Bursa Malaysia for beginners — starting with RM500/month and what I've learned

by Wan Aiman·May 22, 2026

I started investing in Bursa in 2022 with RM500/month. Three years in, here's what I know now that I didn't then.

Starting out:
Open a CDS account through a stockbroker — Rakuten Trade and MyEG Trade are popular for beginners in Malaysia due to lower fees. The account opening is fully digital.

What I invest in:
- REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): IGB REIT, Pavilion REIT, Axis REIT — consistent dividend yields of 5—8%, regulated, relatively lower risk for equities
- Blue chip dividend stocks: Maybank, Public Bank, Tenaga — slower growth but stable dividends
- Small amount in growth stocks: higher risk, I limit this to 20% of my portfolio

What I've learned:
- Dividend reinvestment compounds over time in a way that's hard to believe until you see it in year 3
- Timing the market is impossible. Regular investment (RM500 every month regardless of price) beats waiting for the right moment
- REITs are underused by Malaysian retail investors for what they offer

3-year portfolio return: ~9.4% annualised including dividends.

#Bursa#investing#Malaysia#REIT#beginner

Comments (6)

Izhan Kamal20

The toxic manager who caused my burnout left the company 8 months later. I wish I had escalated instead of absorbing. HR exists for a reason — use it when the situation warrants.

Suraya Johari17

Document specific incidents, not feelings. "He shouted at me in the meeting on March 14" is actionable. "He always makes me feel bad" is not. Get specific before escalating.

Edmund Tay14

The HR department reports to management. Approach them with documentation, keep copies, and understand that their first priority is the company, not you. Proceed accordingly.