SMEs laud RM1b additional fund

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are excited with the additional RM1 billion fund under the SME Development Scheme.

The fund, which will be managed by the SME Bank, is to facilitate SMEs' access to financing to help develop their businesses.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak proposed the RM1 billion fund when tabling 2013 Budget yesterday.

Industry players said the move will help the SMEs as well as entrepreneurs seek financial backing to start up a business.
Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/SEMEI/Article/ Published: September 30, 2012

Group publisher of SME Magazine, William Ng, said for SMEs, it is a mixed basket of spot-on incentives and missed opportunities.

"The RM1 billion additional fund for SMEs is welcome, in addition to the RM350 million fund for entrepreneurs of all races in the retail sector," he said.

However, Ng said that from an SME perspective, the govern-ment could have offered more incentives. "While more financing is good, for many SMEs, especially those with the right business model, financing has never been the main concern.

"The real challenge today is the intensifying competition and shortage of skilled workers. Unfortunately, there was nothing on this in the Budget," he said.

Ng, who is also editor-in-chief of SME Magazine said that other initiatives like the Young Entre-preneurs Fund with a RM100,000 cap and two percentage point interest rate subsidy was proof that the government is serious in promoting the SME sector.

Vice-president and general manager for Groupon Southeast Asia and India, Joel Neoh Eu-Jin, also lauded the RM1 billion SME fund. "This will greatly assist Malaysian entre-preneurs to continue to build on their business portfolios."

More initiatives should be rolled out by the Malaysian government to recognise e-commerce as a viable, extensive and profitable business segment, he added.

Young Entrepreneurs Association (GMB Malaysia) president Agil Faisal Ahmad Fadzil told Business Times that the fund should be able to alleviate financing issues faced by some small and medium enterprises. "This is sensitive to the needs of these SMEs ... What is important is for the implementor to share the same sentiment as the government as delivery is crucial."

Government allocates RM1b to develop SME businesses

Source from (The Malaysian Insider): http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/government-allocates-rm1b-to-develop-sme-business/

Published: September 30, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — One billion ringgit will be provided under the SME Development Scheme to be managed by the SME Bank, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today.

The measure will help small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) gain access to further financing to develop their businesses.

In tabling the 2013 Budget, he said the SME Bank, with the cooperation of the Islamic Development Bank, will provide RM200 million to the Halal Industry Fund to finance the working capital of participating SMEs.

Najib said Perbadanan Nasional Bhd would also provide soft loans to hawkers and small businesses of up to RM25,000 for licensees and RM500,000 for licensors to modernise their operation.

This programme will provide guidance and advisory services on new business concepts such as mobile shops, kiosks and online businesses.

The prime minister also proposed a group insurance coverage scheme for hawkers and owners of small business registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

“The scheme will provide maximum coverage of up to RM5,000. For the first time, the government will finance this scheme with an allocation of RM16 million a year,” he said.

Currently, there are 1.5 million hawkers and small businesses operating traditionally and without a fixed income. — Bernama

BSN Kelantan perluas program galak ejen berdaftar

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/bsn-kelantan-perluas-program-galak-ejen-berdaftar-1.90190

Published: September 30, 2012

KOTA BHARU - Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Kelantan akan memperluaskan program menggalakkan premis tumpuan awam, terutama kedai runcit menjadi Ejen Bank Berdaftar dengan institusi kewangan itu.
  
Pengarah BSN Cawangan Kelantan Mohd Azian Abu Samah berkata langkah itu sejajar dengan matlamat bank itu sebagai bank komuniti yang memberi penekanan kepada masyarakat setempat.
  
Beliau berkata, sejak diperkenalkan Jun lepas, bank berkenaan kini mempunyai 148 ejen berdaftar di seluruh Kelantan dengan merekodkan lebih 91,000 transaksi yang bernilai lebih RM7.97 juta.
  
Bercakap kepada pemberita selepas majlis perasmian Program Ejen Bank Berdaftar Bersama Komuniti di Kedai Runcit Padang Sakar di sini hari ini, Mohd Azian berkata jumlah itu adalah sebahagian daripada 4,000 Ejen Berdaftar Bank itu di seluruh negara (Malaysia) yang disasarkan sehingga akhir tahun ini.
  
