Towards Financial Freedom

2010 Malaysia Budget

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:10:00 +0000

Malaysia Prime Minister is delivering Malaysia Budget of year 2010 in Parliment today.

Below are some highlights which related to personal financial planning:

1. Personal Income Tax reduce 1%.

2. Broadband subscribers can get tax relief up to RM500 a year during year 2010-2012.

3. Personal expenses tax relief increase to RM9000 from RM8000.

4. Service Tax of RM50 will be imposed by Jan 2010 to each of the principal credit card, charge card including free card. RM25 will be imposed for supplementary card.

5. Tax relief of EPF and Life insurance increases to RM7000 from RM6000.

6. RM3billion of sukuk 1Malaysia will be issued to Malaysian of 21 year old and above, 3 year maturity with 5% return per annum.

7. Government to look into micro insurance, takaful coverage. Premiums from as low as RM20 per month, coverage from RM10,000 to RM20,000.

8. Government to impose 5% tax on gains from disposal of real property from Jan 1, 2010. However,it will be retained for gifts between parent and child, husband and wife, grandparent and grandchild. This tax exemption will also be given on disposal of residential property once in a lifetime.

9. Government to launch scheme for EPF contributors to use current, future savings in Account Two to get higher financing to buy higher value house or additional houses.

10. 1Malaysia retirement scheme for self-employed, run by EPF. For every RM100 contribution, government to contribute 5%, maximum RM60.

Public Bank announce 2Q Financial Report of FY2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Public Bank, PBBANK (Stock Quote 1295) has announced the 2nd quarter financial report for financial year 2009. These are the few key points of the report:

• The Group achieved a pre-tax profit of RM1,564.7 million and net profit attributable to equity holders of RM1,200 million, which represented a decrease of 11.2% and 8.5% respectively from the previous corresponding half year, due to a one-off goodwill payment of RM200 million received from ING.
• Excluding the one-off ING goodwill, the underlying operating pre-tax profit and net profit attributable to equity holders have actually improved by RM2.5 million, or 0.2%, and RM34.4 million, or 3.0%, respectively.
• The Group’s net interest and financing income continued to show a growth of 8.7% as compared to the previous corresponding half year, despite the negative impact of the drops in overnight policy rate by BNM from 3.5% to 2.0%.
• The Group’s asset quality continued to improve with its gross non-performing loan (NPL) balance decreasing by RM10.6 million to RM1.21 billion as at 30 June 2009. The Group’s net NPL ratio further improved to 0.80% from 0.93% a year ago.
• Public Bank recorded a pre-tax profit of RM1,174.1 million for the financial half year ended 30 June 2009 and was lower than the pre-tax profit of RM1,525.5 million achieved in the previous corresponding half year.
• Pre-tax profit contribution from the Group’s overseas operations decreased by RM64.5 million or 31.8% from the previous corresponding half year to RM138.3 million.
• For the 2nd quarter ended 30 June 2009, the Group registered a pre-tax profit of RM819.8 million, an improvement of RM28.2 million or 3.6% as compared to the previous corresponding quarter.
• The EPS for the 2nd quarter remains at 17.7 cent compared to previous corresponding quarter. The EPS for the half financial year ended 30 June 2009 has decreased to 35.1 cent compared to 39.1 cent in the previous corresponding half year.
• The Net assets per share is RM2.99.
• Total assets is RM204,038 million and total liabilities is RM193,004 million.
• Interim dividend of 30 cent less 25% tax is declared.

Personal view:
1. Public Bank NPL is improving, despite of the current economy crisis. This shows that Public Bank approves the loan application with extra carefulness.
2. Public Bank oversea operations are facing decrease of revenue as well as profit, which is a great challenge for the management.
3. By having half year EPS of 35.1 cent, we assume the EPS is same for the 2nd half, the total EPS is 70.2 cent. With the current share price RM9.96, the PE is 14.19.

Previous Quarterly Financial Report

Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia (AS 1Malaysia) is Launched!

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Our Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib announces that there will be another funds being launched and managed by PNB (Permodalan Nasional Berhad) during his 100th day as Prime Minister. The fund is called Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia (AS 1Malaysia). Today, the fund has been launched. Total of 10 billion unit with RM1.00 each will be sold through all the agents bank on 5 August.

There is a quota of 50% allocated for Bumiputera, 30% for Chinese, 15% for Indians, and 5% for others during the first 30 days. There is no quota after the period. The agents bank that distribute the fund are CIMB Bank, Maybank, and RHB Bank. Besides, the fund is also distributed by Pos Office and all the ASNB offices.

There is still no any official information published in ASNB website yet, but it has been announced that, the fund is fixed at RM1.00, same as ASM or ASW2020. Thus, it is expected that the return of this fund should be similar with the ASM and ASW2020. More information will be added here when there is official information published.

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ASNB has announced the prospectus of AS 1Malaysia. The unit price of AS 1 Malaysia is fixed at RM1.00. According to the Guideline of Unit Trust, this fund is not a capital protected fund. However, as the price is fixed at RM1.00, in fact the fund is capital guaranteed.

The prospectus of AS 1Malaysia can be downloaded here, http://www.asnb.com.my/prospectusall.htm

ASM (Amanah Saham Malaysia) Available Again!

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:02:00 +0000

As promised earlier, ASM which are not sold is opened to all the races. There are 1.6 billion unit of ASM will be opened for all the bumi or non-bumi to invest. These units will be available for investment at 21 July 2009. Each individual investor is only eligible for 20,000 units.

Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib announces earlier that there will be another fund called Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia launched and also managed by PNB, so people expect this new fund is similar to ASM, ASB or ASW2020.

However, we still do not have detailed information of the new AS1M, it is no hurt if people invest in ASM first while waiting for the more detailed information of AS1M.

