Kedah:Financial literacy and investment awareness must be enhanced to help Malaysians make informed financial decisions and avoid falling prey to increasingly sophisticated online investment scams. Bursa Malaysia Bhd CEO Datuk Fad'l Mohamed emphasized the importance of verifying information sources and understanding risks, particularly in the era of widespread digital access.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fad'l highlighted that easy access to information through social media and digital platforms necessitates the ability to assess credibility and identify suspicious investment offers. He urged investors to not rely on claims of high returns found online but to check the veracity of sources to prevent financial losses.

Fad'l spoke at the Kedah Stock Market Carnival organized with Universiti Utara Malaysia, noting that knowledgeable investors are better equipped to ask pertinent questions and spot warning signs. He shared that Malaysia's retail investors had an average daily trading value of RM638 million as of September's end, with Kedah accounting for about 57,000 active retail investors.

The CEO stressed that sufficient knowledge and understanding are needed for responsible investment participation, which can build resilience against financial scams. The carnival is part of World Investor Week, promoting investor resilience amid digital deception. It aims to educate the public on distinguishing legitimate investments from those needing scrutiny.

The Stock Market Carnival, held in multiple states since 2022, offers direct engagement with market participants and insights into the capital market. It targets university students and young people, providing guidance on financial management, investment, and scam awareness, including opening a Central Depository System account and understanding capital market products and services.