SC: Lack of participation by Malaysian youth in capital market

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- There is a dearth of participation by Malaysian youth in the capital market, said the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). 

In a report today, the SC noted that through its recent Youth Capital Market Survey 2022, it was revealed that a majority of Malaysian youths’ income is spent on food, household expenses, and debt repayment -- leaving them with not much left for savings or investment.

“Respondents prioritise setting aside their income for emergencies and for expenses on children or family, but the pressure to keep up with appearance is apparent across segments.

bootstrap slideshow

“Controlling their expenses, for example, putting a limit on eating out, shopping, and travel makes them feel that they are unable to enjoy the fruits of their labour,” the SC said. 

Other factors that may cause the lack of participation are the low awareness of capital market products rather than non-capital market products such as insurance, Tabung Haji, and fixed deposits, the report noted.

Only three per cent of the respondents considered themselves to have a high-risk appetite while 97 per cent are comfortable with medium to low risk, the SC said. 

bootstrap slideshow

 It added that low-income earners lack sufficient surplus for investment after they have set aside cash for emergencies.

“Contrarily, those with a higher income feel more inclined to invest their additional funds,” the SC noted. 

-- BERNAMA