Top 10 High Dividend Stocks in Malaysia To Boost Your Portfolio

Some of the best-known high dividend stocks in Malaysia include Maybank, RHB Bank, CIMB, Bank Islam and Sunway REIT. These Bursa Malaysia-listed investments have established dividend histories, making them worth considering for Malaysians interested in earning passive income alongside potential share price growth.

Dividend investing is relatively straightforward. When a company distributes part of its profits, eligible shareholders receive payments based on the number of shares they own.

However, not every stock offering an attractive dividend yield is a good investment. Let’s compare 10 options, their historical payouts, potential advantages and risks worth considering.

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Top 10 High Dividend Stocks in Malaysia at a Glance

Note: Figures are historical declared dividends or distributions for the financial years shown, not current yields. Financial reporting periods may differ. CIMB’s FY2025 total includes a 7 sen special dividend. Compare annual payouts against share prices from the same date to calculate yields. Verify current prices and announcements through Bursa Malaysia before investing.

How We Selected These High Dividend Stocks

Our selection focuses on accessible (for the average Malaysian who wants to invest) Malaysian stocks with established dividend histories rather than simply ranking companies by the highest advertised yields.

We considered:

• Dividend Yield: Historical dividend income relative to share price.
• Payment History: Consistency of previous dividends.
• Business Stability: Whether operations can support future distributions.
• Financial Health: Profitability, debt and cash flow.
• Diversification: Exposure to different industries and income sources.

Remember, a company offering a sustainable 5% dividend yield may be more appealing than one offering 10% while facing financial difficulties.

1. Maybank (1155): Best for Established Banking Income

Sector: Banking

FY2025 Dividend: 63 sen per share

Maybank is one of Malaysia’s largest banking groups and a familiar choice among local dividend investors.

Its established domestic operations and regional presence make it worth researching for those prioritising long-term dividend income.

Why Consider Maybank?

Maybank has an extensive history of shareholder distributions, typically paying dividends twice yearly. Its FY2025 dividend increased from 61 sen to 63 sen per share.

Dividend Highlights:

• Established history of dividend payments.
• Exposure to Malaysian and regional banking markets.
• Broad retail, commercial and investment banking operations.

Potential Risks: Loan defaults, economic slowdowns and interest rate changes can affect profitability and future payouts.

Best For: Investors looking for an established banking stock with a substantial dividend history.

2. RHB Bank (1066): Best for Banking Dividend Exposure

Sector: Banking

FY2025 Dividend: 50 sen per share

RHB Bank is another established Malaysian financial institution with a consistent dividend history.

It provides consumer banking, business financing and investment banking services.

Why Consider RHB Bank?

RHB paid 50 sen per share for FY2025, comprising a 15 sen interim dividend and a 35 sen second interim dividend. Its history makes it relevant for investors prioritising regular income.

Dividend Highlights:

• Historical semi-annual dividend payments.
• Established shareholder distributions.
• Multiple banking and financial services operations.

Potential Risks: Banking profits depend on credit quality, financing demand and economic conditions. Investors should also examine whether dividends are supported by sustainable earnings.

Best For: Investors comparing income opportunities among Malaysian banking stocks.

3. CIMB Group (1023): Best for Regional Banking Exposure

Sector: Banking

FY2025 Dividend: 47.1 sen per share, including 7 sen special dividend

CIMB is another major Malaysian banking group, with operations extending into Indonesia, Singapore and other Southeast Asian markets.

Why Consider CIMB?

Unlike investors focusing entirely on domestic banking, CIMB shareholders gain exposure to several regional financial markets.

Its FY2025 payout included 40.1 sen in ordinary dividends and a 7 sen special dividend, which should not be assumed to recur.

Dividend Highlights:

• Established shareholder dividend distributions.
• Exposure to multiple Southeast Asian economies.
• Diversified banking operations.

Potential Risks: Regional economic changes, currency movements and banking regulations may affect earnings. Special dividends should not be mistaken for recurring payouts.

Best For: Investors seeking banking dividend income with regional exposure.

4. Bank Islam (5258): Best for Islamic Banking Exposure

Sector: Islamic Banking

FY2025 Dividend: 14.45 sen per share

Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad offers exposure to Malaysia’s established Islamic financial services industry.

Its banking activities operate according to Shariah principles, distinguishing it from conventional banking institutions.

Why Consider Bank Islam?

Bank Islam provides a more focused investment in Islamic banking while maintaining a history of shareholder distributions. Its FY2025 dividend totalled 14.45 sen per share.

Dividend Highlights:

• Historical dividend payments.
• Exposure to Malaysia’s Islamic banking sector.
• Shariah-based banking operations.

Potential Risks: Financing defaults, economic uncertainty and changes in profitability may affect future dividends.

