Public Gold Singapore & Malaysia: Panduan Lengkap Beli Emas Fizikal (2026) | Umar Yusof
Shariah-Compliant Physical Gold

Public Gold Singapore: The Complete Guide to Buying Physical Gold (2026)

Public Gold is Southeast Asia's largest physical precious metals dealer. This guide covers everything Singaporeans need to know — what it is, how the Gold Accumulation Program works, whether it is halal, how it compares to bank gold accounts, and how to sign up.

Start accumulating physical gold today.

Sign up under my dealer link. Free account. Your pricing is identical whether you use a referral link or not — it just connects us so I can guide you through the process.

💬 WhatsApp Me
Umar Yusof Written by Umar Yusof, Singapore-based gold investor and Public Gold dealer. I accumulate gold through the GAP myself and share what I have learned.

Contents

  1. What is Public Gold?
  2. Why physical gold, not ETFs or bank accounts
  3. Products available to Singaporeans
  4. How the Gold Accumulation Program (GAP) works
  5. Is Public Gold halal?
  6. Public Gold vs BullionStar vs UOB Gold
  7. How to sign up (step by step)
  8. Frequently asked questions

What is Public Gold?

Public Gold is Malaysia's largest physical precious metals dealer, established in 2008 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. It mints, refines, and sells 999.9 purity gold bars, gold dinars, silver bars, and silver dirhams directly to individual investors across Southeast Asia, the UAE, and beyond.

2008
Year founded
155+
Gold ATMs globally
RM300M+
Paid to dealers
999.9
Gold purity

The company was founded by Dato' Seri Louis Ng Chun Hau, who also serves as President of the Malaysia Gold Association (MGA). Public Gold is an MGA member and holds a Shariah compliance certification from Amanie Advisors Sdn. Bhd. Its Gold ATM network — 155 machines across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE — holds a Guinness World Record for the most gold ATM deployments globally (verified January 2026).

Public Gold was briefly placed on Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List in 2012, was investigated, and was officially cleared. It is a legitimate bullion dealer, not a financial product provider. It does not promise fixed returns and is not classified as an investment scheme.

Why physical gold — not ETFs or bank gold accounts

Physical gold ownership means you hold actual metal. A gold ETF or bank gold account gives you a financial claim on gold — the gold itself belongs to a fund or bank, not to you. That distinction matters for both practical and Shariah reasons.

The financial case for physical gold

Gold has preserved purchasing power across centuries. As a store of value — not a growth instrument — it serves a specific role in a portfolio: protection against currency debasement, inflation, and systemic financial risk. Physical gold carries no counterparty risk. It does not depend on a fund manager, bank, or institution staying solvent. You own the metal outright.

  • No counterparty risk: your gold is yours regardless of what happens to banks or funds
  • No annual management fees: ETFs charge 0.25-0.40% p.a. every year; physical gold charges nothing once purchased
  • Portable store of value: liquid globally, accepted in any country
  • Inflation hedge: gold has historically maintained purchasing power when fiat currencies depreciate
Note on portfolio role: Gold is not an income-generating asset. It does not pay dividends or interest. Its role is preservation — protecting a portion of your wealth from currency erosion and systemic risk. The allocation question (how much of your portfolio in gold) depends on your individual goals and risk profile.

The Shariah case for physical gold over paper gold

Islamic finance has a specific rule for gold transactions: exchange must be immediate and hand-to-hand (yadan bi yadin). Gold and silver are ribawi commodities — they must be exchanged spot, with no deferral of ownership to either party.

Physical gold like Public Gold satisfies this. You buy gold; ownership transfers immediately; you can take delivery. Paper gold accounts — like the UOB Gold Account — do not. When you open a bank gold account, you are buying a financial claim. The bank holds the gold; you hold a promise. Most Islamic scholars consider this a deferred settlement and therefore non-compliant for Muslim investors.

Gold ETFs are similarly problematic for many scholars: you hold units in a fund, not gold. The settlement is in cash (T+2 equity settlement), not metal. The underlying gold may also be in unallocated pooled storage with no individual ownership.

Why I personally accumulate gold through Public Gold

I started accumulating gold because I wanted a portion of my wealth that sits outside the financial system. Not in a bank. Not in a fund. Metal I can hold and that no institution can freeze, dilute, or default on.

