Miti says it never cleared Megaspeed, Speedmatrix as Malaysia probes possible AI chip re-exports

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has stated that it had never approved the exports of AI chips by Singapore-based Megaspeed International Pte Ltd and its Malaysian offshoot, Speedmatrix Sdn Bhd. The ministry is currently collaborating with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to investigate whether any chips purchased by these firms have been subsequently re-exported to other nations and whether the transactions have adhered to Malaysian laws.

Miti emphasized that Speedmatrix operates as a tenant in various data centres in Malaysia and that the inspections performed at these facilities are part of their standard monitoring of the industry, not an endorsement or authorization of the company. "Any implication to the contrary is incorrect," stated the ministry in their recent announcement.

They clarified that Speedmatrix brings its own servers and AI chips to Malaysia for their operations, noting that the import of AI chips into the country does not typically require a permit or license. However, since July 2025, entities intending to export, re-export, tranship, or transit high-performance U.S. AI chips from or through Malaysia must secure a permit from Miti under the Strategic Trade Act 2010.

The ministry also cautioned that providing misleading information to Customs regarding such goods constitutes a serious offense under the Customs Act 1967. Malaysia is committed to conducting its own thorough investigations based on the evidence available and in line with local laws, while simultaneously cooperating with authorities in Singapore and the United States to enhance safeguards.

The ministry stated that even though Malaysia does not enforce export controls imposed unilaterally by other nations, companies conducting business locally are expected to consider these restrictions during international transactions. Furthermore, the ministry cautioned companies against misrepresenting their dealings with government agencies.

"Malaysia encourages investment in data centers and technology, but will not be used to circumvent export controls," they affirmed, emphasizing that severe consequences will be imposed on any entity found to have violated Malaysian law.