The FBM KLCI managed to stabilize itself heading into the afternoon following a weak early session in line with weak regional sentiment.
Investor concerns are heightened ahead of key inflation reports due out this week that will help shape the Fed's future policy decisions.
At the midday break, the FBM KLCI rose 2.02 points to 1,610.45.
The index moved within about eight points with daily highs and lows pegged at 1,610.61 and 1,602.71.
Market breadth was negative with 552 decliners compared to 328 gains with losses recorded in most sectors.
For the initial session, the trading volume was 1.79 billion shares changing hands at RM1.09 billion.
Meanwhile, high-end Kuala Lumpur Kepong shares dropped 34 sen to RM22.26, PETRONAS Chemicals dropped seven sen to RM4.57 and Telekom Malaysia dropped seven sen to RM6.45.
Tenaga Nasional rose 28 sen to RM14.38 while Hong Leong Bank rose 20 sen to RM20.44 and PETRONAS Gas rose 16 sen to RM17.66.
Life Water ended the session at 91.5 cents, near this morning's high and 26.5 cents above its initial public offering price.
With 178.6 million shares traded, the beverage maker's stock is the most traded on Bursa Malaysia