Saving Vs Investing: What Should Malaysians Focus On First?

Imagine this: You’ve just received your salary, paid your bills and you’re left with some extra cash. Do you put it into your savings account or should you start looking at stocks, unit trusts or ASNB funds to grow your money? In a country where the cost of living is rising, salaries are often stretched thin and inflation quietly eats into our ringgit, making the right financial move matters more than ever.

According to Bank Negara Malaysia, nearly three in ten Malaysians have no savings at all and many more are unsure how to balance saving and investing effectively. While both are essential for long-term financial security, the right choice depends heavily on your current circumstances,  including your income stability, financial goals and risk appetite.

In this article, we break down when you should prioritise saving, when it makes sense to start investing and how everyday Malaysians can find the right balance between the two. 

Saving vs investing: Understanding the difference is key

Let’s break it down in simple terms. Saving money in Malaysia is simple- it is all about putting your money aside somewhere safe. It can be a regular savings account, a fixed deposit or even Tabung Haji,  so it’s there when you need it. It’s low-risk, straightforward, and usually meant for short-term goals or emergencies.

Investing, on the other hand, is about growing your money over time. Instead of just keeping it parked, you’re putting it to work through things like unit trusts, shares, property or even digital platforms like Robo-advisors or ASNB funds. While the returns can be higher, there’s also more risk involved, which is why timing, proper planning and knowing your limits matter. T could make or break your financial portfolio.

When should saving come first?

If you don’t yet have an emergency fund, that’s your first priority before thinking about the best investment options in Malaysia. Financial experts generally recommend setting aside at least three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses to protect yourself against unexpected events such as job loss, medical emergencies or urgent car repairs. For instance, if your monthly expenses amount to RM3,000, you’ll need between RM9,000 and RM18,000 stored safely in a high-interest savings account. Local tools like OCBC 360 or CIMB Octosavers are ideal options that offer better-than-average interest rates, helping your cash grow while still remaining accessible.

Saving should also take precedence when you’re working toward short-term financial goals. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a home deposit or saving up for your child’s education within the next one to three years, it’s wiser to prioritise saving over investing. That’s because high-risk investment vehicles can fluctuate in value and may not offer the stability you need for near-term plans. 

Take Azhar, 31, from Seremban, for example. Over the course of two years, he successfully saved RM20,000 for his wedding. Rather than dabbling in volatile markets, he used a mix of fixed deposits and GO+ by Touch ‘n Go, which gave him modest interest returns while keeping his capital safe. “I didn’t want to stress about market crashes right before the big day,” he shared. His experience shows how focusing on savings first can provide peace of mind when a specific goal is on the horizon.

When does investing make more sense?

Once you’ve built a solid emergency fund and feel financially stable, it’s time to consider how to make your money work harder for you. Investing becomes essential at this stage, not just to grow your wealth, but to protect it from losing value over time.

One of the key reasons to invest is to outpace inflation. In Malaysia, the average annual inflation rate typically ranges between 2% and 3%, although it spiked to over 4% during the 2022 cost-of-living crisis. A regular savings account offering around 1.5% per annum simply can’t keep up with this. That means that over time, your money’s purchasing power erodes. Investing, even in small amounts, helps you stay ahead. For example, a unit trust fund generating an average annual return of 6% would turn RM10,000 into over RM17,900 in ten years, significantly outpacing inflation and helping preserve the real value of your savings.

Investing also plays a crucial role in planning for retirement and other long-term goals. If you’re in your 30s or 40s, retirement might seem like a distant concern, but time is your greatest asset when it comes to investing. Compound interest—the process where your returns generate more returns—works best over long periods. Consider Nurul, 36, from Shah Alam, who sets aside RM500 every month for her EPF (KWSP) and an additional RM200 into ASNB’s Variable Price Funds, such as ASN Imbang 3. 

Assuming steady contributions and favourable market performance, her secondary investment portfolio could grow to over RM100,000 in 20 years. This gives her more flexibility and financial freedom in retirement, beyond what EPF alone might offer. Her strategy highlights how a long-term, consistent investment plan can pave the way for a more secure future.

A hybrid strategy: Save then invest

The truth is, you don’t have to choose between saving and investing — you just need to know when to do each. The most effective approach for Malaysians is a layered one, where you build financial stability through saving and then grow your wealth through strategic investments. It’s not about going all-in on one path, but about balancing both based on your stage in life.

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you get started:

Step 1: Build your safety net:

Start by saving enough to cover three to six months of essential living expenses. This emergency fund acts as your financial cushion during uncertain times.

Step 2: Clear high-interest debt:

Focus on paying off debt that charges high interest, such as credit card balances, which can cost you up to 18% per annum — much higher than most investment returns.

Step 3: Automate your savings:

Use standing instructions to regularly move money into a separate savings account or a money market fund like Versa or StashAway Simple. This makes saving consistent and hassle-free.

Step 4: Start small with investing:

Begin investing with what you can afford — even RM10 is enough to get started with platforms like Raiz, BEST Invest or Wahed. Choose options aligned with your goals and risk appetite, including equities, bonds or Shariah-compliant funds.

Step 5: Rebalance annually:

Review your portfolio and financial goals each year. As your income grows, increase your investment contributions to match your evolving lifestyle and long-term ambitions.

Pick the right money management platform and don’t forget about risk tolerance

There are plenty of local tools and platforms available depending on your financial goals. For emergency savings, options like CIMB Octosavers, MAE Pockets and GO+ by Touch ‘n Go offer easy access and decent returns. 

If you’re focused on short-term saving, fixed deposits from banks such as Maybank or RHB provide stability and predictable interest. For those starting out with investing, platforms like ASNB funds, Private Retirement Schemes (PRS) and robo-advisors including StashAway or Versa are great entry points.If you’re looking for Shariah-compliant investments, consider Wahed Invest or BIMB Unit Trusts. And for long-term growth, more advanced options like Bursa Malaysia and EPF i-Invest can help build wealth over time.

Remember, no matter what tools and platforms you pick, not all investments are created equal. Know your risk profile – are you more conservative, moderate or aggressive? You can take free assessments via Bursa Marketplace or your preferred robo-advisor app to guide your strategy.

Final thoughts: It’s not either – or

If you’re just starting out, saving money in Malaysia should take priority. Once you’re financially stable, investing becomes essential to grow your wealth and beat inflation. The good news? You don’t need to be rich to start investing. Even RM50 a month can go a long way if you’re consistent. It’s not about choosing one or the other, but about knowing when to do what.

In the end, your financial plan should reflect your life goals, not just numbers on a screen.