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Invest Malaysia

Investing in Malaysia – Your 7 Investment Options

By Leigh
Updated July 30, 2019 Filed Under: Dividends, FI/RE, Investment, Portfolio - Freedom Fund 19

Dividend Magic Malaysia - Investing Kuala Lumpur Properties

What can I and should I do with my savings and excess funds? What are my investment options in Malaysia. That ought to be the question in the back of our minds, constantly.

My train of thought has always been as follows.

Savings – Investment – Passive Income – Reinvestment – Financial Independence

I know, Dividend Magic is almost always about Dividend Investing. And, I’m aware it can be somewhat intimidating for most of you to start dabbling in the stock market and investments in Malaysia.

In light of that, allow me to introduce the 7 viable, long-term investment options in Malaysia that might suit your needs.

When I say investing, I mean investing and not speculating. The difference?

Investors seek to generate a satisfactory return on their capital by taking on an average or below-average amount of risk. On the other hand, speculators are seeking to make abnormally high returns from bets that can go one way or the other.

The list is arranged from safest to riskiest.

Fixed Deposits (“FDs”)

Returns per annum: 3 to 4%

CIMB Unfixed Deposit
CIMB’s Unfixed Deposit

Let’s start with the simplest of them. Fixed deposits or FDs if you will.

Now, I wouldn’t even classify fixed deposits as investments. They’re more of a financial instrument where you place your money while waiting for investment opportunities.

Most of you may have heard of fixed deposits but I know for a fact that most Malaysian youths have their money in savings accounts. And they leave it at that. So instead of earning 3-4%, they earn that miserable 0.1 – 1% provided by most savings account.

And yes I know M2U savers gives you 2%.

Where can you place FDs?

I’d suggest going to your own bank and opening an online FD account. It is important to have an online account as it will save you time. You’ll be able to handle all fixed deposit placements and upliftments through the click of a button without having to be physically present be at a branch.

Treasury Notes and Bonds

Returns per annum: 4 to 6%

Before everyone starts making a fuss about how bond returns can go up to 8-9%, let me remind you that this article focuses on long-term and calculated investments in Malaysia, for the masses.

And the term used for high-risk, high return bonds is Junk Bonds.

Moving on, treasury notes are actually safer in comparison to fixed deposits because they’re issued by the government. However, they’re usually issued in the millions and not for most of us.

Bonds, if you don’t already know are a fixed income investment in which you, as the investor loan your money to a company. In the event that the company goes broke, you as the bondholder gets paid first, before the company’s shareholders.

In the past, the way I invested and put my money into bonds was through mutual funds via Fundsupermart. I’ve been told that they’ve recently started offering bonds right off the bat broken down into lower values ie. RM10,000. This makes it easier for the average Malaysian to get a piece of the bond action.

Gold and Silver

Returns per annum: N/A

Look, there’s no way I’m going to give you an estimate on the returns of trading in precious metal. One thing holds true, however, during times of uncertainty, the price of gold and silver goes up. They, therefore, serve as a good defensive asset.

If you time it correctly and buy them during economic booms, you’ll have an investment that will see you through the decades ahead.

Silver Coins

Personally, I chose to invest in silver years ago. The way I invested was by buying and collecting silver coins offered by various governments around the world. My favourite is the American Eagle and Canadian Maple coins. The Chinese Panda coins are also part of my collection.

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My coins cost a total of RM2678 back when I purchased them in 2013 and in 2015. They’re now worth about RM2975. About RM95 each. Cheapest I found on Malaysian sites.

That’s about a 10% gain for me over 5 years. It’s nothing to shout about but I’ve seen my silver increase to 50-100% during recessions. Still, I don’t plan to dispose of them anytime soon.

Stocks

Returns per annum: 3-10%

Welcome to my neck of the woods.

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Investing in stocks in Malaysia has always been viewed as a risky business. Why? Because Malaysians confuse investing with speculating.

In my personal, honest opinion, Dividend Investing is a really safe and sound way to invest and achieve financial independence.

Dividends are like the gift that keeps on giving because as the company you invest in grow and increases its profits, the dividends they pay out increases every year subsequently.

