Kuala Lumpur (Dec 19) - Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has declared a total income distribution of 5.75 sen per unit for its flagship Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) fund for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, resulting in a record‑high payout of RM10.4 billion — the largest in the fund’s history. The announcement will benefit approximately 11.4 million ASB unitholders nationwide.
The 5.75 sen per unit distribution comprises a 5.20 sen dividend and a 0.55 sen bonus, and remains unchanged from the FY2024 payout rate, which was also set at 5.75 sen per unit with a total payout of around RM10.1 billion to about 11.1 million unitholders. Despite the rate being similar year-on-year, this year’s total quantum of RM10.4 billion is the highest since ASB’s inception, reflecting ongoing investor confidence and the fund’s resilient performance.
Impact on Unitholders and Sabahans
For Sabah residents who hold ASB units, the record payout translates into higher annual income from their investments, particularly when compared with traditional savings options such as fixed deposits. The payout will be automatically reinvested into unitholders’ ASB accounts on 1 January 2026, increasing the value of their holdings without any additional action required.
Sabahans, like other Malaysian investors, rely on ASB as a core savings and investment vehicle due to its stable unit price and consistent returns. In regions such as Sabah, where access to higher-yield financial instruments may be limited, ASB’s continued strong distribution supports long-term financial planning for families, retirees, and small investors, while also providing a buffer against rising living costs.
Performance Amid Market Conditions
The fund’s sustained payout was achieved amid a challenging domestic equity landscape, where the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI ended the year with a slight negative return and foreign investor participation remained cautious. Even so, the ASB payout continues to outperform conventional benchmarks, offering a competitive spread above typical bank savings returns.
Cumulatively, ASB’s total income distribution since its inception now stands at approximately RM206.7 billion, underscoring its long-term value to savers and investors across Malaysia, including in Sabah.
Looking Ahead
While the overall dividend rate remained consistent with the previous year, the record payout reflects strong fund size and stable investment performance. PNB continues to monitor global market volatility as it shapes its outlook for 2026, but remains focused on providing sustainable returns and accessible savings growth tools for Malaysians.
Summary:
- ASB FY2025 dividend: 5.75 sen per unit (5.20 sen dividend + 0.55 sen bonus)
- Total payout: RM10.4 billion — highest ever annual distribution
- Unitholders benefiting: ~11.4 million
- Rate comparison: Same as FY2024 (5.75 sen), but highest cash payout amount
- Cumulative distributions since inception: ~RM206.7 billion
- Impact for Sabahans: Stable, competitive annual income enhances savings returns and supports household financial planning.