ETF Investing Malaysia: MyETF vs TradePlus vs Kenanga, Which Is Right for Beginners?

ETF investing in Malaysia is more accessible than ever: you can buy a diversified portfolio for as little as one board lot through any CDS-linked brokerage account. The three names that dominate local ETF conversations are Eq8 Capital (which carries the old MyETF legacy), TradePlus, and Kenanga Investors, but each targets a different investor need. Here is exactly how they compare and how to pick the right one for where you are right now.

What is an ETF and why does it matter for Malaysians?

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) bundles a basket of assets, usually designed to track an index, into a single security that trades on Bursa Malaysia just like a stock. You get instant diversification, low ongoing costs, and full transparency on what you own, unlike an actively managed unit trust where the manager picks stocks and charges a higher fee.

As at March 2026, the Securities Commission Malaysia lists 16 ETFs on Bursa Malaysia, spanning Malaysian equities, global equities, bonds, gold, and ESG indices. The SC regulates all ETF operators and requires regular disclosure of their total expense ratios (TER) and fund holdings (source: SC Malaysia, 2026 ETF list).

The three main local providers at a glance

Eq8 Capital (formerly i-VCAP / MyETF)

The original MyETF brand was launched by i-VCAP Management in 2008 as Malaysia’s first domestic ETF operator. In May 2024, Kenanga Investors took over management and the brand was rebranded to Eq8 Capital. The flagship product is now the Eq8 MSCI Malaysia Islamic Dividend ETF (ticker: EQMI, Bursa code 0824EA).

Key facts:

• Tracks: MSCI Malaysia IMI Islamic High Dividend Yield Index (Shariah-compliant)
• Total Expense Ratio: approximately 0.51% per year (as reported on eq8.com.my, 2025)
• Shariah status: Yes, fully Shariah-compliant
• Underlying exposure: Large and mid-cap Malaysian dividend-paying stocks screened under MSCI’s Islamic methodology

The MSCI methodology screens out companies with revenues from interest, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and pork-related activities. This makes Eq8 MSCI Malaysia the go-to choice for investors who want broad Malaysian equity exposure combined with Shariah compliance.

TradePlus (Affin Hwang / BIMB)

TradePlus ETFs are issued by Affin Hwang Asset Management (now rebranded under AmFunds/TradePlus umbrella) and managed in partnership with BIMB Investment Management for Shariah products. TradePlus runs the most diverse range of thematic ETFs among local providers.

Flagship products:

• TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker (GOLDETF): Malaysia’s first and only physically-backed Shariah-compliant gold ETF. TER approximately 0.76% per year. Tracks the price of gold (LBMA Gold Price AM), backed by physical gold stored in a Shariah-compliant vault.
• TradePlus MSCI Asia ex Japan REITs ETF: Gives exposure to Asian REITs outside Japan.
• TradePlus DWS Invest China Onshore ETF: Tracks A-share Chinese equities via a feeder structure.

TradePlus products suit investors who want to go beyond Malaysia, whether for commodity hedging (gold), regional diversification (Asia), or accessing China’s domestic market from a Bursa-listed wrapper.

Kenanga Investors (direct ETF issuance)

Kenanga Investors Berhad now manages the Eq8 range and operates its own index products, making the Kenanga group one of the most active ETF managers on Bursa post-2024. Kenanga products are notable for competitive TERs and for qualifying under EPF’s Members Investment Scheme (MIS), meaning eligible EPF Account 1 savings can be directed into approved products through an authorised agent.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	Eq8 (MyETF)	TradePlus	Kenanga Group
Core product	EQMI (MY equities, Islamic dividend)	GOLDETF (Gold), Asia REITs, China A-shares	Manages Eq8 range + own products
Expense ratio (TER)	~0.51% (EQMI)	~0.76% (GOLDETF)	Varies by product, 0.49–0.65% range
Shariah-compliant	Yes (EQMI)	Yes (GOLDETF)	Varies by product
What it tracks	MSCI Malaysia Islamic Dividend Index	Physical gold / regional indices	Depends on product
EPF-investable	Some products via MIS	Check with broker	Some products via MIS
Suitable for	Beginners wanting Malaysian equity exposure	Investors wanting gold or regional diversification	Investors comparing local equity products

Expense ratios sourced from product prospectuses and provider websites, 2025. Always verify the current TER in the fund’s latest annual report before investing.