But guess what? You would have still paid that same RM10K initial capital and your dividend yield will continue to increase every year. A quick look at my portfolio – the Freedom Fund would show that sweet increment in dividends.

Of course, to enjoy these kinds of returns and yields, you’ll have to get some legwork in and pick only financially sound companies to invest in. And you’ll have to invest for the very long term. Think 10 – 30 years.

I’ve compiled a list of the Best Dividend Stocks in Malaysia here for your perusal.

Blue-Chip Defensive Stocks

Now, blue-chip defensive stocks like NESTLE are stable stocks you can hold for the rest of your lives. You’ll receive increasing dividends every year without ever having to work for it.

And because blue-chip companies are huge and stable by themselves, they won’t be as affected by the volatility of the market.

Another fine example would be investments in Malaysian banks. My  RM26,527.86 investment in Maybank alone since 2016 has brought in a total of RM4,685.36 in dividends alone. That’s a 17% return in passive income for me. I’m enjoying a 7% yield this year with Maybank and hope to see this value increase in the near future.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Another type of stocks that I always encourage beginners to invest in Malaysia are Real Estate Investment Trusts.

My all-time favourite Malaysian REIT right now is IGB REIT. They’re mainly in charge or Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens.

The dividend yield from IGB REIT has skyrocketed to RM2,865.43 which translates to 7.09% for me this year.

My gross investment is RM40,417.74 (at RM1.3563 per share).

Market value (as of 9 Dec’18) is RM50,660.00 (at RM1.70 per share).

My capital gain is RM10,242.26 or 25.34%.

A comprehensive review of the company can be found hERE.

Real Estate

Returns per annum: 3-10%

Property. This is a tricky one for Malaysians.

The current mentality of Malaysians is to purchase your first residential real estate right off the bat. If your monthly salary is RM5K, get a home that’ll cost your RM4k in monthly repayments. They’ll tell you to hold on to that and in 10 years time, sell it and double your money.

This isn’t investing. This is speculation. A savvy investor would look to a property that can not only cover your monthly repayments but give you a positive net income every month.

And from what I’ve seen and from personal experience, the only two types of real estate that can give you positive returns right now are low-cost residences and commercial properties.

If you’re looking to buy and hold and bank on the real estate’s value skyrocketing, you’re better off purchasing a piece of land.

Low-cost Residences

I personally own 2 low-cost flats. How I manage and my returns are all detailed hERE.

TLDR: They net me a positive income every month. But they’re giving me a headache in terms of maintenance and tenant management. I’d rather have invested my money in REITs.

Commercial Real Estate

Specifically, shop lots and offices. Having companies and registered businesses as tenants is a much less risky affair compared to low-cost residential tenants.

The cons. You’ll have to fork out a huge sum to get yourself a commercial lot.

Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds

Returns per annum: 1-5%

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I am for all intents and purposes anti Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds here in Malaysia. Why? Read this article here and you’ll come to realize how the exorbitant fees charged by funds in Malaysia will impact your financial wellbeing.

Private Retirement Schemes (PRS)

Nevertheless, I’d recommend investing and putting your money in Private Retirement Schemes. If you’re a Malaysian youth, you get an extra bonus from the government. If not, there’s always that extra tax-deductible afforded when you put your money into PRS. More on PRS hERE.

Robo-Advisors

You’ll also want to check out Stashaway. You pay much less fees compared to Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds. And you get access to the global markets.
Less fees!

More on Stashaway hERE.

P2P Lending

Returns per annum: 10-12%

Funding Societies

I’ll never recommend investments and services I wouldn’t use and/or purchase myself. I’ve put up some of my own funds and tried P2P lending with Funding Societies.

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My experience and the review can be found hERE.

All you need to know about Peer to Peer Lending and Funding Societies can be found there. My annualised returns have reached 13.12% per annum.

Which actually beats the returns from my stock portfolio last year. Go figure.

The risk with P2P lending here in Malaysia isn’t high at all contrary to popular belief. It ranges in the 0.1 to 0.5% right now. The key is to diversify and place RM100 in 100 different loans, as opposed to RM1,000 in 10 loans.

End.

