By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 6: Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) has declared an interim dividend distribution of three sen per unit for the financial year ended 2026, involving a total payout of RM15.24 million to 57,878 unitholders.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the dividend declaration reflects ASSAR’s resilient and stable performance following its comprehensive restructuring exercise undertaken at the end of 2022, which was aimed at balancing fund risks, preserving unitholders’ investment value and ensuring sustainable long-term income generation.
“This marks the fifth dividend distribution since the restructuring, and it demonstrates that the strategy adopted has delivered very encouraging results,” he said in his speech at an ASSAR Dividend Announcement ceremony at Satria Pertiwi Complex here, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel, today.
Abang Johari noted that ASSAR has been able to distribute dividends consistently every six months since January 2024, with cumulative dividend payouts post-restructuring now amounting to RM56.85 million.
He added that although ASSAR’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuated in line with market conditions, volatility remained well managed, with the fund recording an average NAV of about RM1.11 per unit for the first six months of the financial year ending June 30, 2026.
“This is a commendable achievement and clear proof of prudent, disciplined and sustainable investment management,” he said.
Touching on the broader market environment, the Premier said Malaysia’s capital market showed resilience in the second half of 2025 despite external shocks, continued foreign fund outflows and cautious investor sentiment.
He said the bond market remained stable, supported by strong economic growth prospects and improving fiscal metrics, while controlled inflation helped preserve real returns for fixed-income instruments.
Abang Johari also highlighted Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), which helped stabilise the yield curve and reduce market uncertainty, with competitive yields continuing to attract both domestic and foreign investors.
On the equity market, he said selective recovery was seen as investors refocused on the data centre theme, alongside renewed buying interest in banking stocks and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which contributed to the FBMKLCI closing 2025 at 1,680.11 points.
Against this backdrop, he said ASSAR’s performance remained stable and resilient due to its prudent asset allocation strategy and proactive risk management.
For the first six months of the financial year ending June 30, 2026, ASSAR recorded gross income of RM19.87 million, mainly from fixed-income securities, equity gains and dividend income.
After deducting expenses of RM3.68 million, the fund posted a net income of RM16.19 million. Together with a surplus income of RM12 million from the previous financial year, total distributable income as at December 31, 2025 stood at RM28.19 million.
Abang Johari said the interim dividend of three sen per unit was calculated based on unitholders’ balances as at Dec 31, 2025, leaving a surplus of RM12.95 million to be retained as reserves to support future income.
He expressed hope that the competitive dividend payout would further encourage investment participation among the Sarawak Bumiputera community.
In addition, he said ASSAR remains a safe and low-risk investment instrument, backed by a minimum price guarantee mechanism of RM1.00 per unit. — DayakDaily