Beliau berkata transaksi melalui Ejen Bank Berdaftar itu dijalankan di premis dengan menggunakan peralatan titik jualan (POS) yang dilengkapi dengan GPRS tanpa wayar.
  
"Antara perkhidmatan yang disediakan pada peringkat permulaan ialah perkhidmatan deposit, pengeluaran, pembayaran bil setempat, pembelian sijil Simpanan Premium (SSP) dan pembayaran tanpa tunai," katanya.
  
Mohd Azian berkata BSN akan terus progresif untuk memperkasakan inisiatif rangkuman kewangan untuk segenap lapisan masyarakat dan sentiasa komited untuk memberi perkhidmatan yang lebih cekap dan berkualiti kepada pelanggan dan orang ramai.
  
"Sebagai sebuah bank komuniti, kemudahan akses perbankan untuk segenap lapisan masyarakat menjadi mandat utama BSN. Sejajar dengan usaha ini, satu perkhidmatan yang dikenali sebagai Ejen Bank Berdaftar telah diperkenalkan oleh BSN pada Jun lepas," katanya.
  
Menurutnya, perkhidmatan itu merupakan satu saluran perbankan alternatif yang menawarkan akses perbankan asas yang lebih mudah, cepat dan fleksibel. - Bernama

BSN galak kedai runcit jadi ejen

BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Kelantan akan memperluaskan program menggalakkan premis tumpuan awam, terutama kedai runcit menjadi Ejen Bank Berdaftar dengan institusi kewangan itu.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/BSNgalakkedairuncitjadiejen/Article/index_html
Published: September 30, 2012

Pengarah BSN Cawangan Kelantan Mohd Azian Abu Samah berkata, langkah itu sejajar dengan matlamat bank itu sebagai bank komuniti yang memberi penekanan kepada masyarakat setempat.

Beliau berkata, sejak diperkenalkan Jun lalu, bank berkenaan kini mempunyai 148 ejen berdaftar di seluruh Kelantan dengan merekodkan lebih 91,000 transaksi yang bernilai lebih RM7.97 juta.

“Transaksi melalui Ejen Bank Berdaftar ini dijalankan di premis dengan menggunakan peralatan titik jualan (POS) yang dilengkapi dengan GPRS tanpa wayar.

“Antara perkhidmatan disediakan pada peringkat permulaan ialah perkhidmatan deposit, pengeluaran, pembayaran bil setempat, pembelian Sijil Simpanan Premium (SSP) dan pembayaran tanpa tunai,” katanya selepas majlis perasmian Program Ejen Bank Berdaftar Bersama Komuniti di Kedai Runcit Padang Sakar di Kelantan, semalam.

Katanya, jumlah itu adalah sebahagian daripada 4,000 Ejen Berdaftar Bank itu di seluruh negara yang disasarkan sehingga akhir tahun ini.

Mohd Azian berkata, BSN akan terus progresif memperkasakan inisiatif rangkuman kewangan untuk segenap lapisan masyarakat dan sentiasa komited untuk memberi perkhidmatan lebih cekap serta berkualiti kepada pelanggan dan orang ramai. - Bernama

Agrobank Undertakes Transformation Programme

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=698475

Published: September 30, 2012

LANGKAWI, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Agrobank is undertaking a transformation programme to upgrade its ability to become a development agent in the country's agriculture sector.

In this light, the bank will carry out full-scale Islamic banking operations by 2015 and its products would be based on syariah principals, said its Chief Executive Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman.

He said the transformation would include the provision of an efficient delivery system with the establishment of a business centre, new products, services and product rebranding.

"Steps taken include the use of the state-of-the-art technology and Internet banking which was launched on July 7," he said at the opening of the Langkawi Agrobank branch by Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom.

Some of the new products introduced by the bank include 'Paddy-i', Paddy CAsh-i and Basic Saving Account-i (BSA-i).

He said Contract Financing-i and Machinery and Equipment Financing-i would be launched soon in line with the bank's aspiration to conduct Islamic banking by 2015.

