KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd's (PNB) wholly-owned unit trust management company, Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB), has announced an income distribution of 4.60 sen a unit for its flagship unit trust fund, Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2022 (FY2022).
The income distribution consisted of a dividend of 3.35 sen and a bonus of 1.25 sen.
Additionally, ASNB announced a Bonus Tambahan of 0.50 sen a unit for the first 30,000 units held by a unit holder, which brought the total income distribution amount to RM8.9 billion, benefitting 10.6 million ASB unit holders, PNB said in a statement today.
Group chairman Tun Arifin Zakaria said the fund has delivered a competitive income distribution for ASB unit holders, which this year included a Bonus Tambahan, despite difficult market conditions.
"The total distribution of RM8.9 billion will benefit 10.6 million unit holders who hold 186.4 billion units in ASB. The Bonus Tambahan is to assist our unitholders during a period of cost of living pressures," he said.
PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said Malaysian companies emerged as the largest contributor to returns this year driven by ASB's investments in financial services, plantation and healthcare sectors.
"ASB took advantage of the relatively strong domestic equity market performance in the first half of 2022 to capture gains, rebalance its portfolio and increase its cash holdings," he said.
He said ASB also continued to deliver sustainable and competitive returns, outperforming the benchmark of Maybank 12-month Fixed Deposit rate.
"ASB's number of accounts increased by more than 200,000 to 10.6 million accounts whilst units in circulation rose by 4.6 billion or 2.53 per cent to 186.4 billion units.
"This indicates continued confidence in ASB as an essential savings and investment tool for Bumiputeras in their financial planning," he said.
Ahmad Zulqarnain said ASB has continued to deliver a return over its benchmark, resulting from the asset allocation and diversification strategies deployed in recent years.
"We are pleased to see the steady rise of Malaysians investing with us as well as the increase in the size of their investments. ASB remains a fundamental component for our unit holders' financial planning," he added.
For the first 11 months of the year, PNB's total assets under management (AUM) increased to RM343.1 billion from RM336.7 billion in 2021 while units in circulation for all its 17 funds increased to 283.2 billion units from 276.2 billion and the number of account holders rose to 15.2 million from 14.8 million in the previous year.
According to PNB, the computation of the income distribution and bonus for ASB is based on the average minimum monthly balance held throughout the fund's financial year.
"The computation of the Bonus Tambahan distribution is subject to the first 30,000 units for each account.
"The units re-invested from the income distribution and bonus will be credited into the unit holders' accounts on Jan 1, 2023," it said.
PNB said the dividend is paid out of ASB's net income whilst the bonuses are paid out of PNB's proprietary funds at its discretion.
It said transactions for ASB at ASNB branches and agents, including all online channels and internet banking, have been suspended temporarily from today to Dec 31, 2022.
"Unit holders may resume transactions at myASNB portal (www.myasnb.com.my) or via myASNB mobile application on Jan 1, 2023 or at any ASNB branches or its agents nationwide starting Jan 3, 2023," it added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Dec 22 2022
Tun Arifin Zakaria said the fund has delivered a competitive income distribution for ASB unit holders, which this year included a Bonus Tambahan, despite difficult market conditions. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.