Amanah Saham Sarawak declares three sen final dividend, brings FY2025 payout to six sen per unit

Borneo Post

16-07-2025

Abang Johari points to the Assar Mobile Office after launching it. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (July 16): Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) has declared a final dividend of three sen per unit for the financial year ended June 30, 2025, bringing the total dividend distribution for the year to six sen per unit.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement at a ceremony held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here today.
The final payout of RM14.52 million will benefit 57,870 investors, based on their holdings as of June 30.
This follows an interim dividend of three sen per unit distributed in January, bringing Assar's total dividend distribution for FY2025 to RM28.76 million.
Commending Assar's performance, Abang Johari said the fund's consistent payouts since its restructuring reflect prudent management and growing investor confidence.
He reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring that investment instruments like Assar remain inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to Sarawakians.
'As we are aware, Assar has undergone a comprehensive restructuring phase. This was not an easy process, but it was crucial to balance the fund's risks and protect the value of the unit holders' investments, while ensuring sustainable long-term income generation.
'Assar has successfully distributed dividends three consecutive times at six-month intervals, beginning in January 2024.
'Cumulatively, the total dividend distribution post-restructuring has reached RM42.33 million – a proud achievement and proof of prudent and forward-looking investment management,' he said.
He noted that the first half of 2025 had been marked by heightened global market volatility, driven by trade tensions following US President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, as well as escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.
'These developments disrupted investor sentiment and triggered global market sell-offs. In Malaysia, despite this challenging environment, the domestic bond market remained stable, with competitive yields supported by high liquidity and strong demand from local funds.
'However, the reverse happened in Bursa Malaysia, where all sectors recorded negative growth. That said, there were still selected stocks that performed well – highlighting the importance of proactive investment strategies, including detailed and careful stock selection,' he said.
Abang Johari said the Assar fund remained stable and resilient amid the turbulence.
'While the net asset value (NAV) also experienced fluctuations in line with the market, volatility was well managed thanks to prudent and disciplined asset allocation strategies,' he said.
Meanwhile, Amanah Saham Sarawak Berhad (ASSB) chief executive Datin Norlia Madon said the fund's resilience amid market uncertainty was a testament to its sound risk management and disciplined portfolio approach.
For FY2025, Assar recorded a gross income of RM38.39 million, comprising: RM16.35 million (43 per cent) from interest on fixed-income securities; RM13.96 million (36 per cent) in capital gains from equity disposals; RM5.15 million (13 per cent) in equity dividends; and RM2.93 million (8 per cent) from money market instruments and capital gains on fixed-income securities.
Norlia said after deducting RM5.70 million in expenses, the net income stood at RM32.69 million. Of this, RM26.52 million was distributed, while RM12 million was retained as reserves for future payouts.
As of June 30, 2025, the fund's NAV per unit stood at RM1.12 – a marginal 0.44 per cent year-on-year decline, compared to the 3.6 per cent drop in the FBM KLCI, reflecting Assar's relative strength, she said.
Also launched at the event was the Assar Mobile Office, a new initiative to expand accessibility to communities beyond Kuching, particularly in rural areas.
'This is in line with efforts to enhance accessibility and investor outreach. The initiative aims to promote financial inclusion and ensure more Sarawakians can benefit from ASSAR's product offerings and services,' said Abang Johari.
He added that Assar continues to position itself as a low-risk, government-backed investment platform, offering capital protection through its guaranteed minimum price of RM1 per unit.
Also present at the launch were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, State Attorney General and Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Permodalan ASSAR Group of Companies Chairman Dato Sri Wahab Dolah, as well as ASSAR Board of Directors and subsidiaries. Abang Johari Assar dividend