KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 2 -- Surging gold prices have not dampened consumer interest, but they are changing how Malaysians buy the precious metal, with demand shifting towards lighter jewellery and smaller investment-grade products.

According to industry players cited by The Star, jewellers have responded to elevated prices by offering thinner, lighter and smaller gold items to keep purchases within reach of consumers.

Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia (FGJAM) president Chiah Hock Yew said sales of high-grammage jewellery have slowed, while interest in gold products designed to preserve value has grown.

"These include small gold bars, wafers and coins," he said, adding that jewellery buyers are gravitating towar...