KUCHING: Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB), PNB’s flagship fund, declared a 5.75 sen per unit income distribution for FY2024, comprising 5.5 sen as income distribution and 0.25 sen as a bonus.
This translates to a RM10.1 billion payout for 11.1 million unitholders, exceeding the Maybank 12-month Fixed Deposit rate, PNB said in a statement.
“ASB continues to deliver sustainable, above-market returns, solidifying its position as a key savings and investment platform for Bumiputeras,” it said.
PNB Group Chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda said this as ASB’s strongest dividend payout in five years, emphasising the consistent outperformance of ASNB’s Fixed Price Funds.
“This reflects the positive impact of our asset diversification strategy and the robust Malaysian economy, driven by strong GDP growth and a strengthening Ringgit,” he said.
He noted that Malaysian GDP grew 5.3 per cent in 3Q24, with key sectors contributing significantly, while the Ringgit appreciated 14.9 per cent year-to-date.
This, coupled with the government’s initiatives like the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), boosted investor confidence.
“Despite global challenges, the Malaysian macroeconomic environment remained positive, supported by robust domestic demand and increased foreign investment,” Raja Arshad added.
Furthermore, he pointed out the market-leading performance of ASNB’s Variable Price Funds, with all funds outperforming their respective benchmarks.
“For example, Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) and ASN Equity Malaysia recorded rolling 1-year returns of 23.4 per cent and 33.2 per cent, respectively,” he said.
PNB’s Asset Under Management (AUM) also grew to RM347 billion, with 16.2 million accounts and over 13 million Malaysian investors.
However, Raja Arshad acknowledged the challenge of encouraging Malaysians to save, with many lacking financial planning for retirement.
To address this, PNB President and Group Chief Executive Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad outlined the LEAP 6 Strategic Plan, aiming to grow AUM to RM400 billion by 2027.
“We will intensify efforts on financial literacy and encourage consistent savings habits for unitholders’ long-term financial security,” Abdul Rahman said.
PNB will also expand its sales and distribution model, with initiatives like the ‘SimpanJe & Tambah’ and ‘SimpanJe & Menang’ campaigns to reward unitholders who retain and top up their savings.
“These campaigns aim to incentivise savings and mitigate unitholder redemptions,” Abdul Rahman said.
The income distribution and bonus for ASB are based on the average minimum monthly balance held throughout the financial year.
Units re-invested will be credited on January 1, 2025.
ASNB branches and agents will be temporarily closed for transactions from December 28 to 31, 2024.