I chose Public Gold over other options for three reasons. First, the Shariah certification matters to me. It is not just a label — the structure of the GAP satisfies the spot-exchange requirement that paper gold accounts do not. Second, the monthly accumulation model fits the way I think about wealth building: consistent, small amounts over years, not one large lump sum. Third, I can take physical delivery of the bars I accumulate. That is the whole point.

I became a dealer because people kept asking me how I do it. Signing up under my link costs you nothing extra and gives you someone to ask questions to. I am not trying to sell you gold. I am sharing what I already do myself.

Public Gold products available to Singaporeans

Gold Accumulation Program (GAP)

The GAP is Public Gold's entry-level product for investors who want to start with a small monthly amount. From RM100 per month (approximately SGD30-32 at current exchange rates), your contributions convert to gold grams at the day's price. Your balance accumulates and can be redeemed as physical bars once you hit whole-gram minimums. See the full GAP breakdown in the next section.

Physical gold bars

Available from 5g to 1kg in 999.9 purity. All bars carry Public Gold's assay certification. Prices track international spot gold with a buy-sell spread of approximately 6-9%. You can collect at any Public Gold branch or arrange secure delivery.

Bar Size Indicative Price (MYR) SGD Equivalent
5g~RM 3,000~SGD 870
10g~RM 5,900~SGD 1,710
20g~RM 11,800~SGD 3,420
50g~RM 29,500~SGD 8,550
100g~RM 59,000~SGD 17,100

Prices are indicative only and move daily with spot gold. Check live pricing at publicgold.com.my.

Gold Dinar

The gold dinar is minted in the classical Islamic denomination: 1 Dinar = 4.25 grams of 22-karat gold. Available in 1 to 10 Dinar sizes. Popular among Muslim investors who want gold in its historical Islamic form. Note that dinars are 22k (916 purity) rather than 999.9 — factor this into your pricing comparison.

Silver products

Public Gold also offers 999 purity silver bars and silver dirhams, plus a Silver Accumulation Program (SAP) equivalent to the GAP. Silver is priced at a fraction of gold but with higher volatility and a wider spread.

How the Gold Accumulation Program (GAP) works

The GAP is the most practical entry point for most Singaporeans. It removes the need for a large upfront purchase and lets you build your gold holdings gradually at the current market price each month.

1

Register a free Public Gold account

Sign up at publicgold.com.my using your passport. Account creation is free. Use my referral link below to ensure your account is correctly linked.

2

Set your monthly contribution

Minimum RM100 per month (roughly SGD30-32). You can contribute more or vary the amount each month. There is no fixed commitment — you can pause at any time.

3

Public Gold converts to gold grams

At each contribution, Public Gold converts your MYR amount to gold grams at the day's PG Sell price. Your account balance reflects your total gram holdings.

4

Redeem as physical gold bars when ready

Once your balance reaches the minimum redemption threshold (e.g. 5g), you can request a physical gold bar. Collect from a Public Gold branch or arrange secure delivery.

5

Sell back at any time at PG Buy price

You are not locked in. Sell your gold grams back to Public Gold at the current PG Buy price whenever you need liquidity. Your account is always live.

Example: RM500/month contribution at RM600/gram = 0.833g added each month. After 12 months: ~10g accumulated. 10g bar redemption is available. Total invested: RM6,000. Value fluctuates with gold price — this is not a fixed deposit, and your gram balance does not change, but the MYR value of those grams moves with the market.

Is Public Gold halal?

Yes. Public Gold holds a Shariah compliance certification issued by Amanie Advisors Sdn. Bhd., one of Southeast Asia's leading Islamic finance advisory firms. The certification covers Public Gold's gold and silver products including the GAP.

What makes it compliant

  • Spot transaction (yadan bi yadin): gold ownership transfers at the point of purchase. You own the metal immediately, satisfying the Islamic requirement that gold be exchanged hand to hand without deferral.
  • Real ownership: you own actual physical gold, not a paper claim or a financial contract based on gold.
  • No riba: no interest charges on any product. The GAP is a purchase program, not a loan or deposit-taking scheme.
  • No gharar: pricing is transparent, tied to live international spot rates, and published continuously. There is no ambiguity in what you are buying or at what price.
  • AAOIFI alignment: the GAP structure is designed to meet AAOIFI standards for gold trading, which require immediate counter-value exchange.

