can check out the Ethereum platform and ETH KL team, or Solana, or Cardano
• Gamers interested in play-to-earn opportunities can check out Aavegotchi Malaysia and Axie Infinity Malaysia groups

I’m barely scratching the surface here – there are loads of crypto communities out there and so many things to do. It’s honestly a fun rabbit hole to go down into, and if you happen to make a bit of money in the process, consider it a bonus 🙂

#5 – 5 Rules to not get scammed when you invest in cryptocurrency in Malaysia

Remember all these as you explore the crypto world:

Rule #1 – ALWAYS check if you’re buying from the right platform

Check for https, check spelling of URL and social media profiles, check everything.

Rule #2 – Buy from licenced exchanges

I understand you might want to look around other ways to try and buy cryptocurrency in Malaysia for cheaper, and yes it’s possible, but you’re taking an unnecessary risk, especially if you’re new in all this.

One – P2P platforms like Remitano and Localbitcoin is rife with scammers.

Two – direct dealing is hella dangerous. If anyone ever contact you to buy or sell, just ignore and block them.

I’m just flattered this scammer thought I have 2689 bitcoins lol

What’s the modus operandi, I wonder? Hold a gun to my head during the f2f to force me do the transaction? pic.twitter.com/7VYNQdDeYg

— Suraya ringgitohringgit.com (@surayaror) August 25, 2020

I’m not even joking about the ‘holding a gun to my head’ part. Crypto robberies happen. This fella was tortured with a drill in front of his 4-year old daughter.

Just pay the exchangers’ fees. You’ll be safer.

Rule #3 – Keep your crypto in multiple places

If you have ‘a lot’ (define yourself what constitutes ‘a lot’), then I highly recommend you to distribute your stash around and not keep your cryptocurrencies in one location/wallet. Why?

• You might get hacked. Remember, transactions are not reversible and aside from a police report, there’s nothing much you can do. Reminder to set up your 2FA if you haven’t.
• The exchange might get hacked OR suffer insider theft. It’s happened to many reputable exchangers before (not in Malaysia AFAIK tho)
• Even if you keep all your stash yourself via cold storage methods like paper wallets or hardware wallets (I use Ledger Nano S; RM300ish per device), *you* might forget your passcode or seed address.
• Only get your hardware wallet from authorised resellers like CryptoBilis! Tampered hardware wallet is also another type of scam

Spreading your crypto around is not a bad thing actually. The ‘bonus’ is getting hands-on learning – the more wallets and platforms you try, the better.

Rule #4 – Join a community – having an interest in cryptocurrency in Malaysia leads you to vibrant communities!

The longest-running bitcoin community in Malaysia, Bitcoin Malaysia #1 Group encourages discussions and sharing, and organises free (and some paid) webinars and events. Feel free to ask questions, usually people are kind enough to answer. Check the latest happenings here.

You can also type ‘scam’, ‘scammer’ etc in the search box and see other types of seasonal and creative scam methods. Important: Holding cryptocurrencies is a commitment – you have to keep updated with the latest scam methods.

Rule #5 – Be a hodler not a trader

Hodlers (the misspelling is intentional) are people who buy – either little by little or big upfront amount – then don’t sell, despite the market condition, unless necessary (financial emergencies etc).

Hodlers make peace with volatility. The price goes up, the price goes down, but life goes on.

For the most part, I am a hodler.

Traders, on the other hand… do the whole chart thing, the technical analysis. It’s like forex trading but on crack. Unlike currencies pairing or the stock market, the crypto market opens 24/7.

I don’t really have much to say to traders, except:

• (1) reminding you trading with leverage is haram,
• (2) good luck, don’t trade money you can’t afford to lose, and
• (3) don’t believe that copy-trading is ‘easy money’ – I lost everything there when I tried it out lol.

#6 – [Muslim corner] Is cryptocurrency halal? How to calculate zakat on cryptocurrency?

Is cryptocurrency halal?

The short answer is yes , if you don’t take excessive risks and acquire them through legal and ethical means. The long answer can be found at Securities Commission’s Digital Assets from Shariah Perspective page.

However, there are differing views. For example, the Indonesian Ulema Council deemed it haram.

It’s ok if crypto is not for you. Just do other investments, focusing on halal investing.

How to calculate zakat on cryptocurrency?

In Malaysia, both Perlis and Johor Fatwa Council has decreed that bitcoin (and by extension, other cryptocurrencies treated as digital gold) are zakat-able. The calculation is (taken from news article):

“Adapun pengiraan zakat untuk Bitcoin ialah nilai terendah unit Bitcoin dalam satu tahun didarabkan dengan bilangan unit Bitcoin, kemudian ditambahkan dengan keuntungan hasil dagangan sepanjang tahun sebelum jumlahnya didarabkan 2.5 peratus”.

Additional info: Global Sadaqah allows zakat and waqaf payments using bitcoin.

#7 – Can cryptocurrency be converted to cash?

Yes, you can sell any of the 9 approved cryptocurrencies directly on the 4 licenced exchanges and receive RM, which you can withdraw directly to your bank accounts.

My recommendation for new users: make use of any new user promo when you start (*cough Luno gives you RM50 if you buy RM500, or instant 10% ROI if you use my code ‘LNSURAYA50′ cough*), then learn how to use the exchange feature (rather than the instant buy/sell feature) so you can save money on fees.

Kenapa kena belajar pakai exchange, walaupun bukan trader

Kiri: instant buy/sell. Jual 0.1btc. Fee 2% = RM422.17

Kanan: jual @ exchange. Jual 0.1btc. Fee 0.5% = ~RM105.54

Masa, amount jual = sama. Beza fee ~RM316 pic.twitter.com/i1bCLfrAs7

— Suraya | suraya.eth (@surayaror) April 26, 2021

Here Suyin explains how to use the interface to get the cheaper fees:

#8 – Are gains from cryptocurrency taxable in Malaysia?

According to this RinggitPlus article,

The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has clarified that cryptocurrency investors who actively trade their assets at the digital asset exchange (DAX) are required to declare their gains for their annual income tax.

So the answer is, no, capital gains from cryptocurrency is not taxable, but profit from trading is taxable.

To clarify: If you regularly and consistently and with strategy buy and sell cryptocurrencies, that’s trading = taxable. But if you just buy to keep for long term, then your gains are not taxable.

#9 – Why are there two Bitcoins?

So why is there Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash? Why two?

The short answer is a long time ago, the Bitcoin community disagreed on the best way to scale bitcoin to allow more transactions without congesting the network (and resulting in high fees). They had different solutions to solve the same problem.

So Bitcoin split into two: Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – two sets of data ledgers that implement different solutions but came from the same ancestry. The event was quite notable and covered in Bitcoin 101 videos, like the one below.

(Actually, there were more bitcoin splits – also called forks – and also bitcoin copycats. So just be careful when you’re buying bitcoin or doing swaps, just make sure you’re getting the right one. Here are some of the other bitcoins:)

From an investor POV, both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash has potential. They’re both digital assets and tradable.

Conclusion

Long-term hodlers, what else should people know about buying cryptocurrencies?  What do you wish you know when you first started? How is your experience like as a member of the crypto community?

Leave your advice and experience in the comments section for all of us to learn 🙂