Cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise in Malaysia, driven by increased financial literacy, government oversight, and improved access to digital exchanges. In 2025, investing in crypto is no longer a niche activity – it’s a strategic move for many Malaysians looking to diversify their assets, hedge against inflation, or explore blockchain’s future potential.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a cautious investor, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start investing in cryptocurrency in Malaysia – from choosing a platform to securing your digital assets.
Understand the Legal Landscape in Malaysia
Before diving into crypto trading, it’s essential to understand the regulatory framework in Malaysia. As of 2025, cryptocurrency is legal, but tightly regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). The SC is the central authority governing digital asset exchanges (DAX), ensuring they meet stringent standards for security, compliance, and consumer protection.
SC-Registered Exchanges in Malaysia: Luno, Tokenize, MX Global. These platforms allow users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies using Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) in a legally compliant environment.
In addition to local DAX platforms, many Malaysians choose trusted global exchanges like MEXC Global Exchange, which offers a broader selection of assets, innovative products, and multilingual support. MEXC has earned a solid reputation internationally due to its security protocols, Proof of Reserves audits, and aggressive liquidity strategies, futures trading, making it a suitable option for more experienced users seeking diverse investment opportunities.
Choose a Reliable Crypto Exchange
The first practical step to investing is selecting the right platform. Your ideal crypto exchange should offer a balance of security, low fees, a wide range of coins, and ease of use.
What to Look For:
- Regulatory status (local or trusted global)
- Trading fees
- Supported cryptocurrencies
- Liquidity and trading volume
- User interface and customer support
Why Many Malaysians Choose MEXC
MEXC is one of the fastest-growing crypto exchanges globally, with over 36 million users and more than 3,000 listed cryptocurrencies. Here’s why it stands out:
- Spot trading fees as low as 0% maker / 0.05% taker
- Over $3.11 billion in spot liquidity, enabling minimal slippage even on large trades
- Bi-monthly Proof of Reserves to verify users’ funds are fully backed
- Support for hot and cold wallets, risk monitoring, and a $526M insurance fund
- New users can access up to $8,000 USDT in welcome bonuses and airdrops
Create and Verify Your Account
Whether you’re signing up on MEXC Global exchange or other, the account creation process generally follows the same steps:
Step-by-Step:
- Sign up with your email address or phone number
- Verify your identity by uploading a copy of your NRIC/passport
- Submit a selfie to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process
- Wait for verification – this usually takes a few minutes to a few hours
For Malaysian users, platforms like MEXC support multilingual interfaces and localized help guides, making the onboarding process smoother for non-English speakers.
Deposit Funds to Start Investing
To invest in cryptocurrency, you’ll need to deposit either Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or another supported currency into your exchange account.
Deposit Options:
- Local Exchanges: Bank transfer (via FPX), debit/credit card, and e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go
- MEXC Global: While it doesn’t directly support MYR deposits, it partners with third-party fiat gateways that allow you to buy crypto using cards or bank accounts. Alternatively, you can deposit USDT, BTC, or ETH from a wallet or another exchange.
Tip: MEXC exchange frequently offers zero-fee promotions for top trading pairs like BTC/USDT, helping new investors maximize their capital.
Buy Your First Cryptocurrency
Once your account is funded, it’s time to make your first crypto purchase.
Buying Crypto on MEXC exchange (Example: Bitcoin)
- Navigate to the Spot Market
- Search for Bitcoin USDT
- Choose Market Order (buy instantly at current price) or Limit Order (set your preferred price)
- Enter the amount and click Buy
Thanks to MEXC’s massive spot liquidity, even large transactions experience minimal price slippage. With a slippage rate of just 0.12% for $5M orders, MEXC ranks among the top for transaction efficiency, especially useful if you’re trading major assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Store Your Crypto Securely
Owning cryptocurrency means taking responsibility for your digital assets. Leaving your coins on an exchange wallet is convenient but carries risk. You can reduce that risk by moving your assets to a non-custodial wallet.
Storage Options:
- Exchange Wallets (hot wallets): Easy but riskier
- Hardware Wallets (cold wallets): Most secure
- Mobile Wallets (e.g., Trust Wallet, MetaMask): A good balance for everyday use
MEXC uses a hybrid cold-hot wallet system, storing 95% of user assets in multisig cold storage, with regular audits and hardware-level protections.
Build a Long-Term Investment Strategy
A successful crypto investor doesn’t buy blindly. It’s essential to plan your strategy based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Investment Techniques:
- Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Invest a fixed amount regularly
- HODLing: Buy and hold long-term assets like BTC or ETH
- Diversification: Mix blue-chip coins, stablecoins, and trending tokens
MEXC Tools for Smart Investors:
- Staking programs: Earn up to 70% APY by staking MX tokens
- Launchpad: Early access to promising crypto projects by staking MX
- Leveraged ETFs: Trade 3x long/short tokens without worrying about margin
These features give Malaysians access to institutional-grade tools, making MEXC not just a trading platform – but a full investing ecosystem.
A healthy crypto portfolio often includes a mix of stable, high-cap coins and emerging assets with growth potential. For example, some investors diversify by combining Bitcoin with trending ecosystem tokens like PI USDT, which represent newer blockchain projects gaining traction. This mix allows you to benefit from both market stability and potential upside, while spreading out risk.
Know the Tax and Reporting Rules
While Malaysia currently does not impose a capital gains tax on crypto, any income derived from trading, staking, or airdrops may be taxable – especially if it’s considered business income.
What to Do:
- Keep detailed records of all your trades, withdrawals, and earnings
- Export transaction history from exchanges like MEXC (available under Account > Orders)
- Consult a licensed tax advisor for accurate reporting
As the government continues to study digital taxation, it’s wise to stay updated and be prepared to comply with new regulations.
Avoid Scams and Stay Safe
Crypto scams are on the rise, especially in regions with fast-growing user bases like Malaysia. Always be cautious, especially when dealing with unknown platforms or individuals.
Safety Tips:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unofficial apps
- Never share your private keys or recovery phrases
- Be wary of high-yield promises and fake Telegram “admin” impersonators
MEXC offers real-time security alerts, an AI-based fraud detection system, and a $526 million insurance fund that protects users against margin-related losses.
Stay Informed and Keep Learning
Crypto is a fast-moving world. Staying informed helps you make better decisions, avoid FOMO-based mistakes, and spot opportunities early.
Stay Ahead by:
- Following SC Malaysia and Bank Negara news
- Joining crypto communities on Telegram, Reddit, or Facebook
- Reading weekly market reports (MEXC sends free analysis to over 8 million users)
- Participating in educational campaigns like MEXC’s IgniteX, which has trained 1.2 million users globally
Final Thoughts: Your First Step Into the Future of Finance
Investing in cryptocurrency in Malaysia is easier and safer than ever – provided you do it right. Choose your platform carefully, learn the fundamentals, and always prioritize security.
Whether you start with local exchanges like or go global with MEXC, the most important step is to start small and invest consistently. With the right mindset, tools, and safety measures, your crypto journey in 2025 could be both rewarding and transformative.