-- BERNAMA

Sasar laksana perbankan Islam sepenuhnya 2015

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/SasarlaksanaperbankanIslamsepenuhnya2015/Article/index_html

Published: September 30, 2012

AGROBANK menyasar untuk melaksanakan sepenuhnya perbankan Islam menjelang 2015 berikutan pelancaran program transformasi bagi meningkat dan menggalakkan keupayaannya sebagai ejen pembangunan menjayakan sektor pertanian sebagai enjin ketiga pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman berkata, berikutan itu, semua produk Agrobank pada 2015 akan menggunakan prinsip syariah sepenuhnya.

Beliau berkata, antara transformasi itu ialah meningkatkan kecekapan penyampaian melalui penubuhan pusat perniagaan, penambahbaikan proses kerja, penjenamaan semula produk, memperkenalkan produk baru dan perkhidmatan baru.

“Perubahan ini dilaksanakan selepas bank membuat penilaian teliti hasil maklum balas pelanggan, perubahan pasaran, dasar kerajaan dan keperluan semasa kerajaan,” katanya pada majlis perasmian Agrobank cawangan Langkawi dan penyerahan zakat Agrobank oleh Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Pertanian, Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom di Langkawi, kelmarin. - Bernama

Exim Bank signs loan facility

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/28/business/12094293&sec=business

Published: September 28, 2012

PETALING JAYA: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) is participating in a credit syndication agreement involving 22 banking and financial institutions to provide a loan facility totalling US$916.67mil (RM2.9bil) to develop the Cikampek-Palimanan toll road in Indonesia.

It said in a statement that it was providing credit facilities of US$95mil to PT Lintas Marga Sedaya, which is 55% owned by PLUS Expressways Bhd.

The toll road development requires a total investment of US$1.31bil.

SMEs to benefit from RM1bil fund under Mida to spur technological growth (SME Bank)

Source from (The Star Online): http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/29/budget/12100720&sec=budget

Published: September 28, 2012

THE RM1bil Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) under the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) will be key to spur the technological growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Free Industrial Zone, Penang, Companies’ association president Heng Huck Lee said that with the fund, local SMEs would be able to acquire innovative manufacturing technologies that would improve their support for the multinational corporations.

”This would in turn increase the attraction of Malaysia as an investment destination that is capable of delivering high quality manufacturing support.

”We can expect many SMEs taking up the grant from Mida,” he said
Heng spoke in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s Budget 2013, which allocated RM1bil for Mida and another RM1bil fund under the SME Development Scheme to be managed by the SME Bank.

The DISF is aimed at helping Malaysian companies to leverage on outsourcing activities and the acquisition of technologies.

The RM1bil fund under the SME Development Scheme is to accelerate the growth of SMEs and the expansion of industrial areas.

Penang SME management council chairman Datuk Seri Kelvin Kiew said the DISF would would help SMEs adopt new technologies for the light-emitting diodes, nano-technology, and radio frequency industries, which would also helped to retain talents.

“It is now a question how to administer the grant,” he said
Malaysian American Electronics Industry chairman Datuk Wong Siew Hai said the DISF was timely as it would help the SMEs to go global in their business.

“The allocation of RM1bil is a good start for SMEs to to develop new technologies and products,” he added.

Penang Foundry & Engineering Industries Association president Datuk Ng Chai Eng said the Federal Government should set up a committee comprising industry players and government personnels to determine the companies eligible for the grant.

”This is to ensure that only the deserving companies get the funding,” Ng said.

On the RMbil under the SME Development Scheme,the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM, North) chairman Khoo Cheok Sin said previously such funds were available, but they were not accessible to deserving companies.

Pro-growth measures for SMEs (SME Bank)

Source from (The Star Online): http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/29/budget/12099882&sec=budget

Published: September 28, 2012

THE measures introduced in Budget 2013 for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector has set the path for further growth of the sector and will complement existing measures to expedite growth.
SMI Association of Malaysia national president Teh Kee Sin said that overall the proposals in the budget were good for the industry and were in the right direction for future growth.

Teh: ‘By expanding the scope of financing, the allocation of funds to this sector will be more effective.’