More information on ASM, refer to earlier article:

ASM and ASW2020

The 10 Richest Malaysian 2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:26:00 +0000

According to the Forbes’special report on 27 May 2009, these are the top 10 richest Malaysians:

1． Robert Kuok
Net Worth: US$ 9 billion
Age: 85
Main Business: Wilmar International, PPB

2． Ananda Krishnan
Net Worth: US$ 7 billion
Age: 71
Main Business: Maxis, Astro and India Aircel

3． Lee Shin Cheng
Net Worth: US$ 3.2 billion
Age: 70
Main Business: IOI Group

4． Lee Kim Hua & Family
Net Worth: US$ 2.5 billion
Age: 80
Main Business: Genting Group, Resorts World

5． Teh Hong Piow
Net Worth: US$ 2.4 billion
Age: 79
Main Business: Public Bank

6． Quek Leng Chan
Net Worth: US$ 2.3 billion
Age: 68
Main Business: Hong Leong Group

7． Yeoh Tiong Lay & Family
Net Worth: US$ 1.8 billion
Age: 79
Main Business: YTL Corporation

8． Syed Mokhtar AlBukhary
Net Worth: US$ 1.1 billion
Age: 57
Main Business: MMC Corporate, Malakoff

9. Tiong Hiew King
Net Worth: US$ 1.0 billion
Age: 74
Main Business: Sin Chew

10. Vincent Tan
Net Worth: US$ 0.75 billion
Age: 57
Main Business: Berjaya Group

Besides from the top 10, the others richest Malaysians are:

11. Azman Hashim – US$ 470 million
Chairman of Amcorp and Malaysian Investment Banking Association

12. William H.J. Cheng – US$ 390 million
Lion Group

13. G. Gnanalingam – US$ 260 million

14. Lim Kok Thay - US$ 225 million
Genting Group

15. Anthony Fernandes - US$ 220 million
AirAsia

16. Mokhzani Mahathir - US$ 215 million
Kencana

17. Lee Oi Hian - US$ 210 million
Kuala Lumpur Kepong, Batu Kawan

18. Chan Fong Ann - US$ 209 million
IOI Group Board Member

19. Kamarudin Meranun - US$ 205 million
AirAsia

20. Chong Chook Yew - US$ 200 million

21. Chen Lip Keong - US$ 195 million
NagaCorp

22. Lee Swee Eng - US$ 190 million
KNM

23. Jeffrey Cheah - US$ 185 million
Sunway Group

24. Lim Wee Chai - US$ 180 million
Top Glove

25. Ahmayuddin bin Ahmad - US$ 175 million

26. Lee Hau Hian - US$ 174 million
Kuala Lumpur Kepong, Batu Kawan

27. Lau Cho Kun - US$ 165 million

28. Vinod Sekhar - US$ 150 million

29. Liew Kee Sin - US$ 140 million
SP Setia

30. Tiah Thee Kian - US$ 135 million
TA Group

31. Rozali Ismail - US$ 130 million
Puncak Niaga

32. Lin Yun Ling - US$ 115 million
Gamuda

33. Yaw Teck Seng - US$ 113 million
Samling Group

34. Goh Peng Ooi - US$ 112 million
Silverlake Axis

35. Eleena Azlan Shah - US$ 110 million
Gamuda

36. David Law Tien Seng - US$ 105 million

37. Syed Mohd Yusof Tun Syed Nasir - US$ 100 million
K&N Kenanga

38. Hamdan Mohamad - US$ 98 million
Ranhill

39. Tan Teong Hean - US$ 95 million
Southern Bank

40. Kua Sian Kooi - US$ 90 million
Kurnia Insurance

The 10 Richest Malaysians 2008

Public Bank announce 1Q Financial Report of FY2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Public Bank, PBBANK (Stock Quote 1295) has announced the 1st quarter financial report for financial year 2009. These are the few key points of the report:

· The Group’s pre-tax profit, excluding the ING goodwill payment, shows a marginal drop of RM25.7 million or 3.3% to RM 744.9 million. It is a drop of RM68 million or 8.4% as compared to the pre-tax profit of RM812.9 million for the preceding quarter ended 31 December 2008.
· Net profit attributable to equity holders is lower by 17.9% to RM589.3 million compared to the previous corresponding quarter. This was due to the one-off goodwill payment of RM200 million received from ING in respect of a regional strategic alliance on bancassurance distribution in the previous corresponding quarter.
· Non-Performing loan (NPL) improved to below 1.0% from 1.1% a year ago. The NPL balance is RM1.23 billion as at 31 March 2009.
· Public Bank recorded a pre-tax profit of RM437.0 million for the first quarter of financial year 2009 and was lower than the pre-tax profit of RM804.5 million achieved in the previous corresponding quarter.
· Pre-tax profit contribution from the Group’s overseas operations decreased by RM32.3 million or 33.0% from the previous corresponding quarter to RM65.7 million.
· The EPS has decreased to 17.4 cent in the 1st quarter compared to 21.4 cent in the previous corresponding quarter.
· The Net assets per share is RM2.78.
· Total assets is RM199,226 million and total liabilities is RM188,882 million.

Previous Quarterly Financial Report

BKAWAN announce Q2 Financial Report of FY2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Batu Kawan Berhad, BKAWAN (Stock Quote 1899) has announced the 2nd quarter financial report for financial year 2009. These are the few key points of the report:

· The Group’s pre-tax profit for the current quarter was RM88.9 million, substantially lower than the RM117.3 million reported in the corresponding quarter last year, due to lower profit contribution from our plantation associate, KLK, which reported lower plantation and manufacturing profits.
· For the first half financial year 2009, Group pre-tax profit at RM140.8 million was lower than the RM262.2 million achieved last year.
· The current quarter’s pre-tax profit of RM88.9 million was higher than the RM51.8 million reported in the preceding quarter mainly due to a USD8.0 million surplus on disposal of an overseas investment by a foreign subsidiary.
· The Net Profit for the current quarter was RM86.66 million compared to the RM115.74 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
· A single-tier tax exempt interim dividend of 10sen per share has been declared. It will be paid on 12 Aug 2009 to shareholders registered in the Company’s Register as at 16 July 2009.
· The Earning Per Share (EPS) for the current quarter is 20.01sen, substantially lower than 26.41sen in the corresponding quarter last year.
· The Net Assets per Share is RM6.35.