I’ve personally invested in all 7 of the aforementioned investment options here in Malaysia.

I’m sure many of you will have additional investments not listed above that you’ve put your money and faith in; Do drop me a comment letting me know what they are and why you think they’re investments worth considering.

I’m both excited and eager to hear what Malaysians invest in.

As always, due diligence on your own part is required when deciding to invest. I urge you again to invest and not speculate. Invest for the long term and invest in the fundamentals.

This has been a particularly long one. That’s what she said.

As always, thank you for reading! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for weekly dividend updates!

Onwards and upwards!

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Malaysia Stock Brokers Comparison

Malaysia Stock Brokers Comparison

Table of Contents

  • Finding Malaysia’s Best Stock Brokerage
  • Opening Your Brokerage Account
  • Malaysia Stock Broker Comparison
  • The Differences Between Malaysia Stock Brokers
  • My Recommendation
  • Malaysia’s Best Brokers and Share Trading Account
    • MooMoo Malaysia
    • Rakuten Trade
    • Hong Leong Bank
    • Other Brokers
  • My US Stocks Investments
  • End.
    • Leave Your Comments!

Finding Malaysia’s Best Stock Brokerage

This is how your typical trading screen would look like when buying and/or selling stocks online via any Malaysia stock brokers.

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Opening Your Brokerage Account

After making your choice, familiarize yourself with the fee structure of your broker. Determine what is the optimal amount to invest every time and see if you can achieve that in every transaction. Do not be daunted by the account opening process. Just visit your broker’s office and you’ll be surprised how easy it is. The usual account opening fee is RM10. Brokers in 2025 no longer charger account opening fees.. they’re usually waived.

The required documents are:

  • NRIC
  • Bank statements (be sure to show all your accounts and personal details)

Minor update: MooMoo Malaysia and Rakuten Trade now allow you to open your account online. Hassle-free.

Malaysia Stock Broker Comparison

As requested by many of you, Malaysia’s top stock brokers for your choosing. They’ve all been ranked accordingly, with the top few being my favourite brokers.

I’m sure there are a few other brokers out there not listed in the table. I doubt they’re for the average investors anyway. I’m keeping the table super simple as I understand that most of us are only concerned with the fees charged.

All are for cash upfront accounts.

BrokerageFee Structure
MooMoo⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Malaysia Stocks:
1. 0 commission
2. Platform Fees: RM 3 / Order
3. Minimum: RM3
US Stocks:
1. 0 commission
2. Platform Fees: $0.99 / Order
3. Minimum: $0.99
Rakuten Trade⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1. <700: 1%
2. 700-10k: RM 9
3. 10k-100k: 0.10%
4. >100k: RM 100
5. Minimum: RM 1
M+ Online⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1. 0.08% < 50k
2. 0.05% > 50k
3. Intraday: 0.05%
4. Minimum: RM8
Kenanga Trade⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1. 0-100k: 0.42%
2. >100k: 0.21%
3. Minimum: RM28
TA Securities⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1. 0.12%
2. RM10
Hong Leong Bank⭐️⭐️⭐️1. 0.10%
2. Intraday: 0.10%
3. Minimum: RM8
Affin Hwang⭐️⭐️⭐️1. <10k: RM5
2. 10-100k: 0.08%
3. >100k: 0.05%
4. Minimum: RM5
AM Equities⭐️⭐️⭐️1. 0.05%
2. Minimum: RM8
CGS CIMB iTrade⭐️⭐️1. 0.42% (iTrade)
2. Minimum: RM28 (iTrade)
3. 0.0388% (CIMB Clicks)
4. Minimum: RM8.88 (CIMB Clicks)
Maybank Investment⭐️⭐️1. 0.1%
2. Minimum: RM8

Table updated as of 2025

Some of the fees may change from time to time, so for those of you who managed to get the latest figures, please drop me a message or comment and I’ll update it accordingly. Also, if your current broker isn’t on the list and you think they should be, give me the figures!

I want to keep this table up to date so as to help everyone pick the correct brokers to invest with. Remember, when choosing your broker, don’t just pick the ones with the lowest brokerage fees. Go for the ones that match your needs.

