Malaysia Ranks 4th Globally In Gold Buying As Central Banks Adjust Strategies
According to Oriental Daily, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatile global gold prices, Malaysia has emerged as one of the top gold buyers among central banks in 2026.
According to the latest rankings by Visual Capitalist, Malaysia is now the fourth-largest gold buyer globally, following Poland, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Malaysia adds nearly 5 tonnes of gold
In 2026, Malaysia increased its gold reserves by approximately 4.98 tonnes, signalling a continued effort to strengthen its financial position.
Latest data shows that as of April 15, Malaysia’s gold reserves are valued at US$6.4 billion (approximately RM25.29 billion).
The move places Malaysia ahead of countries like the Czech Republic, reflecting a broader trend of central banks increasing gold holdings amid global uncertainty.
Part of wider global shift towards gold
Malaysia’s move comes as central banks worldwide adopt differing strategies, with some aggressively increasing gold reserves while others scale back their holdings.
Countries like Poland have led purchases, adding over 20 tonnes this year as part of long-term plans, while Central Asian economies such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan continue to steadily build their reserves, driven by geopolitical concerns and the need for more secure assets.
Gold is increasingly seen as a safer reserve compared to foreign exchange, as it is not subject to control by foreign governments. This became more apparent after the freezing of Russia’s central bank assets in 2022, prompting more countries, including Malaysia, to turn to gold as a hedge against uncertainty.
However, not all nations are buying. Russia and Turkey have been among the largest sellers in 2026 due to fiscal pressures and domestic policies, highlighting how gold continues to play a dual role as both a financial safeguard and a source of liquidity.
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