Q1 Financial Report of FY2009

Malaysia Equity Funds Performance (31 May 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:45:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 Year:

1. HLG Vietnam – 25.06%
2. Saham Amanah Sabah – 17.09%
3. AmanahRaya Islamic Equity – 1.81%
4. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (1.90%)
5. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (2.72%)
6. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (3.28%)
7. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (3.68%)
8. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (3.69%)
9. Areca Equity Trust – (5.62%)
10. PB China ASEAN Equity – (5.89%)
11. Mayban Life Property Plus CG – (5.95%)
12. HLG European Dividend-Growth – (6.53%)
13. MCIS Zurich Equity – (6.64%)
14. Apex Small Cap – (6.91%)
15. MAA Platinum – (7.28%)
16. AMB Value Trust – (7.39%)
17. AMB Ethical Trust – (7.73%)
18. Uni Strategic – (8.17%)
19. OSK-UOB Malaysia Dividend – (8.28%)
20. Public Far-East Cons Themes – (8.68%)

3 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 23.36%
2. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 22.30%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 22.22%
4. Saham Amanah Sabah – 20.35%
5. Public SmallCap – 19.98%
6. Allianz Life Dynamic Growth – 19.37%
7. CMS Islamic – 19.01%
8. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 18.54%
9. Allianz Life Equity – 17.90%
10. Uni Strategic – 16.89%
11. OSK-UOB Resources – 16.16%
12. Uni Aggressive – 16.03%
13. MAAKL Growth – 15.90%
14. Manulife Equity – 15.51%
15. Public Islamic Opportunities – 15.35%
16. CIMB Principal Equity – 15.09%
17. PB Growth – 15.01%
18. ING Dana Suria Ekuiti – 14.55%
19. TA High Growth – 14.24%
20. Kenanga Growth – 14.08%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 16.98%
2. PB Growth – 15.93%
3. Public SmallCap – 15.00%
4. AMB Ethical Trust – 14.97%
5. Manulife Equity – 14.35%
6. Public Aggressive Growth – 13.00%
7. Pacific Dividend – 12.77%
8. OSK-UOB Equity – 12.53%
9. Public Savings – 12.42%
10. MAAKL Al-Faid – 12.36%
11. Saham Amanah Sabah – 12.33%
12. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 11.76%
13. ING Dana Suria Ekuiti – 11.59%
14. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 11.51%
15. Public Equity – 11.47%
16. CIMB Principal Equity – 11.46%
17. Public Growth – 11.44%
18. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 11.43%
19. CIMB Islamic DALI Equity – 11.38%
20. Kenanga Growth – 11.36%

Source: Lipperweb

Click here for previous month performance.

New Domain!!!

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:53:00 +0000

After writing the blog for one year, finally I have got my own domain name for the blog. Earlier, I plan to move my blog to my own hosting server from blogger, but there are some issues in between, especially the site uptime. By using blogger, I have no worry about the site uptime.

There are pros and cons of using blogger or using wordpress with own hosting server. Blogger is much simpler compared to wordpress and we no need to spend a penny to get our blogs hosted. Furthermore, site uptime is quite good so far...Good Job, Blogger!!!

By using wordpress, we need to spend some money to get hosting server, and we need to make sure the site uptime is satisfactory. Anyway, wordpress has much more gadgets to play with compared to blogger :) Moreover, by having own hosting server, we can integrate database into our blogs...I'm thinking of that, maybe some of you got any idea if I can do this in blogger???

So, finally, I have my own brand name for my blog... http://www.leekk8.com and my chinese version blog domain is http://chinese.leekk8.com.

Enjoy your reading and feedback to me if you have any comments...

Malaysia Equity Funds Performance (30 April 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:43:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 Year:

1. Saham Amanah Sabah – 2.65%
2. HLG Vietnam – 1.23%
3. AmanahRaya Islamic Equity – (5.96%)
4. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (6.10%)
5. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (6.61%)
6. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (7.08%)
7. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (7.79%)
8. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (8.38%)
9. HLG European Dividend-Growth – (10.42%)
10. Mayban Life Property Plus CG – (10.78%)
11. MAA Platinum – (11.26%)
12. Areca Equity Trust – (11.66%)
13. AMB Value Trust – (13.38%)
14. AMB Ethical Trust – (13.61%)
15. Uni Strategic – (14.06%)
16. Apex Small Cap – (14.20%)
17. HwangDBS Glo Emerging Markets – (14.51%)
18. MCIS Zurich Equity – (16.72%)
19. HLG Consumer Products Sector – (16.96%)
20. HLG Trading/Services Sector – (17.55%)