Best For: Investors interested in Islamic banking and potential dividend income.

5. Sunway REIT (5176): Best for Diversified Property Income

Sector: Real Estate Investment Trust

FY2025 Distribution: 14.48 sen per unit

Want exposure to rental income without buying an actual property?

Sunway REIT owns income-producing real estate across different property categories, including retail, hospitality and industrial assets.

Why Consider Sunway REIT?

Investors can participate in property-related income without managing tenants, property maintenance or rental collection themselves.

Sunway REIT declared 14.48 sen per unit for FY2025. Part of this distribution was supported by gains realised from a property disposal, so investors should assess how much income is recurring.

Distribution Highlights:

• Exposure to multiple commercial properties.
• Historical distributions to unitholders.
• Different property categories within its portfolio.

Potential Risks: Lower occupancy, weaker rental demand, asset disposals and higher financing costs can reduce income.

Best For: Investors interested in diversified property-related distributions.

6. AmBank (1015): Best for Banking Dividend Growth

Sector: Banking

FY2026 Dividend: 35 sen per share

AmBank, listed under AMMB Holdings Berhad, is another established Malaysian financial services provider.

Its dividend history is particularly interesting for investors looking beyond headline yield.

Why Consider AmBank?

AmBank’s annual dividends increased from 30.2 sen per share for financial year 2025 to 35 sen for financial year 2026, representing growth of approximately 16%.

This makes dividend growth an important factor when comparing AmBank with its banking competitors.

Dividend Highlights:

• Established semi-annual payments.
• Recent annual dividend increases.
• Exposure to various banking segments.

Potential Risks: Previous dividend increases do not guarantee continued growth, especially if profitability weakens.

Best For: Investors interested in dividend growth alongside banking exposure.

7. Pavilion REIT (5212): Best for Retail Property Exposure

Sector: Real Estate Investment Trust

FY2025 Distribution: 10 sen per unit

Pavilion REIT allows investors to gain exposure to retail properties, including prominent shopping destinations such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Its portfolio also includes hospitality assets.

Why Consider Pavilion REIT?

Its income is supported by commercial tenants and hospitality operations, making it relevant to investors interested in Malaysia’s consumer and tourism sectors.

Its FY2025 distribution rose to 10 sen per unit from 9.34 sen in FY2024.

Distribution Highlights:

• Exposure to established retail properties.
• Historical distributions to unitholders.
• Income from multiple commercial tenants.

Potential Risks: Consumer spending, retail occupancy, hotel performance and tenant demand can influence income.

Best For: Investors looking for income opportunities linked to retail and hospitality properties.

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8. Axis REIT (5106): Best for Industrial Property Income

Sector: Real Estate Investment Trust

FY2025 Distribution: 10.55 sen per unit

Axis REIT focuses significantly on industrial and logistics properties, including warehouses and manufacturing-related premises.

Why Consider Axis REIT?

Unlike retail-focused REITs, Axis REIT provides exposure to businesses needing storage, industrial facilities and distribution infrastructure.

Its FY2025 distribution totalled 10.55 sen per unit, equivalent to a historical yield of approximately 5.5% using its 31 December 2025 closing price of RM1.92.

Distribution Highlights:

• Exposure to industrial and logistics properties.
• Historical quarterly distributions.
• Different rental demand drivers from shopping malls.

Potential Risks: Tenant vacancies, lease renewals and industrial property demand can affect future income.

Best For: Investors seeking property diversification beyond retail and hospitality.

9. CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (5180): Best for Commercial Property Income

Sector: Real Estate Investment Trust

FY2025 Distribution: 4.84 sen per unit

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust owns income-generating retail, industrial and logistics properties in Malaysia, offering investors another route into property-related income.

Why Consider CapitaLand Malaysia Trust?

Its distribution history may appeal to investors prioritising income over rapid share price growth.

The trust’s FY2025 distribution increased from 4.65 sen to 4.84 sen per unit. However, investors should compare that payout with the latest unit price before judging its yield.

Distribution Highlights:

• Historical income distributions.
• Exposure to retail, industrial and logistics properties.
• Growth in FY2025 distribution per unit.

Potential Risks: A falling unit price can increase the quoted yield without improving income. Occupancy, borrowing costs and sustainable rental income should all be examined.

Best For: Investors comfortable researching property trusts and their income sustainability.

10. Tenaga Nasional (5347): Best for Utility-Sector Diversification

Sector: Utilities

FY2025 Dividend: 53 sen per share

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) provides electricity-related services across Malaysia.

Its FY2025 annual report reported a total dividend of 53 sen per share and a historical dividend yield of 3.86%.

Why Consider Tenaga Nasional?

Electricity demand has different business drivers from banking and commercial property, making TNB worth considering for sector diversification.

