Gold Investing in Malaysia: Record Prices, How to Start & Best Platforms

The gold price has just hit a new all-time high (ATH) in January 2026 — reaching USD5,608 per ounce or approximately RM764 per gram. This surge is not merely a number on the screen; it directly affects the pockets of Malaysians who save gold, plan to buy jewellery, or are considering gold as an investment.

If you are among those wondering: "Should I start investing in gold now?" — this article will answer all your questions. From the latest gold prices, the reasons behind the price surge, a comparison of the best platforms in Malaysia, right through to how to start investing with as little as RM1.

Current Gold Prices 2026 in Malaysia

As of 11 February 2026, here are the current gold prices in Malaysia:

Gold prices have risen sharply since October 2025. To provide a clearer picture:

• February 2025: ~USD2,900/oz (RM~420/gram 999)
• October 2025: ~USD4,500/oz (RM~580/gram 999)
• January 2026 (ATH): USD5,608/oz (RM764/gram 999)
• February 2026: ~USD5,000/oz (RM~689/gram 999)

In just one year alone, the gold price rose nearly 64% — a return that far exceeds most other asset classes including equities and property.

5 Reasons Why Gold Prices Surged in 2026

The rise in gold prices did not occur randomly. Here are the 5 key factors driving this surge:

1. Global Economic Uncertainty

The world economy is facing multiple pressures — from slowing growth in China and Europe, to recession risks in several developed nations. When investors feel uncertain about the economy, they turn to gold as a "safe haven" or store of value.

2. Ongoing Geopolitical Conflicts

The years 2025-2026 have witnessed heightened geopolitical tensions across various regions. Conflicts in the Middle East, political instability in Latin America, and US-China tensions continue to create an uncertain environment that drives gold demand.

3. Global Central Bank Gold Purchases

This is the biggest factor that many are unaware of. Central banks worldwide — particularly China — have been aggressively purchasing gold for 15 consecutive months. They aim to reduce dependence on the US dollar and diversify national reserves.

Malaysia itself holds gold reserves valued at USD5.37 billion (38.88 tonnes) as of the end of 2025, demonstrating how important gold is in the national financial system.

4. Expectations of US Interest Rate Cuts

The market anticipates the US Federal Reserve will lower interest rates in 2026. When interest rates fall, the holding cost of gold (which does not pay interest) becomes relatively lower, making gold more attractive compared to bonds and fixed deposits.

5. De-Dollarisation Trend

An increasing number of countries are reducing their dependence on the US dollar in international trade. Gold is becoming the primary alternative as an international reserve, structurally increasing global demand.

Types of Gold Investments in Malaysia

In Malaysia, you have several options for investing in gold:

Physical Gold

• Gold bars — 999 (24K) gold bars from Public Gold, Poh Kong, or BNM (Kijang Emas)
• Gold coins — Kijang Emas from Bank Negara Malaysia (99.99% purity, available in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz)
• Jewellery — 916 (22K) gold from gold shops — more suitable for wearing, less ideal as an investment due to the high buy/sell price spread

Digital Gold (Gold Savings Accounts)

• Maybank MIGA-i — Shariah-compliant digital gold account, minimum RM10
• HelloGold — Mobile application, minimum RM1, Shariah-compliant
• Public Gold GAP — Gold Accumulation Programme, minimum RM100, redeemable for physical gold
• CIMB e-Gold — Digital gold savings account

Gold ETF

• TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker — Traded on Bursa Malaysia, Shariah-compliant, suitable for investors who already have a CDS account

Ar-Rahnu (Islamic Pawn Broking)

• Not a direct investment, but can be used as collateral to obtain financing using gold you own

Comparison of 7 Best Gold Investment Platforms 2026

Recommendations by investor profile:

• Beginners with small capital: HelloGold (min RM1) or Maybank MIGA-i (min RM10)
• Serious investors wanting physical gold: Public Gold GAP
• Stock investors seeking diversification: TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker (via CDS account)
• Collection / long-term savings: Kijang Emas BNM or Poh Kong

How to Start Investing in Gold: 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Determine Your Investment Objective

Ask yourself — do you want to:

• Hedge against inflation → Long-term savings
• Short-term trading → ETF or digital account
• Portfolio diversification → Allocate 5-15% in gold

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

Refer to the comparison table above. Ensure the chosen platform is Shariah-compliant (if you prioritise halal investment) and has a good track record.

Step 3: Open an Account

• HelloGold: Download the app → Register with MyKad → Verify
• Maybank MIGA-i: Requires a Maybank account → Activate MIGA-i via Maybank2u
• Public Gold: Register online → Get GAP number → Deposit minimum RM100
• TradePlus ETF: Requires a CDS account → Buy through broker

Step 4: Start Buying Consistently (DCA)

Do not try to "time" the market. Use a Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) strategy — buy a fixed amount every month regardless of price. This reduces the risk of buying at peak prices.

Example: RM200/month for 12 months = RM2,400 per year in gold.

Step 5: Monitor & Hold for the Long Term

Gold is not an investment for "getting rich quick". It is a long-term savings asset. Successful gold investors typically hold for a period of 5-10 years or more.