 

However, financing to SMEs should be extended to other financial institutions to ensure effective financing for this sector. While the move by the Government is a right one, but moving forward, more financial institutions should be mandated to provide financing to SMEs to boost their growth, judging by the fact that it is the backbone of the country’s economy.

“By expanding the scope of financing, the allocation of funds to this sector will be more effective and expedite the objective to help SMEs meet funding needs. This move will allow them to expand their businesses locally and abroad and contribute to the country’s wealth,’’ he told StarBizWeek.

The budget, among others, has proposed a fund of RM1bil that would be provided under the SME Development Scheme to be managed by the SME Bank to facilitate SMEs’ access to financing.

Teh applauded the move to provide RM200mil to the Halal Industry Fund as he felt the move would facilitate Malaysia to become a global halal centre as well as assist those SMEs in the halal industry to expand their businesses.

SME Corp Malaysia CEO Datuk Hafsah Hashim said apart from monetary incentives, what was interesting this time round was that the budget included incentives for angel investors and usage of intellectual property rights (IPR) as collateral.

“These incentives will spur innovation in the country, especially among innovative firms as they can now scale up their capabilities using IPR as a collateral to get bank loans as well as encourage angel investors to take up equity in their companies.

“Both these incentives are also very much in line with our goal in the SME Masterplan where we target to increase the number of high growth and innovative firms to chart higher growth from SMEs during the plan period (2012-2020),’’ she added.

A valuation model would be created to enable IPR to be valued and commercialised in the market as well as utilised as collateral to obtain financing from financial institutions. The following initiatives would be implemented for this purpose:

*Establishment of an Intellectual Property Financing Fund scheme amounting to RM200mil. The scheme will be offered through Malaysian Debt Ventures Bhd. The Government will provide a 2% interest rate subsidy and guarantee of 50% through Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd (CGC); and

*Allocation of RM19mil for training programmes for local intellectual property evaluators conducted by Intellectual Property Corp of Malaysia as well as creation of an intellectual property right market platform.
Meanwhile, CGC managing director Datuk Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad felt there were sufficient funds available in the market and it was a question of bankability of SMEs rather than the lack of funds that needed to be addressed.

The biggest challenge for the SMEs today was to present themselves as bankable, meaning having good credit standing and track record, he said, adding that the SMEs have to concentrate on improving their track record and credibility to gain access to these funds.

“At the same time, the Government could also consider offering some incentives to encourage them to undertake measures to improve on their credit standings and bankability to further enhance their access to the available funds, ‘‘ he said.

Bigger funds for SMEs

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/27/business/12086861&sec=business

Published: September 27, 2012
By NG BEI SHAN
beishan@thestar.com.my

Government looks at raising capital for Exim Bank and SME Bank
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is exploring measures to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) improve their market access, including by raising capital for Exim Bank and SME Bank, so that the SMEs can get export financing with more ease.

Speaking at a briefing after the Malaysia Exporters Market Access Solutions Forum, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said: “We are looking at ways of increasing funding for Exim Bank and SME Bank. At the moment, the paid-up capital (of the two banks) is quite small.

“We have had a few discussion with the Ministry so that more SMEs can get loans. These are areas in which we want to assist export-oriented businesses.”

Lim said a total of RM5.9bil for 39 programmes were earmarked in 2011 to enhance access to financing to SMEs. Over 300,000 SMEs are expected to benefit from these programmes.

 

Facilitating platform: Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai witnessing the exchange of documents of memorandum of understanding between (left) Josta Capital Sdn Bhd executive director Johnny Tai and Jiangmen Logistic Association secretary general Liang Wen Chang at the Malaysian Exporters Market Access Solutions Forum. On the right is MCA SME Development Bureau counsel member Datuk Yip Kum Fook. The agreement would see a platform which could facilitate the transportation of goods into Jiangmen

 

He also said more banks were introducing strategies for interfacing with SME customers and enhancing the financial solutions offered to them.

“Total SME financing outstanding as at end-2010 amounted to RM148.7bil, involving some 650,000 accounts. Of these, banking institutions accounted for 80.2% of the outstanding amount,” he said.

As banking was one of the crucial factors in export financing, Lim hoped to see more reciprocity for foreign countries to issue licenses to Malaysian banks.