Why bank gold accounts are not the same

A bank gold account (like UOB Gold Account or Maybank Gold Investment Account) is a paper product. When you deposit money, the bank credits your account with gold units — but you hold a financial claim, not metal. Physical delivery is not the standard mode of settlement. Most Islamic scholars consider this a deferred transaction in a ribawi commodity, which is prohibited under AAOIFI standards and the position of most contemporary Islamic finance bodies.

Public Gold's physical products — where you own metal that can be delivered to your door — are structurally different and compliant with the spot-exchange principle.

Public Gold vs BullionStar vs UOB Gold: a Singaporean comparison

Three of the most common gold options for Singaporeans each work very differently. Here is a direct comparison on the dimensions that matter most.

Factor Public Gold BullionStar SG UOB Gold Account
Type Physical gold (real metal) Physical gold (real metal) Paper gold (bank account)
Physical delivery Yes Yes No
Shariah-compliant Yes (Amanie Advisors cert) Not certified (spot gold generally accepted by scholars) No (paper/deferred)
Minimum purchase RM100/month (~SGD30) via GAP 1g (~SGD60+) or buy-from-vault SGD1
Buy-sell spread ~6-9% ~1-5% (lower for larger bars) ~2-4%
Storage Public Safe vault or home delivery BullionStar vault (Singapore) N/A (bank holds notional)
Counterparty risk Low (you own metal) Low (you own metal) High (bank credit exposure)
Monthly savings program Yes (GAP) No Yes (GIA)
Location Malaysia + Singapore ATMs Singapore (Bugis) Singapore
Buyback Yes (PG Buy rate) Yes Yes
Account fee Free Free Free

Which is right for you?

Choose Public Gold if you want certified Shariah-compliant physical gold with a low entry point (RM100/month), want the option of building up to physical bar delivery, and are comfortable with transactions in MYR with a Malaysian company.

Choose BullionStar if you want physical gold stored in Singapore with a tighter spread on larger purchases and prefer transacting in SGD locally.

Avoid UOB Gold Account if you want actual physical ownership or need Shariah compliance. It is convenient and low-cost for speculation on the gold price, but you do not own real gold.

How to buy Public Gold in Singapore (step by step)

1

Click my referral link to start your account

Use the sign-up link below. This ensures your account is registered under my dealer code. Your pricing is identical whether you use a referral link or sign up directly — the link simply links us as account holder and referring dealer.

2

Register with your passport

As a Singaporean, use your passport for registration (not NRIC, which is for Malaysian citizens). Enter your details and verify your email. Account creation is free.

3

Choose your product: GAP or physical bar

For most first-time buyers, the Gold Accumulation Program (GAP) is the simplest start — from RM100. If you want a physical bar immediately, browse the product catalogue and select a size.

4

Make payment in MYR

Public Gold accepts FPX (Malaysian online banking), credit card, and bank transfer. As a Singaporean, you will need to convert SGD to MYR. Use a multi-currency account (Wise, YouTrip, or your DBS/OCBC/UOB online banking for telegraphic transfer) to minimise conversion costs.

5

Collect or accumulate

For physical bars: collect at a Public Gold branch in Malaysia or arrange secure delivery. For GAP: your gold grams accumulate in your account. Track your balance, set up recurring contributions, and request redemption as bars when ready.

Ready to start accumulating gold?

Free account. No minimum commitment. Sign up through my dealer link and I can guide you through your first purchase.

