Huh many of us buy stocks and ETFs at IBKR. Nothing to worry about. Can direct use Wise to transfer if want hassle free.

Also for local broker to buy US stocks or ETFs now Moomoo Malaysia is cheapest, by public listed Futu. Can buy SPLG etf if VOO or SPY is expensive for you.

But best bang for buck is still Irish domiciled ETFs as you save 30% tax from dividends earned by US gov. Our country need to have tax treaty with US if wanna avoid this tax. I invest in VUAA. CSPX getting too expensive for me.

Only thing you avoid buying via local broker is estate tax. If u pass away suddenly, stocks and etfs in IBKR might get taxed by gov if claimed by loved ones. But you're not around that time already nothing for u to worry about. Give your loved ones the broker login details if so worry. Or if know gonna die faster withdraw every thing back to Malaysia first. Try split it up not exceeding RM25k each batch else will flagged by Bank Negara for CTR.
Correction: Irish domiciled etfs don't get estate taxed. Only US stocks and ETFs do. Also only if u own them directly. If custodian broker type should not be affected.