This guide is for Malaysian retail investors who have just had their CDS account approved and want their first trade to go smoothly. I am a remisier at Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd (M+ Global), and these are the questions and mistakes I see from clients almost every week.
1. Understand the CDS Account and the Trading Account
Your CDS account is held at Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn Bhd and records the shares you own. Bursa is scripless, so there are no share certificates. The trading account is what you use to place buy and sell orders through your broker.
You open one CDS account with each broker, so different brokers mean different CDS numbers. M+ CDS numbers are 15 digits and start with 012-001. Check that your number matches the one on your account opening documents before you rely on it.
2. Log In to the M+ Global App and Secure It
Use the M+ Global app only. The M+ Online app was scheduled to end on 31 October 2025 and stopped working on 19 December 2025, so ignore any old links or screenshots that point to it.
- Download M+ Global from the official app store listing or the M+ website.
- Log in for the first time using the details from your account opening.
- Create a strong password that you do not use anywhere else.
- Turn on two-factor verification and register your phone as a trusted device.
- Never share your one-time passcodes with anyone, including people claiming to be from the broker.
The most common trip-up is a forgotten password after a long gap. Reset it through the official app or call your representative rather than using a link sent to you by message.
3. Fund Your Trading Account Before You Buy
M+ Global accounts can be Cash Upfront accounts, which means the money must be in place before you place a buy order. You cannot buy first and pay later under this arrangement. Check your account type with your representative before your first order.
Transfer money from a bank account in your own name. Transfers from third-party accounts can cause delays or rejection. Allow time for the deposit to reflect before you plan to trade, and check the current funding methods on the M+ Global app.
4. Register Your Bank Account for Bursa eDividend
Registering for Bursa eDividend means cash dividends from your shares go straight into your bank account, rather than being sent by cheque. This saves you from chasing payments and reduces the risk of lost cheques.
- Confirm which bank account you want dividends paid into.
- Make sure the account is in your own name, matching your CDS account name exactly.
- Ask your representative for the current registration process, or check the current form on the M+ website.
The common mistake is a name mismatch between the bank account and the CDS account. If the names do not match, the registration can be delayed or rejected.
5. Check Your CDS Holdings and Statements on Bursa Anywhere
The Bursa Anywhere app lets you view your CDS holdings and statements directly. Log in with your own credentials and check that your account details are correct from the start.
Look at your holdings after every transaction, not just once a month. Remember that PIDM deposit insurance covers bank deposits, not shares held with a broker, so your statements are an important record to keep.
6. Build a Watchlist and Learn the Order Types
A watchlist is simply a list of companies you want to follow over time. Build it by researching businesses you understand, and treat it as a monitoring tool rather than a shopping list. I do not recommend specific stocks, and you should make your own decisions.
Before your first buy, understand the two basic order types:
| Order type | How it works | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Limit order | Executes only at your chosen price or better | May not get filled if the price does not reach your level |
| Market order | Executes immediately at the best available price | The final price can be far from what you saw on screen |
For a first trade, a limit order is usually the safer choice. Standard board lot is 100 units, so check the quantity you are buying before you confirm.
7. Make a Small First Trade and Understand T+2 and the Contract Note
Start with a small order that you can afford to lose and that you understand fully. Place it as a limit order and confirm the price, quantity and total before submitting.
Bursa trades settle on T+2, which means the shares and cash are settled two market days after the trade date. Your broker issues a contract note for each trade, showing the price, quantity, brokerage and other charges. Read it on the day you receive it and check it against your order.
Costs include brokerage, which for Bursa trades at M+ starts from 0.05% with a RM8 minimum per trade. There is also a clearing fee of 0.03% of trade value, capped at RM1,000 per contract. Stamp duty on ordinary shares is RM1 per RM1,000 of contract value or part thereof, capped at RM1,000.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an old app or an outdated link is the first trap, so always start from the official M+ Global app. Buying before the funds are in place under a Cash Upfront account is the second.
Leaving dividend registration until later often means missed or delayed payments. Placing market orders on thinly traded counters without checking the likely price is another common cause of surprises. Finally, many new investors never read their contract note, which is where errors are easiest to spot.
Key Takeaways
- Your CDS account holds your shares, and your trading account places your orders. Each broker gives you a separate CDS account.
- Use only the M+ Global app, with a strong password and two-factor verification switched on.
- Under Cash Upfront, fund your trading account before placing any buy order.
- Register your own bank account for Bursa eDividend so dividends are paid directly to you.
- Use Bursa Anywhere to check holdings and statements, and use limit orders for your first trade.
- Bursa trades settle on T+2, so read the contract note carefully every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after opening a CDS account can I start trading?
You can usually start trading once your trading account is activated and funded, but the exact timing depends on your broker’s approval steps. Ask your representative to confirm when your account is ready for orders.
Do I need to pay before I buy shares on M+ Global?
If your account is a Cash Upfront account, yes, the money must be in place before you place a buy order. Confirm your account type with your representative before your first trade.
What documents do I need to register for eDividend?
You will generally need a bank account in your own name that matches your CDS account details. Check the current form and requirements on the M+ website or ask your representative for the latest process.
What should I do if my app login stops working or I suspect a problem?
Contact your representative or the broker directly through official channels, and do not share your passcodes with anyone. Keep your contract notes and statements as a record while the issue is resolved.
If you need help setting up your M+ Global app, funding your account, or placing your first small trade, feel free to contact me. I am Dexter Chia, a remisier at Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd. You can use my M+ Global Invitation Code UBZQ or reach me on WhatsApp at +60169059789.
Need Help With This?
If you are an M+ Global client and need help with this process, message me directly — I handle these requests for clients every week.
WhatsApp: +60169059789 | M+ Global Invitation Code: UBZQ
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.
Want to invest in Bursa Malaysia or US markets? Contact Dexter Chia, an AI Driven Remisier who has 2,200+ clients at Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd (M+ Global). M+ Global Invitation Code: UBZQ | WhatsApp: +60169059789 | Why Choose Dexter?