💬 WhatsApp Me

Frequently asked questions

Can Singaporeans buy Public Gold?
Yes. Public Gold is open to international customers including Singaporeans. You register with a passport, pay via bank transfer in MYR, and can collect physical gold at Public Gold branches in Malaysia or arrange delivery. Public Gold also operates Gold ATMs in Singapore where you can purchase 999.9 physical gold bars 24/7 with a card.
Is Public Gold halal and Shariah-compliant?
Yes. Public Gold holds a Shariah compliance certification from Amanie Advisors Sdn. Bhd. Products satisfy the AAOIFI requirement for spot gold transactions (yadan bi yadin — immediate ownership transfer). There is no riba, no gharar, and no deferred settlement. This makes Public Gold compliant for Muslim investors in a way that paper bank gold accounts are not.
What is the minimum amount to start?
RM100 per month via the Gold Accumulation Program (GAP) — approximately SGD30-32 at current exchange rates. For physical bars, the smallest available is a 5-gram bar at approximately RM3,000 (SGD870). The GAP is the most accessible starting point for most investors.
Is Public Gold a legitimate company?
Yes. Public Gold is a member of the Malaysia Gold Association (MGA), holds a Shariah certification from Amanie Advisors, and operates the world's largest gold ATM network (Guinness World Record, 155 units as of January 2026). It was briefly on Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List in 2012, investigated, and officially cleared. It is a bullion dealer — not a bank or investment scheme.
What is Public Gold's buy-sell spread?
Approximately 6-9% depending on the product. This is the gap between PG Sell (what you pay) and PG Buy (the buyback rate). It reflects minting, assay certification, and distribution costs. It is not an ongoing fee — you pay the spread once on purchase and once on sale. Keep this in mind if you plan to hold gold for a short period: you need at least a 6-9% price increase to break even after round-trip costs.
Can I use CPF or SRS to buy Public Gold?
No. CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) and SRS funds cannot be used for physical gold purchases from bullion dealers. Both schemes are restricted to approved instruments. Public Gold purchases must be funded with cash.
How do I convert SGD to MYR for payment?
The most cost-effective options for Singaporeans are: Wise (low spread, fast transfer), YouTrip (for card payments), or your local bank's telegraphic transfer to Public Gold's Malaysian bank account. Avoid airport money changers or over-the-counter exchange — the spread adds unnecessary cost on top of Public Gold's own spread.
What is the difference between Public Gold and BullionStar?
Both sell real physical gold. BullionStar is Singapore-based, transacts in SGD, and has lower spreads on larger purchases (1-5%). Public Gold is Malaysia-based, transacts in MYR, and has higher spreads (6-9%) but offers a lower entry point via GAP (RM100/month) and a formal Shariah compliance certification. For Muslim investors wanting certification, Public Gold is the clearer choice. For transactional convenience and tighter spreads on larger bars, BullionStar is worth comparing.
Does Public Gold have a Gold ATM in Singapore?
Yes. Public Gold operates Gold ATMs in Singapore as part of its global network of 155 machines. The machines dispense 999.9 physical gold bars 24/7 using a credit card, debit card, or e-wallet. No account is required for basic ATM purchases. Check the Public Gold website or app for the current Singapore ATM location.
What happens to my gold if Public Gold goes out of business?
Physical gold you have taken delivery of is yours outright — it is not affected by Public Gold's business continuity. Gold in a GAP account (not yet redeemed as bars) is a claim on Public Gold, not allocated physical metal in your name. This is a meaningful distinction: if you are concerned about counterparty risk, redeem your GAP balance as physical bars and store them yourself or in a third-party vault once you accumulate enough to do so.
How do I sign up for Public Gold from Singapore?
Use the sign-up link on this page. You will register with your passport, create a free account, and choose your first product. As a Singaporean, the Gold Accumulation Program is the simplest starting point. Payment is in MYR via bank transfer or credit card. The full step-by-step process is in the How to Sign Up section above.
Is there a benefit to signing up under a dealer referral link?
Your pricing is exactly the same whether you sign up directly or through a dealer referral link. The benefit is having a real person you can ask questions to. As your referring dealer, I can help you understand the products, explain how the GAP works, and guide you through your first purchase. There is no extra cost and no obligation.
Why accumulate gold monthly instead of buying a lump sum?
Monthly accumulation removes the need to time the market. Gold prices move daily with international spot rates and currency exchange. By contributing a fixed amount each month, you automatically buy more grams when prices are low and fewer grams when prices are high. This is dollar-cost averaging — the same principle behind regular equity investing — and it makes physical gold accessible without a large upfront outlay.
What percentage of my portfolio should I put in gold?
This depends on your goals, time horizon, and overall financial position. Gold is not an income-generating asset — it does not pay dividends or interest. Its role is preservation: protecting a portion of your wealth from inflation and currency debasement. Common allocations range from 5% to 20% of a portfolio. I am a dealer, not a financial adviser. For a personalised recommendation based on your full financial picture, speak to a licensed financial adviser.
Can I become a Public Gold dealer in Singapore?
Yes. Once you are a registered Public Gold account holder, you can apply to become a Public Gold Business Owner (PGBO). As a PGBO, you earn incentives when people in your referral network sign up and purchase gold. The dealer program has multiple tiers. Sign up as a customer first, get familiar with the products, and then explore the dealer program if you want to build a referral income stream.