Currently, there are 19 foreign and eight local banks in Malaysia.

For instance, Malaysian SMEs' access to China would be improved if Malaysian banks were granted licenses to operate there, he said.

Lim also said China had emerged as Malaysia's biggest trading partner since 2009 and trade between the two countries was expected to grow by 15% to 20% per annum over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Josta Capital Sdn Bhd executive director Johnny Tai said he expected exports from Malaysia to China to increase from the current 5% to 10% following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Jiangmen Logistics Association at the forum.

The agreement would see a platform which could facilitate the transportation of goods into Jiangmen as the Customs, Immigration Quarantine regulations in China were very strict, he added.

Foreign banks urged to help SMEs

MALAYSIA's 19 foreign banks must do more to help local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by giving out more loans to finance their operations.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/LIMFUN/Article/
Published: September 27, 2012

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said while foreign banks in Malaysia operate with full banking licences that allow them to offer all sorts of loan products, they cater more to big corporate clients.

"With more funding available, SMEs will be able to boost their export activities, especially between the SME and the bank's country of origin," Lim said here yesterday after opening the Malaysia's Exporters Market Access Solutions seminar.

"The Finance Ministry is currently in talks with several foreign banks on allocating more funding for local SMEs," Lim added.


At present, there are no provision under the law to compel the foreign banks to allocate a certain percentage of their loans for SMEs but it is hoped that they will do so voluntarily.

As an example, a SME that exports to China can apply for loans from Chinese banks that have operations here as they would know better the market conditions at their home country.

Lim said SMEs' dependence on loans provided by local and foreign financial institutions has increased in line with their encouraging business growths and their increasingly significant contribution to the country's gross domestic product.

In 2010, total funding for SMEs amounted to RM148.7 billion involving 650,000 accounts, of which financial institutions provided 80 per cent, or RM119.3 billion.

Bank asing diminta salur pembiayaan

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/Bankasingdimintasalurpembiayaan/Article

Published: September 27, 2012
Oleh Che Wan Badrul Alias

Mahu bank asing turut aktif sediakan penyelesaian pembiayaan

Kuala Lumpur: Kementerian Kewangan sedang berbincang dengan beberapa institusi perbankan asing yang beroperasi di Malaysia bagi menyediakan pembiayaan kewangan kepada syarikat perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) tempatan.

Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, berkata negara ketika ini mempunyai kira-kira 19 bank asing yang beroperasi dengan lesen perbankan penuh namun kebanyakan mereka lebih menumpukan kepada pelanggan syarikat besar.

Kita mahu bank asing ini memperuntukkan beberapa peratus daripada dana mereka untuk disalurkan sebagai pembiayaan kepada PKS, walaupun ketika ini tiada garis panduan kepada cadangan ini, tapi bagi kami bank asing sepatutnya turut sama menyokong industri ini” - Donald Lim Siang Chai, Timbalan Menteri Kewangan.

Justeru, katanya, bagi menggalakkan eksport di kalangan PKS, kementerian mahu bank asing turut aktif menyediakan penyelesaian pembiayaan kepada PKS yang terbabit dalam perdagangan di negara asal bank berkenaan.

“Kita mahu bank asing ini memperuntukkan beberapa peratus daripada dana mereka untuk disalurkan sebagai pembiayaan kepada PKS, walaupun ketika ini tiada garis panduan kepada cadangan ini, tapi bagi kami bank asing sepatutnya turut sama menyokong industri ini.

Minta pembiayaan

“Sebagai contoh PKS yang terbabit dengan eksport ke China boleh meminta pembiayaan daripada bank asing China yang beroperasi di sini kerana sekurang-kurangnya mereka memahami pasaran sendiri.

“Kementerian sudah pun berbincang dengan beberapa bank asing terbabit dan setakat ini mereka memberikan maklum balas yang menggalakkan,” katanya kepada media selepas majlis memeterai memorandum persefahaman (MOU) antara Jiangmen Logistic Association dengan Josta Capital Sdn Bhd di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Bagi pihak Jiangmen Logistic Association diwakili Setiausaha Agungnya, Liang Wen Chang; manakala Josta Capital diwakili Pengarah Eksekutifnya, Johnny Tai.

