Civil Servants Applying for IPO Shares via MITI

A government employee needs to prepare a letter of approval from their head of department to apply for Bumiputera-reserved IPO shares.
An IPO is the process where a private company raises funds by selling a portion of its shares to the public through the stock market. This is the first step for a company to be listed on the Bursa Malaysia stock exchange.
As most people know, the public can apply for IPO shares through two methods:
- Application via online banking
- Application via MITI
For applications through MITI, civil servants have one additional step. If you are a government employee, you need to prepare a ''written letter of approval'' from your head of department.

Head of Department Approval Letter
There is no specific letter format required. Just a letter from the Head of Department stating approval for you to subscribe to shares at MITI, as stipulated in Service Circular No. 3 of 2002 (Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Bil. 3 Tahun 2002).
The process is straightforward — you simply need to prepare an official letter addressed to your head of department. The letter must include:
- Letter subject: Approval to Subscribe to Bumiputera-Reserved Shares
- Applicant''s full name
- Identity card number
- Attach relevant financial statements as proof of your financial capacity, such as: bank statements, Tabung Haji statements, ASB statements, and others

This approval letter is only valid for 6 months from the date the letter was prepared. If the letter has expired, you need to prepare a new one. Simply repeat the steps outlined above.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can all civil servants apply for IPO shares through MITI?
Yes, all civil servants can apply for IPO shares through MITI. However, they must first obtain a written letter of approval from their head of department before submitting the application.
2. How long is the head of department approval letter valid?
The approval letter from the head of department is only valid for 6 months from the date the letter was prepared. After expiry, you need to prepare a new letter.
3. What supporting documents are required for the MITI IPO application?
You need to prepare an official letter containing the letter subject, full name, identity card number, and financial statements as proof of capacity such as bank statements, Tabung Haji statements, or ASB statements.
4. What is the difference between applying for IPO through MITI and online banking?
Application through MITI is specifically for Bumiputera-reserved shares and requires additional documentation. Application via online banking is simpler and open to all investors who have a CDS account.
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