3 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 19.96%
2. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 18.38%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 18.14%
4. Public SmallCap – 15.06%
5. Saham Amanah Sabah – 14.98%
6. Allianz Life Dynamic Growth – 14.96%
7. Allianz Life Equity – 14.44%
8. Uni Strategic – 14.23%
9. Uni Aggressive – 13.95%
10. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 13.87%
11. MAAKL Growth – 12.32%
12. CIMB Principal Equity – 11.50%
13. Manulife Equity – 11.38%
14. MAAKL Al-Faid – 10.43%
15. PB Growth – 10.35%
16. TA High Growth – 10.11%
17. MAAKL Value – 9.94%
18. ING Dana Suria Ekuiti – 9.92%
19. CIMB Islamic DALI Equity Growth – 9.88%
20. AIA Dana Dinamik – 9.85%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 14.04%
2. PB Growth – 13.00%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 11.76%
4. Public SmallCap – 11.69%
5. Manulife Equity – 10.87%
6. Pacific Dividend – 10.40%
7. OSK-UOB Equity – 10.36%
8. MAAKL Al-Faid – 10.17%
9. Public Aggressive Growth – 9.76%
10. Public Savings – 9.71%
11. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 9.35%
12. ING OA Inv- ING Blue Chip – 8.89%
13. Public Growth – 8.69%
14. ING OA Inv- ING Ekuiti Islam – 8.68%
15. Public Equity – 8.52%
16. CIMB Principal Equity – 8.49%
17. Public Islamic Equity – 8.45%
18. Saham Amanah Sabah – 8.45%
19. Public Regular Savings – 8.35%
20. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 8.31%

Source: Lipperweb

Click here for previous month performance.

Income Tax 2008 Submission

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Every year when around end of April, all the people will be busy to look for all the receipts of previous year. Looking for receipts for what? To declare income tax. Income tax submission is on 30 April every year. When around this day, all the LHDN (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) offices will be crowded from day to night.

Despite of old days, now we can submit the tax online, by using e-filing. After filing the tax, we can make the payment online as well, using online banking. This is really a convenient way for us. No need to take leave to go to the LHDN office. No need looking for parking. If do not want to take leave, then need to go there after work. By using e-filing, we can settle everything at home or at office. I just file my tax online, just takes me half an hour.

What do we need to prepare before doing the tax filing? The most important document is the EA form. From the EA form, you can actually key in the total salary, allowance, and your EPF contribution. Just be aware that this year is a bit different in the allowance, where some of the allowances are tax-exempted allowance, such as internet allowance, petrol card, and so forth. After that, compile all your receipts. The items can be used for tax deduction are books and magazine (max RM1000), sport item (max RM300), life insurance (max RM6000 together with EPF), medical insurance (max RM3000), computer (max RM3000 once every 3 year), parents’ medical bills (max RM5000), medical check-up fee (max RM500), and other donation to charity (max 7% of total income). So, by having all these amount, you just key in the figure online, then it will calculate your taxable income automatically as well as the tax amount that you need to pay.

Beside, you also need to key in all the dividends that you get last year, as we can claim back the exceeded tax if we are not in the 26% tax bracket. Just compile all your dividend voucher and key in all the information according to the online form, the exceeded tax will be calculated automatically.

Doubtful that if you need to declare income tax? Just take your total income last year (salary + bonus) minus the EPF contribution, if exceed RM24,000, you will need to declare tax. It is always a good practice to declare tax even you are not entitled to pay tax yet.

Going to submit but do not know how to do e-filing? Refer to the website, the guide is quite clear, https://spsd.hasil.gov.my/PKI/e/mainpage.html.

30 April 2009….another 8 days to go!!!

ASM and ASW2020

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Following the Sukuk Simpanan Rakyat, the government again announces for the additional units of Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) and Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 (ASW2020). The additional 3.3 billion units of ASM can be subscripted on 21 April 2009 onwards, and the additional 2 billion units of ASW2020 will be available for subscription on 27 April 2009 onwards.

These two funds are different from the other normal unit trust funds, where their NAV is always RM1.00. The minimum initial investment will be 100 units and the maximum investment per pax is 20,000 units. Both funds are equity funds, but the risk is much lower than the other normal unit trust funds, as they are “guaranteed” by the government. ASM has delivered a per unit income distribution of 6.75 sen, 6.8 sen and 7.8 sen while ASW2020 gave a per unit income distribution of 6.8 sen, 8 sen and 7 sen for years 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. So, the average returns for these funds are ranged 6% to 8%.

ASM and ASW2020 can be bought at all the ASNB offices, Post Office, Maybank, CIMB Bank and RHB Bank.

For detailed information, can refer to http://www.asnb.com.my/.
For ASM: http://www.asnb.com.my/asm.htm
For ASW2020: http://www.asnb.com.my/asw.htm

Personally, I should say these funds are suitable for those who do not want to bear the high risk as normal unit trust funds. Their return is almost same as the normal moderate risk unit trust funds, and they are much more stable. The difference is very obvious when we compare the return of ASM/ASW2020 with the normal unit trust funds for year 2007 and year 2008. In 2007, most of the normal equity funds give return of 40%-60% in a year, while ASM and ASW2020 give return of 7%-8% in a year. In 2008, there is the economy crisis and most of the share markets drop. Normal equity funds suffer loss of 20%-30% in a year generally, but ASM and ASW2020 still give return of 6%-7%.

So, depends on yourself, see which funds are suitable for you. For those who are thinking to invest in low risk funds like bond funds, this is actually a much better choice. Although ASM and ASW2020 are equity funds, their risk is as low as bond funds (or I can say their risk is lower than bond funds), and their return is definitely higher than bond funds. The only drawback is, you need to queue in the post office or banks to buy the units. However, recently the market is so bad, there is not many people actually queuing for these funds. In old days, 1 billions unit of ASW2020 can be sold out within half an hour countrywide. If you’re interested to have it, just go to the said banks to grab it.

