How To Start Investing In Gold In Malaysia Without Being Scammed Or Confused
Here's a simple guide to get you started.
Cover image via Gold has long been considered a safe and reliable form of investment, especially during times of economic uncertainty
In Malaysia, investing in gold is more accessible than ever — whether you're interested in physical gold, digital gold savings, or more advanced options like ETFs.
If you're considering adding gold to your investment portfolio, here's a quick and easy guide on where to buy gold in Malaysia and how the process works.
For those who prefer something you can hold, you can purchase physical gold in the form of bars, coins, or wafers
Image via New Straits Times / Reuters
Where to buy physical gold:
- Public Gold: A well-established local gold dealer known for its transparency and accessibility.
- Jewellery retailers like Habib and Tomei: Some offer investment-grade coins or bars.
- Banks: Select branches of banks like Maybank, Public Bank, and CIMB offer gold bars.
- Authorised dealers: Always ensure they are certified and reputable.
How to buy physical gold:
- Choose the gold weight you wish to purchase (common options: 1g, 10g, 50g, 100g).
- Prices are based on the current market price (spot price) plus a premium (covering minting, transportation, and dealer fees).
- Once purchased, you'll receive the gold physically. You can either store it securely at home or use a third-party vaulting service.
Tip: Always compare buy-back prices and storage options before making your purchase.
If convenience and flexibility are your priorities, digital gold is a great alternative. You get to invest in gold in small amounts without needing to manage physical storage.
Image via New Straits Times / ETX Studio Up
Where to buy gold online:
- Maybank Islamic Gold Account-i: A Shariah-compliant gold savings account.
- Public Bank Gold / eGold Investment Account: Unfortunately, GIA and eGIA are not protected by PIDM.
- CIMB e-Gold Investment Account (eGIA): Rates and charges apply when gold balance falls below certain grams.
- Touch 'n Go eWallet e-Mas: Invest via the same app you use for everyday transactions.
How to buy gold online:
- Register through the respective bank or app.
- Deposit funds into your account.
- Buy gold based on live market prices — you can invest small amounts regularly.
- Your gold is stored securely in international vaults and insured.
- Some services offer the option to redeem physical gold later.
Tip: Digital gold is easy to monitor, and some platforms allow auto-investment features to help you save consistently. That said, always do your due diligence when purchasing online.
If you're already investing in the stock market, you might consider gold-backed Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or shares in gold-related companies
Image via NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM
ETFs are like baskets of different investments, such as stocks or bonds. Instead of buying each one separately, you buy a share of the basket. This gives you instant diversification and is often a cheaper way to invest. You can easily buy and sell these "baskets" on the stock market, just like regular stocks.
Where to buy gold EFTs:
- TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker ETF: Listed on Bursa Malaysia, this ETF mirrors the performance of physical gold.
- Gold mining stocks: Riskier, but with potential for higher returns depending on market conditions.
To get started, you'll need to:
- Register or sign up for a CDS (Central Depository System) account with a bank such as Maybank or Hong Leong Bank
- Alternatively, you can register for an account with a licensed broker like Rakuten Trade, M+ Online, MIDF Invest. This method is a lot quicker.
Before investing in gold, there are several things that you should keep in mind
- Always check the current gold price before buying: gold is best bought when prices dip.
- Be aware of the buy-sell spread, especially for physical gold.
- Capital gains from gold are currently not taxed in Malaysia, but it's wise to keep records.
- Store your physical gold in a secure place, or consider insured storage services.
As with any investment, take your time to research, understand your goals, and start with what you're comfortable with.
The key is to invest wisely — not quickly.
Image via NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM
