Young investors urged to approach Malaysia's capital market with caution

The Star

26-07-2025

IPOH: With more opportunities emerging in Malaysia's capital market, young investors are encouraged to get involved but with caution, strategy, and a solid understanding of financial risks.
State tourism, industry, investment, and corridor development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said young investors must equip themselves with knowledge.
'This knowledge is important to assess risks, formulate sound strategies, and develop the discipline required to make informed decisions.
'At the same time, the rise in youth participation must be matched by greater vigilance against fraud.
'The growing sophistication of investment scams, particularly those targeting inexperienced investors, remains a serious concern,' he said in his speech at the Bursa Malaysia 2025 Investment Carnival held at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar on Saturday (July 26).
Loh said alongside the excitement of market entry, there is a real need for heightened awareness.
He said fraudulent schemes have become more deceptive, and many first-time investors are falling victim.
'Get-rich-quick scams and bogus investment offers are becoming harder to detect. The number of victims, especially those just starting to invest, is on the rise,' he warned.
He said the state government expressed serious concern over the matter, urging collective action.
Loh said while enforcement remains crucial, public awareness and individual responsibility are equally important in protecting both oneself and others.
'Every prospective investor must fully understand both the potential gains and the risks involved.
'It is essential that all investment transactions are conducted through legitimate, secure, and regulated channels,' he added.
Loh also stressed the need to build a generation of financially literate Malaysians who can serve not just as informed investors, but also as community watchdogs against investment fraud.
'Financially savvy individuals will play a vital role in educating others and forming a line of defence to prevent more people from falling victim to scams,' he said.
Loh said the strategic collaboration between Bursa Malaysia and Utar is seen as a significant step in supporting the aspirations of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, especially in empowering youth and communities through practical and relevant knowledge, including effective financial management.
He said the initiative aligns well with Perak's demographic profile, where a large portion of the 2.5mil population comprises young people, regarded as the backbone of the state's development agenda.
'Beyond its role in financial literacy, UTAR has also been directly involved in advancing several key strategic projects within the state. Among the most notable is Utar's participation, along with other higher learning institutions, in the Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP) in Chemor.
'The high-impact project is expected to drive the growth of mineral-based and advanced technology industries in Perak,' he said.
Loh said close collaboration between educational institutions, the government, and the industrial sector is seen as vital in boosting financial literacy among youth, which is increasingly regarded as an urgent need.
'Such efforts will not only unlock greater entrepreneurial potential and workforce readiness in the state, but also help build a stronger foundation for long-term financial stability in Perak,' he added.