Malaysia's trade ministry says it never approved Megaspeed and Speedmatrix amid AI chip re-export probe
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) denied clearing Singapore-based Megaspeed International and its Malaysian affiliate Speedmatrix, and said it is investigating possible re-exports of AI chips.
Kuala Lumpur – The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) said it has never granted clearance to Singapore-based Megaspeed International Pte Ltd or its Malaysian affiliate Speedmatrix Sdn Bhd. The ministry is cooperating with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to determine whether any AI chips imported by the firms were later re-exported and whether those transactions complied with Malaysian law.
Miti clarified that Speedmatrix operates as a tenant in Malaysian data centres and that routine verification visits to the facilities are part of standard sector monitoring, not an endorsement. "Any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry noted that Speedmatrix brought its own servers and AI chips into the country, and that importing such chips does not currently require a permit or licence. However, under the Strategic Trade Act 2010, companies seeking to export, re-export, tranship or transit high-performance U.S. AI chips from or through Malaysia must obtain a permit from Miti, a requirement that has been in force since July 2025.
Miti warned that providing false information to Customs about these goods constitutes a serious offence under the Customs Act 1967. It said Malaysia will conduct independent checks based on available evidence, in line with domestic law, while working with authorities in Singapore and the United States to strengthen safeguards.
"Malaysia welcomes investment in data centres and technology, but will not allow itself to be used to get around export controls," the ministry added, indicating that stern action will be taken against any company found to have violated Malaysian law.