MOU itu bertujuan mewujudkan platform kepada pengeksport tempatan meneroka pasaran China dengan menyediakan kemudahan logistik, pembungkusan, pensijilan, Kuarantin Imigresen Kastam (CIQ) dan akses pemasaran ke seluruh China.

Dengan kewujudan platform itu, Josta Capital menyasarkan eksport barangan Malaysia ke pasaran ekonomi kedua terbesar dunia itu akan meningkat kepada 10 peratus berbanding lima peratus kini.

Sementara itu, Lim berkata, kebergantungan PKS kepada pembiayaan daripada institusi kewangan kini semakin meningkat sejajar dengan pertumbuhan industri PKS tempatan dan sumbangannya kepada Keluaran Dalam Kasar Negara (KDNK).

Berdasarkan tinjauan SME Corporation tahun lalu, kebanyakan PKS bergantung kepada sumber kewangan luar khususnya daripada bank dan institusi kewangan bagi memangkin operasi perniagaan mereka.

More Than 15,000 Of Those Registered With Tabung Haji Above 75 Years Old - Jamil Khir

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat was told today that more than 15,000 of the 999,070 people registered for the haj pilgrimage with Lembaga Tabung Haji are above 75 years old.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsgeneral.php?id=697419
Published: September 26, 2012

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said Tabung Haji gave special consideration to appeals made by elderly pilgrims or those chosen to escort female pilgrims.

"Generally, the haj quota for Malaysia is 27,000 per year, thus the waiting period to perform the haj is 35 years.

"However, Tabung Haji is considerate and gives priority to appeals made by those who are old," he said.

He was replying to a question from Datuk Ismail Mohamad Said (BN-Kuala Krau) who wanted to know the efforts made so that the country's haj quota was not affected by the illegal assembly staged by a group of Malaysians in the Holy Land on April 28.

-- BERNAMA 

BSN serah pampasan RM13,939

BACHOK 20 Sept. - Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) hari ini menyampaikan pampasan insurans berjumlah RM13,939 kepada keluarga bekas pelajar Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sri Nipah, Allahyarham Mohamad Fahmin Yasin, 17, yang meninggal dunia pada 27 April lalu.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Timur/20120921/wt_04/BSN-serah-pampasan-RM13939
Published: September 21, 2012

Allahyarham Mohamad Fahmin meninggal dunia akibat lemas semasa mandi di pantai Kampung Nipah.
Pampasan itu diberi di bawah Kelab Penabung Muda (KPM) dan Skim Galakan Simpanan Pelajar (SGSP) BSN yang disertai oleh Allahyarham.

Pengarah BSN Negeri Kelantan, Mohd. Azian Abu Samah menyampaikan wang pampasan itu kepada ibu Allahyarham, Rohani Mat Daud di SMK Sri Nipah dalam satu majlis hari ini.

Mohd. Azian dalam ucapannya berkata, setakat ini 80,000 pelajar di seluruh negara telah mendaftar sebagai ahli KPM BSN.

Katanya, mereka yang mendaftar sebagai ahli diberikan beberapa keistimewaan seperti diskaun pembelian buku, peluang menyertai seminar peperiksaan, klinik sukan, diskaun kemasukan ke taman tema air dan perlindungan insurans.

"Pelajar yang mendaftar sebagai ahli KPM dilindungi insurans dan pampasan akan diberikan kepada keluarga mereka sekiranya berlaku kematian," katanya di sini.

Menurut Mohd. Azian, wang pampasan yang diberikan merupakan 10 peratus daripada jumlah simpanan ahli dan RM3,000 lagi adalah khairat kematian.

Menurutnya, BSN telah menyediakan peruntukan sebanyak RM181,000 sebagai insentif kepada pelajar yang menyertai KPM bank itu.

SME Bank Julung Kali Adakan Program Inovasi Usahawan Muda 2012 Bagi Para Pelajar

ALOR GAJAH, 18 Sept (Bernama) -- SME Bank yang mahu melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan, menganjur Program Inovasi Usahawan Muda 2012 - SME Bank Y-Biz Challenge, program khas bagi mempromosi bidang keusahawanan dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=695456
Published: September 18, 2012

Pengarah Urusannya Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus berkata program yang bertujuan memupuk dan membimbing usahawan masa depan menggunakan kaedah pertandingan itu, bermula Selasa sehingga Khamis.