Dividend Highlights:

• Established dividend payment history.
• Exposure to Malaysia’s electricity infrastructure.
• Different business characteristics from banks and REITs.

Potential Risks: Tariff decisions, regulations, infrastructure investments and financing costs can affect profitability.

Best For: Investors seeking dividend opportunities outside banking and property.

How Do You Choose the Right High Dividend Stocks?

Before investing, consider three important factors.

Understand Dividend Yield

Dividend yield measures annual dividend payments relative to a stock’s price.

For example, a company paying RM0.30 annually with a share price of RM5 offers a 6% dividend yield.

If you own 1,000 shares, you could receive RM300 annually if that payment is maintained, before applicable taxes and costs.

However, your shares could also lose value. Always use a consistent date when comparing yields.

Check Whether Dividends Are Sustainable

A company paying dividends consistently over several years may be more attractive than one making a large, one-off payment.

Examine earnings, cash flow, debt and dividend payout ratios rather than relying on past yields alone. For REITs, also review rental income, occupancy and distributable income.

Diversify Your Investments

Many high dividend stocks in Malaysia belong to the banking sector.

Holding only banking stocks could leave your portfolio vulnerable to industry-specific risks.

Consider researching other sectors, including utilities and REITs, to spread your exposure.

Building a Smarter Dividend Portfolio

High dividend stocks in Malaysia can provide additional investment income, but choosing the right stocks involves more than comparing percentages.

Maybank, RHB and CIMB offer established banking exposure, while Sunway REIT, Axis REIT and Pavilion REIT provide property-related alternatives. Tenaga Nasional offers another option for investors interested in utility-sector diversification.

Ultimately, a sustainable dividend is more valuable than an impressive yield that cannot be maintained.

For more insights into Malaysia’s financial landscape, explore Suggest MY for accessible finance and business news covering market developments and emerging opportunities. Stay informed with Suggest MY as you compare investments and make more confident financial decisions.

Sources

• Maybank Group, Integrated Annual Report 2025, April 2026
• RHB Bank, Dividend History, accessed October 2026
• CIMB Group, Dividend History, accessed October 2026
• Bank Islam, FY2025 Financial Results, February 2026
• Sunway REIT, FY2025 Results, January 2026
• AmBank Group, FY2026 Results, May 2026
• Pavilion REIT, Integrated Annual Report 2025, 2026
• Axis REIT, Distribution History, accessed October 2026
• CapitaLand Malaysia Trust, FY2025 Results, January 2026
• Tenaga Nasional, Integrated Annual Report 2025, 2026
• LHDN, Practice Note No. 2/2026, March 2026
• PIDM, Deposit Insurance System, accessed October 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised investment or tax advice. Dividend and distribution figures are historical and may change. Past payouts do not guarantee future returns. Share prices can fall, and dividends may be reduced or suspended. Always verify current Bursa Malaysia announcements, company results and applicable tax rules before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Dividend Stocks in Malaysia

What Are the Best High Dividend Stocks in Malaysia?

Maybank, RHB Bank, CIMB, Bank Islam and Sunway REIT have established payout histories, making them worth researching for dividend income. The best choice depends on dividend sustainability, company performance, valuation and individual investment objectives.

How Much Money Do I Need to Buy Dividend Stocks in Malaysia?

Most Bursa Malaysia shares trade in board lots of 100 shares. If a stock costs RM5 per share, purchasing 100 shares would cost approximately RM500 before brokerage fees and other charges.

Can I Earn RM1,000 Monthly From Dividend Stocks?

Potentially. At an illustrative 6% annual dividend yield, RM200,000 invested could generate RM12,000 annually, equivalent to RM1,000 a month on average before applicable taxes and costs. However, dividends are not necessarily paid monthly, and actual payouts can change or stop.

Are High Dividend Stocks Better Than Fixed Deposits?

Dividend stocks offer potential income and capital gains, but their prices and payouts fluctuate.

Fixed deposits generally provide more predictable contractual returns. Eligible deposits at PIDM member banks are automatically protected up to RM250,000 per depositor per member bank. Stocks and REIT units do not receive this protection.

How Often Do Malaysian Stocks Pay Dividends?

Malaysian stocks may pay dividends annually, semi-annually or quarterly. Payment frequency depends on each company’s policies, financial results and dividend declarations.

Are Dividends From Malaysian Stocks Tax-Free?

Not always. From year of assessment 2025, Malaysia applies a 2% individual dividend tax to applicable annual dividend income exceeding RM100,000, with tax generally applying to the amount above that threshold.

REIT distributions follow different rules. From year of assessment 2026, most resident individual REIT investors must report taxable distributions in their income tax returns, with tax determined by their applicable income-tax rates instead of the former flat 10% final withholding tax.