By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 13: Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) could soon open its doors to non-Bumiputera investors under a proposed second fund, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg saying the move would allow more Sarawakians to invest in and benefit from the State’s fast-growing economy.
The Premier said he has asked ASSAR’s board and top management to study the feasibility of introducing ASSAR 2, modelled after Permodalan Nasional Berhad’s (PNB) multiple Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) funds, to broaden access beyond the existing Bumiputera-only investment scheme.
“ASSAR is currently focused on Bumiputera investors. We are looking at what PNB has done, and perhaps we can introduce another fund, ASSAR 2, to give non-Bumiputera Sarawakians the opportunity to save and invest through Amanah Saham Sarawak.
“Our policy is inclusive. This will create two investment channels and allow more Sarawakians to participate in our economy, which is growing very well,” he told reporters after announcing ASSAR’s final dividend for the financial year ended June 30, 2026 at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today.
Abang Johari stressed that the proposal remains subject to the board’s review before any decision is made.
He said expanding the investor base would enable more Sarawakians to share in the benefits of the State’s economic growth while mobilising local savings for future development.
The Premier also signalled a bigger role for ASSAR in supporting Sarawak’s long-term development agenda by investing in strategic infrastructure projects.
He pointed to ongoing developments such as deep-sea ports, international airports, the State’s acquisition of Bintulu Port, and the upgrading of Miri Port as projects that could generate investment opportunities.
“There are opportunities for them to invest in our rapidly developing economy. Together with merchant bankers and investment banks, they can establish financing structures through bonds or sukuk to support these developments,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said ASSAR has continued to strengthen its performance since its restructuring in late 2022 with the fund now declaring dividends every six months since January 2024.
He also encouraged Sarawakians to cultivate a savings and investment habit, saying even small contributions could accumulate into meaningful long-term wealth.
“If someone only has RM50, why not invest RM10 in ASSAR? Little by little, it will grow.
“This is the investment culture we want to nurture because we have a good investment instrument, and I believe all Sarawakians, regardless of background, can participate in developing the State’s economy together,” he said. — DayakDaily