Historical Performance of Malaysia Equity Funds (31 March 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:51:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 year:

1. Saham Amanah Sabah – (3.57%)
2. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (7.63%)
3. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (8.07%)
4. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (8.12%)
5. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (8.73%)
6. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (9.58%)
7. HLG European Dividend-Growth – (11.30%)
8. MAA Platinum – (12.26%)
9. Mayban Life Property Plus CG – (13.11%)
10. HLG Vietnam – (15.07%)
11. Areca Equity Trust – (17.85%)
12. OSK-UOB Malaysia Dividend – (18.30%)
13. HwangDBS Glo Emerging Markets – (18.34%)
14. AMB Value Trust – (18.89%)
15. AMB Ethical Trust – (19.81%)
16. HLG Consumer Products Sector – (20.14%)
17. HLG Global Healthcare – (20.84%)
18. Uni Strategic – (20.93%)
19. OSKUOB Equity – (21.15%)
20. Apex Small Cap – (21.45%)

3 year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 17.91%
2. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 16.74%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 16.33%
4. Uni Aggressive – 13.71%
5. Saham Amanah Sabah – 12.95%
6. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 12.55%
7. CMS Islamic – 12.01%
8. Public SmallCap – 11.96%
9. Allianz Life Dynamic Growth – 11.59%
10. Uni Strategic – 11.51%
11. Allianz Life Equity – 11.38%
12. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – 9.46%
13. MAAKL Growth – 9.21%
14. Manulife Equity – 8.41%
15. CIMB Principal Equity – 8.25%
16. PB Growth – 8.13%
17. OSK-UOB Equity – 8.09%
18. MAAKL Al-Faid – 7.87%
19. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 7.76%
20. OSK-UOB Small Cap Opportunity – 7.71%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 10.70%
2. PB Growth – 9.46%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 8.56%
4. Public SmallCap – 8.04%
5. OSK-UOB Equity – 7.28%
6. Pacific Dividend – 6.90%
7. Manulife Equity – 6.82%
8. MAAKL Al-Faid – 6.77%
9. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – 6.16%
10. Public Savings – 5.90%
11. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 5.24%
12. Saham Amanah Sabah – 5.18%
13. Public Islamic Equity – 5.07%
14. Alliance Dana Adib – 5.00%
15. HLG Consumer Products Sector – 4.83%
16. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 4.61%
17. Public Ittikal – 4.59%
18. Kenanga Growth – 4.54%
19. Public Aggressive Growth – 4.52%
20. CIMB Islamic DALI Equity – 4.37%

Source: Lipperweb

Click here for previous month performance.

Sukuk Simpanan Rakyat 2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Our Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib has announced the mini budget of RM60billion earlier to stimulus the economy. One of the programme in this budget is the Sukuk Simpanan Rakyat 2009 (Islamic Bond). The objective of this bond is to give a chance to people to earn some income during this economy crisis period, where most of the people not dare to invest in equity.

This bond is opened for all Malaysian above 21 year old, and the minimum investment is RM1,000, while the maximum investment is RM50,000 per investor. The bond will be launched at 14 May 2009, but the offer period is from 14 April 2009 to 13 May 2009. The agent for this offer will be all the commercial banks, including Bank Islam, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), and Bank Pertanian Malaysia. Commercial banks are banks like Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB Bank, EON Bank, Ambank, RHB Bank and so forth.

The maturity period of this bond is 3 years from the issue date. Interest will be paid out quarterly with 5% interest per annum. This means that if you invest RM1,000 into it, you will receive RM12.50 every quarter, until the bond is matured after 3 years. After 3 years, you will get back your initial investment, which is RM1,000. So, in total you will receive RM150 of interest during these 3 years.

For more detailed, you can refer to the Bank Negara website:
Feature: http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=226&pg=731&ac=672
FAQ: http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=226&pg=731&ac=674

Personally thinking, this bond is suitable for those who not able to take risk at all. At this time, bond with 5% is really not bad, as the Fixed Deposits interest rate now is only 2.5% per annum. However, during this economy crisis, stocks market has dropped quite a lot, and most of the stocks now are at fair value level, and some even are undervalued. For those who can bear the risk and looking for higher return, should consider to invest in equity instead of this bond.

Historical Performance of Malaysia Equity Funds (28 Feb 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:27:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 year:

1. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (9.60%)
2. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (9.70%)
3. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (10.08%)
4. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (10.65%)
5. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (10.67%)
6. Mayban Life Property Plus CG – (11.49%)
7. HLG European Dividend-Growth – (12.79%)
8. Saham Amanah Sabah – (13.22%)
9. MAA Platinum – (13.84%)
10. AMB Dividend Trust – (21.80%)
11. Areca Equity Trust – (22.64%)
12. AMB Value Trust – (23.40%)
13. AMB Ethical Trust – (24.35%)
14. HLG Consumer Products Sector – (24.62%)
15. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – (26.50%)
16. OSKUOB Equity – (26.58%)
17. MAAKL Dividend – (26.78%)
18. Allianz Life Equity Income – (27.34%)
19. MCIS Zurich Equity – (27.41%)
20. Uni Strategic – (27.51%)

3 year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 19.88%
2. AMB Ethical Trust – 18.61%
3. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 16.64%
4. Uni Aggressive – 14.44%
5. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 12.85%
6. CMS Islamic – 12.72%
7. Allianz Life Dynamic Growth – 12.22%
8. Public SmallCap – 11.94%
9. Saham Amanah Sabah – 11.94%
10. Allianz Life Equity – 11.44%
11. Uni Strategic – 11.17%
12. OSK-UOB Small Cap Opportunity – 10.06%
13. MAAKL Growth – 9.05%
14. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – 9.02%
15. HLG Industrial and Tech Sector – 8.55%
16. OSK-UOB Equity – 8.47%
17. Manulife Equity – 8.39%
18. CIMB Principal Equity – 8.34%
19. PB Growth – 8.21%
20. TA High Growth – 7.77%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 12.47%
2. AMB Ethical Trust – 10.07%
3. PB Growth – 9.47%
4. Public SmallCap – 8.04%
5. OSKUOB Equity – 7.41%
6. Manulife Equity – 7.25%
7. Pacific Dividend – 7.23%
8. MAAKL Al-Faid – 6.84%
9. Public Savings – 5.93%
10. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – 5.74%
11. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 5.28%
12. Public Islamic Equity – 5.20%
13. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 4.83%
14. HLG Consumer Products Sector – 4.48%
15. Kenanga Growth – 4.33%
16. Public Ittikal – 4.29%
17. Public Aggressive Growth – 4.25%
18. Public Regular Savings – 4.18%
19. Lion Progressive – 4.17%
20. MAAKL Equity Index – 4.14%

