Malaysia Revises Civil Servant Asset Rules: Raises Shareholding Limits and Includes Digital Assets in Regulatory Framework

According to The Edge Malaysia, Malaysia has announced a comprehensive revision of its civil servants’ stockholding and asset declaration system. Per the latest notice issued by the Malaysian Public Service Department, civil servants may invest in shares of companies registered in Malaysia; however, their shareholding must not exceed 5% of the company’s paid-up capital or RM300,000 in total value—whichever is lower. Compared to the previous cap of RM100,000, the new limit represents a significant increase. At the same time, the revised rules introduce a cumulative shareholding cap. Notably, digital assets are included in the regulatory framework for the first time, with an explicit emphasis on transparency and accountability in civil servants’ investment activities—to keep pace with evolving financial markets and investment instruments.