The Differences Between Malaysia Stock Brokers

Apart from fees and their fee structures, I’d say brokers are all similar provided you are trading online yourself. If you’re thinking of using a remisier, think again because you’ll be charged much higher fees and those fees add up and eat into your returns.

Although, one big advantage Rakuten Trade has over other brokers is that they offer rewards when you trade and take certain actions on their platform. No one else in Malaysia offers this. Which is why I am recommending them below.

My Recommendation

Right now, for beginners – I’d suggest going for MooMoo and Rakuten Trade.
Use the above links to get exclusive referral codes. You’ll get a headstart on investing with discounts, gifts and even free stocks from MooMoo and Rakuten Trade.

They’ve both got one of the easiest account registration processes and you can do it all online.

Malaysia’s Best Brokers and Share Trading Account

MooMoo Malaysia

They’ve just landed in Malaysia not too long ago and are quickly becoming number one in my books. I’m using both MooMoo and Rakuten right now.

You can find my in-depth review on MooMoo hERE. And my review on Rakuten Trade hERE.

I like the CashPlus feature of MooMoo where they put your uninvested funds in money market funds to earn you returns. Fees are great and they have lots of rewards for users in-app. Don’t forget to use my referral code and link when you sign up.

Registration link: https://j.moomoo.com/00KiPh
Referral code: DM77

Rakuten Trade

I’m gradually switching over to Rakuten Trade from my first stock broker – Hong Leong.

You get rewards in the form of RT points for trading. No other brokers offer this.

I’ve also come to appreciate the fact that they’re offering a nominee account that doesn’t charge fees for corporate actions.  I no longer have to go to the post office and handle my own subscription of dividend reinvestment plans and whatnot. This is one of the biggest wins for me.

Also, their fees are relatively cheaper. RM7 when you trade below RM1,000 and an RM100 flat fee for trades above RM100,000. For transactions in between the RM1,000 and RM100,000 range, they’re at competitive market rates. Similar to Hong Leong and Maybank etc.

Account registration and opening can now be done 100% online!

Registration link: hERE
Referral code: DIVMAGIC

Hong Leong Bank

Update 2025

I’m currently no longer using Hong Leong Bank and based on my experiences, the services offered are top-notch. Yes even with their slightly higher fee, I’ve had zero problems with trading and customer service has been excellent. They also grant users complimentary access to charts and research. The main one I use for my research is Equities Tracker.

Malaysia stock brokers like Hong Leong Bank and many other banks have not kept up with the times. Brokers like MooMoo and Rakuten Trade have offered 100% online registration, much lower fees and tons of free gifts to users. Banks are lagging way behind and it looks like they have no intention of keeping up.

Other Brokers

I have personally tried one other broker apart from the aforementioned two. Jupiter Securities. Unfortunately, I found them to be subpar in comparison. Jupiter is now known as CGS-CIMB iTrade.

Also, I should mention that I’ve been hearing great stuff about M+ online. They have one of the lowest fees among Malaysia stock brokers.

If you’re going for convenience and you like the majority of Malaysians bank with Maybank, I’d say just go ahead and open an account with them. You can access your stock trading account via M2U directly.

My US Stocks Investments

I’ve recently taken the Freedom Fund international – specifically to the USA.

If you are keen on investing in other assets other than Malaysia, I’ve compiled an article comparing the various international brokers available to us as Malaysians hERE. The off-shore broker I’ve chosen and picked to go with US stocks after some deliberation is eToro.

End.

Now you’ve got your brokerage account set up and you’re ready to invest, it’s time to determine the companies you’d like to invest in. You’ve got to know the company and industry like the back of your hand before you invest. If you’re a total newbie when it comes to investing, here’s a Guide to Stock Investment.

Have a look at my philosophy of Dividend Income Investing as well as The Complete Guide to REITs in Malaysia to get you started.

For the next article of the Investing Series, check out article 004 – US and International Stock Broker Comparison.

As always, my Facebook, Instagram. Follow, keep up to date.

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Leave Your Comments!