Source: Lipperweb

BKAWAN announce Q1 Financial Report of FY2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Batu Kawan Berhad, BKAWAN (Stock Quote 1899) has announced the 1st quarter financial report for financial year 2009. These are the few key points of the report:

· The Group’s pre-tax profit for the current quarter was RM51.8 million, substantially lower than the RM144.9 million reported in the corresponding quarter last year.
· The current quarter’s pre-tax profit of RM51.8 million was substantially lower than the RM135.8 million reported in the preceding quarter mainly due to lower profit contribution from KLK.
· The Net Profit for the current quarter was RM46.96 million compared to the RM142.27 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
· The Earning Per Share (EPS) for the current quarter is 10.29sen, substantially lower than 32.52sen in the corresponding quarter last year.
· The Net Assets per Share is RM6.61.

Public Bank announce 4Q Report of FY2009

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Public Bank, PBBANK (Stock Quote 1295) has announced the 4th quarter financial report for financial year 2008. These are the few key points of the report:

· The Group’s pre-tax profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2008 of RM3,379.2 million was RM375.6 million or 12.5% higher than the previous corresponding period of RM3,003.6 million.
· Net profit attributable to equity holders improved by 21.5% to RM2,581.2million.
· Non-Performing loan (NPL) improved to 0.9% from 1.2% a year ago.
· Public Bank recorded a pre-tax profit of RM2,897.7 million for the financial year ended 31 December 2008 and was marginally higher than the pre-tax profit of RM2.850.8 million achieved in the previous year.
· Pre-tax profit contribution from the Group’s overseas operations decreased by RM130.4 million or 28.9% from the previous year to RM321.0 million.
· For the 4th quarter ended 31 December 2008, the Group registered a pre-tax profit of RM812.9 million, a decrease of RM8.3 million or 1.0% as compared to the previous corresponding quarter.
· Earnings attributable to equity holders grew by 12.8% or RM74.0 million in the current year.
· The EPS has increased to 19.5 cent in the 4th quarter compared to 17.3 cent in the previous corresponding period. The EPS for the financial year ended 31 December 2008 is 76.9 cent.
· Total assets is RM196,163 million and total liabilities is RM185,934 million.

Happy New Year!!!

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:56:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! Time passes very fast, year 2008 is already end and year 2009 starts. Year 2008 is not a very good year for investors and businessmen, as the world economy is facing crisis and retrenchment is heard everywhere. Anyway, crisis will end one day. Opportunity is still around during crisis. As a new year comes, we should think properly about the investment opportunity in the crisis time, and also plan properly for our finance.

In a new year, we should have a new goal and plan. In finance, we also should review our financial goals and financial plan. Set some more appropriate goals and have a better financial plan. If you still have a goal and plan yet, you should think about it now. Review your financial status now, set a financial goal, and then drafts a financial plan. Read these posts again for the process:

What is Financial Planning?
Some tools to help assessing our financial status
How to set financial goals effectively?
Setting Financial Goals
Start the Financial Plan – Pay Off the Debt
Is Emergency Fund Important?
Is Insurance Important?

Personal Financial Planning is not something done by rich people only. It is for anyone who wishes to become rich. If you are failed to plan, you plan to fail!

Historical Performance of Malaysia Equity Funds (30 Nov 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:12:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 Year:

1. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (3.04%)
2. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (3.41%)
3. Mayban Life Property Plus CG – (3.87%)
4. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (3.92%)
5. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (4.67%)
6. HLG European Dividend-Growth – (5.88%)
7. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (6.59%)
8. MAA Platinum – (7.15%)
9. Saham Amanah Sabah – (7.80%)
10. AMB Dividend Trust – (19.67%)
11. HLG Consumer Products Sector – (20.05%)
12. MAA Technology – (20.79%)
13. AMB Value Trust – (21.27%)
14. AMB Ethical Trust – (21.90%)
15. Areca Equity Trust – (23.62%)
16. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – (24.60%)
17. AUTB Progress – (24.64%)
18. HLG Trading/Services Sector – (24.82%)
19. Allianz Life Equity Income – (24.91%)
20. MAAKL Dividend – (25.79%)

3 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 20.36%
2. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 19.99%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 18.90%
4. Uni Aggressive – 16.68%
5. Saham Amanah Sabah – 16.49%
6. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 16.43%
7. CMS Islamic – 15.98%
8. Public SmallCap – 14.64%
9. OSK-UOB Small Cap Opportunity – 13.79%
10. HLG Industrial and Tech Sector – 12.73%
11. Uni Strategic – 12.73%
12. Manulife Equity – 11.80%
13. Allianz Life Dynamic Growth – 11.76%
14. CIMB Principal Equity – 11.38%
15. MAAKL Growth – 11.37%
16. MAAKL Value – 11.35%
17. TA High Growth – 11.24%
18. PB Growth – 11.02%
19. OSK-UOB Equity – 10.89%
20. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – 10.87%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 12.99%
2. PB Growth – 12.42%
3. Public SmallCap – 11.03%
4. AMB Ethical Trust – 10.97%
5. Manulife Equity – 10.59%
6. OSKUOB Equity – 9.73%
7. MAAKL Al-Faid – 9.62%
8. Pacific Dividend – 8.58%
9. Saham Amanah Sabah – 8.58%
10. Public Savings – 8.27%
11. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 7.66%
12. Public Islamic Equity – 7.59%
13. Lion Progressive – 7.32%
14. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – 7.23%
15. Public Aggressive Growth – 7.15%
16. Public Industry – 7.01%
17. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 6.97%
18. Kenanga Growth – 6.94%
19. Public Ittikal – 6.85%
20. AIA Aggressive – 6.75%

Source: Lipperweb

Click here for the previous month ranking.