Advantages and Risks of Gold Investing

Advantages

• Inflation hedge — Gold has historically maintained purchasing power over the long term
• Safe haven — Gold prices tend to rise during economic crises and uncertainty
• High liquidity — Easy to sell at any time
• Diversification — Low correlation with equities, helping to reduce overall portfolio risk
• Shariah-compliant — The majority of gold platforms in Malaysia are Shariah-compliant

Risks

• No dividends/interest — Gold does not generate passive income like dividend stocks or ASB
• Buy/sell spread — There is a difference between buy and sell prices (especially physical gold)
• Storage costs — Physical gold needs to be stored securely (safe box, insurance)
• Price volatility — Although the long-term trend is upward, prices can fall in the short term
• No compound returns — Unlike ASB or EPF which provide annual dividends/bonuses

Gold vs Stocks vs ASB: Which Is Best?

Conclusion: There is no single answer to "which is best" — it depends on your objective. The wisest approach is to combine all three in your portfolio:

• 50-60% in ASB/EPF (stable savings foundation)
• 20-30% in Bursa stocks (growth)
• 10-20% in gold (hedge & diversification)

If you are interested in starting to invest in stocks, we have a comprehensive guide for beginners.

Islamic Ruling on Gold Investing

For Muslim investors, the good news is that gold investing is generally permissible (harus) in Islam, subject to the following conditions:

1. Cash and immediate — Gold transactions must be on a cash basis (no deferred payments/instalments involving riba)
2. Immediate delivery — Gold must be delivered/credited to the buyer's account at the time of the transaction
3. Accurate weight — The weight of the gold must be clearly and precisely stated

The Muzakarah (National Fatwa Council Committee, October 2011) ruled that delivery through an account (such as a digital gold account) is considered an accepted form of delivery.

Verified Shariah-compliant platforms: Public Gold GAP, Maybank MIGA-i, HelloGold, TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker.

Warning: Avoid gold investment platforms that promise fixed monthly returns — this is usually a sign of a scam. Legitimate gold investments do not guarantee any fixed returns.

7 Gold Investing Tips for Beginners

1. Start small, be consistent — It is better to buy RM100/month consistently than RM5,000 all at once
2. Use the DCA strategy — Buy every month regardless of price to average out your cost
3. Do not go "all-in" — Allocate only 10-20% of your investment portfolio for gold
4. Choose a licensed platform — Ensure the platform is registered with Bank Negara or the Securities Commission
5. Avoid jewellery as an investment — The buy/sell spread on 916 jewellery is very high (20-30%), making it less ideal for investment
6. Think long-term — Gold is not an asset for daily trading. Target a minimum holding period of 3-5 years
7. Pay zakat on gold — If the value of your gold reaches the nisab (85 grams of 999 gold), you are obligated to pay zakat of 2.5% annually

FAQ — Gold Investing in Malaysia

1. What is the price of 916 gold today?

As of February 2026, the price of 916 gold is approximately RM638 per gram. This price changes daily according to the international market. You can check the latest prices on the Public Gold or Poh Kong websites.

2. What is the minimum to start investing in gold?

As low as RM1 through HelloGold, or RM10 through Maybank MIGA-i. For physical gold, the minimum is approximately RM300 (1 gram bar from Poh Kong).

3. Is gold investing Shariah-compliant?

Yes, the majority of gold investment platforms in Malaysia are Shariah-compliant including Public Gold GAP, Maybank MIGA-i, HelloGold, and TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker.

4. When is the best time to buy gold?

No one can predict gold prices accurately. The best approach is DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) — buy consistently every month without trying to "time" the market.

5. Is gold subject to tax in Malaysia?

Profits from the sale of physical gold in Malaysia are currently not subject to capital gains tax. However, if you have a gold trading business, those profits are subject to income tax.

6. Do I need to pay zakat on gold?

Yes, if the value of the gold you own (stored gold, not worn gold) exceeds the nisab (equivalent to 85 grams of 999 gold) for one year, you are obligated to pay zakat of 2.5% of the gold value.

7. Should I buy gold now even though the price is already high?

There is no guarantee that prices will continue to rise, but factors such as central bank purchases, de-dollarisation, and geopolitical uncertainty indicate ongoing support for gold prices. The key is to not go all-in and use a DCA approach.

8. Gold or stocks — which is better?

Both play different roles in a portfolio. Gold for hedging and stability, stocks for growth. The best approach is to combine both. If you are new to stock investing, read our beginner's guide to stock investing 2026.

Take Your First Step in Investing

Gold investing is one of the best ways to protect your wealth from inflation and economic uncertainty. But it is not the only option.

If you are also interested in investing in stocks on Bursa Malaysia, the first step is to open a CDS account. With a CDS account, you can purchase stocks, ETFs (including gold ETFs), and various other investment instruments.

Open a CDS Account Now

Want to learn the basics of stock investing first? Get our free Stock Basics Ebook which covers everything a beginner needs to know — from how to read stock charts to your first investment strategy.

Download Free Basics Ebook

References

1. Bank Negara Malaysia — Kijang Emas Prices
2. Business Today Malaysia — Malaysia's Gold Reserves Valued At US$5.37 Billion
3. Kompas — Gold Prices Skyrocket in Early 2026, These Are the Global Factors Behind It
4. Maybank — Islamic Gold Account-i (MIGA-i)
5. Jabatan Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan — Ruling on Online Gold Trading and Account Delivery
6. eCentral — MIGA-i Maybank: How to Open Account, Buy & Sell