Untuk Pelabur Malaysia dan Singapura

Halaman ini juga ditujukan kepada pelabur dari Malaysia dan Singapura yang ingin memulakan pelaburan emas fizikal melalui Public Gold. Sebagai seorang pelabur emas dan dealer Public Gold, saya boleh membantu anda memahami program GAP dan cara bermula.

Soalan Lazim dalam Bahasa Melayu

Apakah itu Public Gold GAP?
GAP (Gold Accumulation Program) ialah program simpanan emas bulanan Public Gold. Anda menyumbang sejumlah wang setiap bulan, dan Public Gold menukarnya kepada gram emas pada harga pasaran semasa. Baki emas anda terkumpul dalam akaun dan boleh ditebus sebagai jongkong emas fizikal apabila mencapai jumlah minimum.
Adakah Public Gold halal dan patuh Syariah?
Ya. Public Gold memegang pensijilan pematuhan Syariah yang dikeluarkan oleh Amanie Advisors Sdn. Bhd. Produk-produknya memenuhi keperluan AAOIFI untuk transaksi emas spot (yadan bi yadin — pertukaran tangan ke tangan). Tiada riba, tiada gharar, dan tiada penyelesaian tertangguh. Ini menjadikan Public Gold patuh Syariah berbanding akaun emas kertas di bank.
Bagaimana cara mendaftar Public Gold?
Hubungi saya melalui WhatsApp untuk panduan langkah demi langkah. Proses pendaftaran adalah percuma. Daftar menggunakan nombor pasport (untuk warganegara Singapura) atau MyKad (untuk warganegara Malaysia). Pilih produk pertama anda — GAP adalah titik permulaan yang paling mudah. Buat bayaran melalui FPX atau pindahan bank.
Apakah perbezaan antara emas Public Gold dengan akaun emas bank?
Dengan Public Gold, anda memiliki emas fizikal sebenar yang boleh ditebus sebagai jongkong dan dibawa pulang. Dengan akaun emas bank seperti Maybank Gold Investment Account atau UOB Gold Account, anda hanya memegang tuntutan kertas atas emas yang dipegang oleh bank — anda tidak boleh mengambil penghantaran fizikal. Dari perspektif Syariah, kebanyakan ulama mempertimbangkan akaun emas kertas sebagai tidak patuh kerana pertukaran tidak berlaku secara tangan ke tangan (yadan bi yadin).
Bolehkah orang Singapura beli emas Public Gold?
Ya. Public Gold terbuka kepada pelanggan antarabangsa termasuk warganegara Singapura. Anda mendaftar menggunakan pasport, membuat bayaran melalui pindahan bank dalam MYR, dan boleh mengambil emas fizikal di cawangan Public Gold di Malaysia atau melalui penghantaran. Public Gold juga beroperasi Gold ATM di Singapura di mana anda boleh membeli jongkong emas 999.9 pada bila-bila masa.
Mengapa simpan emas setiap bulan dan bukan beli sekaligus?
Simpanan emas bulanan menghapuskan keperluan untuk memilih masa yang tepat dalam pasaran. Dengan menyumbang jumlah tetap setiap bulan, anda secara automatik membeli lebih banyak gram apabila harga rendah dan lebih sedikit gram apabila harga tinggi. Ini dipanggil purata kos ringgit dan ia adalah prinsip yang sama di sebalik pelaburan ekuiti biasa. Ia juga menjadikan emas fizikal lebih mudah dicapai tanpa perbelanjaan awal yang besar.

Hubungi saya terus untuk panduan percuma

Saya adalah dealer Public Gold berpengkalan di Singapura. Hubungi saya melalui WhatsApp dan saya akan pandukan anda dari pendaftaran hingga pembelian pertama anda. Tiada kos tambahan, tiada obligasi.

💬 WhatsApp Saya Sekarang
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. I am a verified Public Gold dealer sharing my knowledge as a gold investor. This is not financial advice. Gold is not a capital-guaranteed product — its value fluctuates with international spot prices. Past gold price appreciation does not guarantee future returns. Consider your own financial goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decision. For advice on your personal financial plan, consult a licensed financial adviser.