How to buy an ETF on Bursa Malaysia

1. Open a CDS account through any Bursa-approved broker (Rakuten Trade, Maybank Investment Bank, RHB Invest, etc.). A CDS account is needed for all Bursa-listed securities including ETFs.
2. Fund your account in MYR. Most brokers accept FPX or online bank transfer.
3. Search the ETF ticker on your broker platform. EQMI (Eq8 MSCI Malaysia) trades under Bursa code 0824EA. GOLDETF trades under 0828EA.
4. Buy in board lots of 100 units. A single lot of EQMI at around RM0.80 per unit costs approximately RM80. ETF minimum investment is therefore very affordable.
5. Monitor via Bursa at bursamalaysia.com, all ETF net asset values (NAVs) and fund reports are publicly disclosed.

There is no annual management fee charged to your account separately. The TER is embedded in the fund’s daily NAV calculation, meaning the fund’s returns you see already reflect that cost deduction.

The cheapest ETF on Bursa: ABF Malaysia Bond Index Fund

Worth knowing: the single cheapest ETF listed on Bursa is the ABF Malaysia Bond Index Fund (ABFMY1), managed by AmInvest. It tracks Malaysian government and quasi-government bonds with a TER of just 0.14% per year, the lowest on the exchange. For capital-preservation-minded beginners or retirees who want bond exposure, this is worth examining alongside the equity-focused products above.

Taxation and Bursa ETFs

Dividends received from Bursa-listed ETFs are generally exempt from personal income tax in Malaysia, as they are treated as distributions from collective investment schemes. Capital gains from the sale of ETF units are also not subject to any capital gains tax in Malaysia as at 2026 (LHDN). You pay the standard Bursa brokerage commission and stamp duty when you trade, the same as for ordinary shares.

Which is right for beginners?

For a first-time investor who wants simple, low-cost exposure to Malaysian listed companies and prefers a Shariah-compliant option, Eq8 MSCI Malaysia (EQMI) is the most straightforward starting point: one product, one country, one Islamic screen, modest TER. You can start with one board lot for under RM100.

If you already have Malaysian equity exposure (perhaps through unit trusts or ASB) and want to diversify, TradePlus GOLDETF adds a non-correlated commodity layer. It is not a “beginner’s first investment” but it makes sense as a portfolio addition once the basics are in place.

The most important step is simply starting. Low TER, diversified, Bursa-listed ETFs are a proven, regulated way to put ringgit to work over the long term.

Key takeaways

• Malaysia had 16 ETFs listed on Bursa as at March 2026, regulated by the Securities Commission.
• The old MyETF brand is now Eq8 Capital, managed by Kenanga Investors since May 2024.
• Eq8 MSCI Malaysia (EQMI) tracks Malaysian Islamic dividend stocks at ~0.51% TER. Best for beginners wanting local equity exposure.
• TradePlus GOLDETF is Malaysia’s only Shariah physically-backed gold ETF, at ~0.76% TER. Best for gold or commodity diversification.
• The cheapest ETF on Bursa is ABFMY1 (bond ETF) at 0.14% TER.
• You need a CDS and brokerage account to buy any Bursa-listed ETF. Minimum buy-in is typically 100 units (one board lot).
• ETF dividends and capital gains are generally not subject to Malaysian personal income tax as at 2026.
• Always check the current TER in a fund’s latest annual report before investing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my EPF savings to invest in ETFs? Some ETFs qualify under EPF’s Members Investment Scheme (MIS), which allows Account 1 funds above a set threshold to be invested with approved managers. Check EPF’s current list of approved products at kwsp.gov.my and confirm with your broker whether the specific ETF you want is on the approved list, as the list is updated periodically.

Is there a minimum investment amount for ETFs in Malaysia? ETFs trade in board lots of 100 units on Bursa. The actual ringgit cost depends on the unit price at the time of purchase. As a rough guide, a board lot of EQMI costs below RM100 at current prices. Odd lots (fewer than 100 units) can sometimes be purchased through the Bursa odd-lot market at a slightly wider spread.

What is the difference between an ETF and a unit trust in Malaysia? A unit trust is bought at the fund’s net asset value once a day (after market close) and often carries an upfront sales charge of 1 to 3%. An ETF trades continuously throughout Bursa’s trading hours at live market prices, and there is no sales charge, you only pay brokerage commission, which on discount platforms can be as low as 0.05% per transaction. ETFs also tend to have lower ongoing management fees.

Are all Malaysian ETFs Shariah-compliant? No. As at 2026, roughly half the ETFs on Bursa carry a Shariah-compliant classification from the SC’s Shariah Advisory Council. If Shariah compliance is important to you, check the fund’s classification on the SC website or the provider’s prospectus before investing.

How do I compare ETF performance over time? Use Bursa Malaysia’s ETF page or the provider’s own website to check historical NAV per unit, distribution history, and the fund’s tracking error (how closely it mirrors its benchmark index). A lower tracking error means the ETF is doing its job efficiently. The SC also publishes the updated ETF list quarterly at sc.com.my.

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Further reading: Investing basics for Malaysians | Robo-advisors vs ETFs in Malaysia