EPF Reduced from 11% to 8%

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:51:00 +0000

Recently, our Finance Minister announces that the EPF (Employee Pension Fund) is reduced from 11% to 8%, so that the people have more money every month, and increase the purchasing power. I believe the aim of this new policy is to increase the purchasing power and boost the economy. The question is, can this move really improve the purchasing power, and boost the economy?

Reduction from 11% to 8% means that we have extra 3% of our salary every month. 3% is not a huge amount, but also help a bit to ease our burden in this high inflation era. This is the direct benefit that we can see, but did we think in depth, what is the implication of this move? Is this really benefit to people like us?

EPF is our pension fund, and this will be the main income when we are retired. In fact, EPF is already not sufficient for our retirement fund. When we pay less 3% every month now, this means that our retirement fund in future will be lesser. Do not think that this 3% is just little. When we consider the compounding effect of the EPF dividend, this may make you lose quite a lot in future. Even RM100, after 30 years with dividend 5% per year (conservative assumption), this RM100 will become RM432, which is 4.32 times. This is the first thing we should consider.

Another more important aspect is the tax. Maybe most of us did not aware about the tax when we heard about this reduction in EPF. EPF is tax-deductible. We can minus out the EPF amount that we paid when we calculate for our taxable income. Now, we pay less to EPF, so that the deductible amount is also less. If your monthly income is in the range of RM2400 to RM6300, this reduction of EPF may increase your tax payable. People with income less than RM2400 a month, normally is not taxed. People with higher income than RM6300, their tax-deductible amount is already maximum. (EPF tax-deductible amount is RM6000 maximum)

Maybe you will think that 3% is not much, even you are taxed more, but the amount is still a small amount. In fact, you may get wrong. So, please check about your income if your salary range is between RM2400 and RM6300. In tax, there is a tax rebate RM400 for those who have taxable income less than RM35,000. If your taxable is just exceeded this RM35,000, because of the reduction of EPF, then you will need to pay RM400 more to Income Tax. Check back your last year BE Form, if your taxable income is around RM30,000, then you must be careful. With the increment of salary this year and next year, your taxable income may be closed to the RM35,000. If you choose to pay less to EPF, your taxable income may exceed RM35,000 and you will be taxed RM400 more. The reduction is automatic, so you should consider properly and apply to remain the same 11% deduction if you think you need to.

BKAWAN announce Q4 Financial Report of FY2008

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Batu Kawan Berhad, BKAWAN (Stock Quote 1899) has announced the 4th quarter financial report for financial year 2008. These are the few key points of the report:

• The Group’s pre-tax profit for the current quarter was RM135.8 million, marginally higher compared to the RM132.1 million reported in the corresponding quarter last year.

• The Group’s pre-tax profit for the year ended 30 September 2008 was RM522.8 million, substantially higher than the RM359.9 million recorded last financial year, mainly due to higher profit contribution from KLK.

• The Net Profit for the current quarter was RM132.8 million compared to the RM131.6 million in the corresponding quarter last year.

• The Net Profit for the year ended 30 September 2008 was RM514.0 million, substantially higher than the RM355.4 million recorded last financial year.

• The Earning Per Share (EPS) for the current quarter is 30.13sen and 117.25sen for the year ended 30 September 2008.

• The Net Assets per Share is RM6.66.

The price of BKAWAN today is RM7.00, so the PE is RM7.00/RM1.1725 = 5.97x
This is really a very low PE, and the net asset per share is almost same as the share price. BKAWAN announce that there is 9 sen (less 25% tax) and 40 sen (single tier tax exempted) dividend. By using the share price now, RM7.00, the DY is 7%.

Opportunity is here, did you grab it?

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Recently all the people talk about financial crisis, market is going down. When people meet up, no longer ask each other how much you have earned from investment, but asking each other how much you have lost in investment. Anyway, there is always opportunity during the crisis, but did you grab it?

Just share with you a story that I heard last time. There is a guy who is very holy and always prays to the god. One day, it is flood around his house. He thought this is the time for him to see the fruits of his continuous praying to the god. He believes the god will sure rescue him from the flood. He is waiting for the rescue on the roof top of his house.

There is a log flooding on the water coming near to him, other people ask him faster grab the log and move to safer place, but he refuses to. He says the god will sure come and rescue him. After sometime, there is a rescue boat come to get him. The guy says the boat is too crowded, he wants to wait for the god to rescue him. Now the water level is getting higher and higher, the guy is so dangerous. At this time, there is a helicopter coming near the guy and ask the guy to climb up the ladder into the helicopter. The guy does not want to climb the ladder, so he says the god will sure come to rescue him. Soon, the water level is higher than him and he really goes to see the god, he is died.

When he sees the god, he asks the god why the god is bad as did not rescue him although he always prays. The god answers that he already tried to save him for three times but the guy did not grab the opportunity. The god sent him a log, but the guy did not grab it. The god also sent him a boat, but the guy did not go into the boat. The god also sent him a helicopter, but the guy still did not go into the helicopter.

So, although the god has given the guy three opportunities, the guy did not appreciate the opportunities and also did not grab the opportunities. In real life, we should appreciate and grab all the opportunities around us. Do not always just wait for the opportunities. If you did not really think about the opportunity, you will not notice even the real opportunity is just beside you. During this financial crisis, we should analyze and think about it, grab the opportunity that in front of us.