Lastly, if you’ve got anything to say about any Malaysia Stock Brokers, drop a comment so everyone will know. If you’re planning to change from one broker to another, tell us why! Tell everyone. Let’s keep it civil.

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My Portfolio – The Freedom Fund

Dividend Magic Malaysia - Investing Kuala Lumpur Properties

Table of Contents

  • Freedom Fund as of Q1 March 2025
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2024
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2023
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2022
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2021
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2020
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2019
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2018
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2017
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2016
  • Freedom Fund as of December 2015

My Freedom Fund. Updated as of April 2025.

I’ll be updating this page with the table showing dividend growth starting from 2015.

I’ve been investing internationally and in other assets as well. They can be found via the links below.

My US Portolio

My Crypto Portfolio

As always, Facebook, Instagram, and now ! Follow, keep up to date.

Freedom Fund as of Q1 March 2025

Gross Investment: RM446,239.58
Market Value: RM595,000 (approx.)
Dividends (2025): RM10,998.04
Dividend Yield: 2.46%
Available Funds: RM80K
2025 goal – RM1,000,000 in stocks.

The goal is RM1 million in equities. We’re in April, and we’re about halfway there.

In terms of dividends, we’re well ahead compared to Q1 2024, RM10,998.04 in 2025 compared to RM7,797.30 in 2024. We’ve touched RM20K in dividends last year, so here’s to seeing more in 2025.

Moving forward, following in my footsteps in 2024, I will move them to equities, especially Malaysian and Singaporean equities, to further increase my dividend income.

Freedom Fund as of December 2024

Gross Investment: RM391,160.63
Market Value: RM575,000 (approx.)
Dividends (2024): RM20,735.99
Dividend Yield: 5.30%
Available Funds: RM120K
2025 goal – RM1,000,000 in stocks.

We’ve finally reached RM20K in dividends. Goal achieved! Next is RM25K.

I realised that I’ve been too conservative the past few years and put most of my funds into safer assets – bonds, FDs, money market funds, etc.
Moving forward, I will move them to equities, especially Malaysian and Singaporean equities, to further increase my dividend income.

Freedom Fund as of December 2023

Gross Investment: RM343,707.05
Market Value: RM437,986.12
Dividends (2023): RM18,757.11
Dividend Yield: 5.46%
Available Funds: RM160K

Goal: RM20K in dividends.

Freedom Fund as of December 2022

Gross Investment: RM396,958.59
Market Value: RM451,760.64
Dividends (2022): RM16,011.75
Dividend Yield: 4.03%
Available Funds: RM105K

Goal: RM20K in dividends.

Freedom Fund as of December 2021

Gross Investment: RM418,100.53
Market Value: RM501,858,09
Dividends (2021): RM15,595.07
Dividend Yield: 3.80%
Available Funds: RM100K

Freedom Fund as of December 2020

Gross Investment: RM434,915.98
Market Value: RM545,778.21
Dividends (2020): RM15,415.64
Dividend Yield: 3.54%

Freedom Fund as of December 2019

Gross Investment: RM392,717.20
Market Value: RM458,476.77
Dividends (2019): RM16,322.27
Dividend Yield: 4.16%
Special Dividend: RM11,970.00

*Axis REIT’s yield will be slightly higher as I sold half of my holdings after its 1st dividend payment.

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Scroll on to compare the fund’s past performances.

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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with my dividend income updates.

Freedom Fund as of December 2018

Gross Investment: RM367,168.13
Market Value: RM443,435.79
Dividends (2018): RM18,072.25
Dividend Yield: 4.92%

Freedom Fund as of December 2017

Gross Investment: RM331,804.45
Market Value: RM427,190.22
Dividends (2017): RM15,705.71
Dividend Yield: 4.69%

Freedom Fund as of December 2016

Gross Investment: RM297,777.83
Market Value: RM345,955.92
Dividends (2016): RM11,429.55
Dividend Yield: 3.84%

Freedom Fund as of December 2015

Gross Investment: RM264,338.62
Dividends (2016): RM7,544.14
Dividend Yield: 2.85%

*Edit: The dividend yield for 2015 is reduced slightly to 2.85% as I’ve made a mistake with IGB REIT, gross investment is higher at RM29K.

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