Historical Performance of Malaysia Equity Funds (31 Oct 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:21:00 +0000

(Bracket indicates negative value)

1 Year:

1. MAA Capital Guaranteed 2 – (2.43%)
2. MAA Capital Guaranteed 3 – (2.65%)
3. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – (2.66%)
4. PRUlink Guaranteed Account – (4.02%)
5. MAA Capital Gtd Asia Pacific – (5.52%)
6. MAA Platinum – (6.08%)
7. Property Plus CG – (7.29%)
8. Saham Amanah Sabah – (11.11%)
9. AMB Dividend Trust – (18.77%)
10. MAA Technology – (21.37%)
11. HLG Consumer Products Sector – (22.28%)
12. AMB Value Trust – (22.92%)
13. AMB Ethical Trust – (23.57%)
14. HLG Trading/Services Sector – (23.63%)
15. Allianz Life Equity Income – (24.26%)
16. Areca Equity Trust – (25.13%)
17. ASM Dana Al-Aiman – (25.85%)
18. MAAKL Dividend – (25.93%)
19. MAAKL Al-Fauzan – (25.95%)
20. AUTB Progress – (26.73%)

3 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. AMB Value Trust – 20.16%
2. OSK-UOB Smart Treasure – 20.11%
3. AMB Ethical Trust – 18.42%
4. Uni Aggressive – 16.79%
5. OSK-UOB Emerg Oppty – 16.30%
6. Saham Amanah Sabah – 15.88%
7. Uni Strategic – 14.38%
8. CMS Islamic – 14.27%
9. OSK-UOB Small Cap Opportunity – 13.99%
10. Public SmallCap – 13.84%
11. Manulife Equity – 12.52%
12. PB Growth – 12.13%
13. TA High Growth – 11.77%
14. HLG Industrial and Tech Sector – 11.75%
15. CIMB Principal Equity – 11.38%
16. OSK-UOB Equity – 11.22%
17. MAAKL Progress – 10.80%
18. MAAKL Growth – 10.78%
19. MAAKL Value – 10.55%
20. Alliance Dana Adib – 10.23%

5 Year: (Annualized Return)

1. PB Growth – 12.83%
2. AMB Value Trust – 12.02%
3. Manulife Equity – 10.35%
4. Public SmallCap – 10.25%
5. AMB Ethical Trust – 9.94%
6. MAAKL Al-Faid – 9.09%
7. OSKUOB Equity – 8.72%
8. Saham Amanah Sabah – 7.98%
9. Public Savings – 7.68%
10. Public Islamic Equity – 7.62%
11. MAA Capital Guaranteed 1 – 7.47%
12. Lion Progressive – 7.09%
13. OSK-UOB KLCI Tracker – 7.03%
14. Public Industry – 6.81%
15. Kenanga Syariah Growth – 6.78%
16. Public Ittikal – 6.51%
17. Kenanga Growth – 6.26%
18. AIA Dana Dinamik – 6.20%
19. AIA Aggressive – 6.16%
20. CIMB-Principal Equity – 6.15%

Source: Lipperweb

Crisis??? Or Opportunity???

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

If you are reading newspaper or listening to radio recently, you should know the global share market has been dropping for quite a lot. The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and huge debt faced by AIG make the situation worse. Global share markets drops almost 50% from the peak at the early of the year. Crude Oil price and Crude Palm Oil price also has been dropping for quite a lot.

Look at the chart above to see the dropping since the peak of each indice. KLCI has dropped from the peak 1516 points before the general election until the latest 859 points last week. Today, HSI and HSCEI have dropped for 12.70% and 14.00% respectively in a single trading day. KLCI is unchanged due to the public holiday in Malaysia, and the KLSE has no trading. Obviously, KLCI will drop a lot tomorrow when the trading starts.

At this moment, all the papers report about the global financial crisis, unemployment rate, inflation, all the negative issues in economy. Most of the people now are so sad when talking about investment and economy. Investors have suffered a lot of paper loss now. Businessmen tell that business is not good. The whole world is so sad about the economy and investment.

So, what do you feel after you hear this? Sad? Worried? Scared? I believe most of the people will feel these, especially for those who suffer a lot from paper loss. When most of the people think like that, why not you think in another way round? Is this a crisis? Or actually it is an opportunity? Make your mind fresh and think about it properly. Really take some time to think about it…we think about it together and I will share my views and feelings here later.

“When all people is pessimistic, you should be optimistic. When all people is greedy, you should be worried” I believe most of you heard this before, but how many of us can do it?

Public Bank announce 3Q Report of FY2008

noreply@blogger.com (leekk8) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:02:00 +0000

Public Bank, PBBANK (Stock Quote 1295) has announced the 3rd quarter financial report for financial year 2008. These are the few key points of the report:

· The Group’s pre-tax profit for the nine months ended 30 Sep 2008 of RM2,566.2 million was RM383.3 million or 17.6% higher than the previous corresponding period of RM2,182.4 million.

· Net profit attributable to equity holders improved by 24.8% to RM1,927.3 million.

· Non-Performing loan (NPL) improved to 0.9% from 1.3% over the same period.

· Public Bank recorded a pre-tax profit of RM2,129.4 million for the nine months ended 30 Sep 2008 and was 14.1% higher than the previous corresponding period.

· Pre-tax profit contribution from the Group’s overseas operations increased by RM13.3 million or 4.8% from the previous corresponding period.

· For the 3rd quarter ended 30 Sep 2008, the Group registered a pre-tax profit of RM804.0 million, an improvement of RM29.6 million or 3.8% as compared to the previous corresponding quarter.

· Earnings attributable to equity holders grew by 13.4% or RM72.7 million over the same period.

· The EPS has increased to 18.4 cent in the 3rd quarter compared to 16.2 cent in the previous corresponding period. The EPS for nine month ended 30 Sep 2008 is 57.4 cent.

· Total assets is RM190,729 million and total liabilities is RM180,841 million.