Beliau berkata program tanggungjawab korporat bank yang dijayakan buat julung kali itu menyaksikan 16 sekolah layak memasuki peringkat akhir.

"Kami menganjurkan Program Inovasi Usahawan ini yang akan dilaksanakan setiap tahun selepas ini sebagai satu mandat SME Bank untuk membangunkan lebih ramai usahawan di Malaysia, terutama daripada golongan generasi muda dan graduan universiti.

"Secara tidak langsung, kami berhasrat menjadikan keusahawanan sebagai satu kerja pilihan," katanya ketika berucap pada majlis perasmian program itu di sini Selasa.

-- BERNAMA 

Exim Bank - Sedia lulus RM2b

Source from (Bernama): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/SedialulusRM2b/Article/index_html

Published: September 18, 2012
Oleh Hafiz Ithnin
hafizithnin@hmetro.com.my

EXPORT-IMPORT Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) menyasarkan pembiayaan pinjaman berjumlah RM2 bilion bagi usahawan Malaysia yang ingin membuat pelaburan perdagangan ke luar negara sehingga akhir tahun ini.

Ketika ini, bank berkenaan sudah membiayai pinjaman sehingga RM1.8 bilion kepada usahawan Malaysia dalam pelbagai bidang ke luar negara dan jumlah itu dijangka meningkat memandangkan rakyat Malaysia semakin berjaya mengembangkan perniagaan sehingga ke peringkat global.

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Adissadikin Ali berkata, Exim Bank menawarkan pinjaman perdagangan jangka panjang kepada peniaga tempatan yang ingin menerokai pasaran luar negara sehingga RM609.5 juta mengikut syarat ditetapkan pihaknya.

Beliau berkata, antara syarat ditetapkan bagi membiayai pinjaman usahawan tempatan ke luar negara ialah syarikat perlu berdaya saing dan mempunyai rekod perniagaan baik di Malaysia.

“Kami sentiasa menggalakkan usahawan tempatan yang ingin menerokai pasaran luar negara untuk membuat pinjaman jangka panjang di Exim Bank kerana kami adalah bank di bawah kerajaan yang menawarkan pembiayaan secara berdaya saing, malah kami mengenakan kadar faedah berpatutan,” katanya ketika dihubungi Metro Bisnes di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Exim Bank mendapat modal perniagaan bukan saja daripada pihak kerajaan, malah membuat pinjaman daripada bank asing. Bank berkenaan turut mencatatkan aset pinjaman RM5 bilion manakala 60 peratus daripadanya disumbangkan oleh pinjaman perdagangan jangka panjang sejak 2005 sehingga kini.

Bank Rakyat - Francaisi Koperasi Ar-Rahnu X'Change Catat Baki Pinjaman Memberangsangkan

SERI KEMBANGAN, 14 Sept (Bernama) -- 23 koperasi yang menjadi francaisi kepada Ar-Rahnu X'Change telah mencatatkan jumlah pencapaian baki pinjaman, berjumlah RM240 juta, sehingga Ogos 2012.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=694841

Published: September 15, 2012

Pengurus Besar Rakyat Management Services Sdn Bhd (RManagement) Mohamad Sabri Mohamed Nor berkata, selain beberapa faktor fundamental sebagai penyumbang kepada peningkatan potensi pasaran, program-program pembangunan dan jenama yang dirangka dijangka mengukuhkan lagi daya saing Ar-Rahnu X'Change di pasaran.

"Ar-Rahnu X'Change adalah perniagaan pajak gadai Islam berasaskan pemindahan kepakaran dan pengalaman Ar-Rahnu Bank Rakyat sejak 1993."

"Ar-Rahnu X'Change menjamin operasi perniagaan yang lancar dan selamat di samping jaminan risiko yang minimum kepada pemegang francais dan para pelanggan."

"RManagement berperanan sebagai francaisor kepada 31 rangkaian Ar-Rahnu X'Change yang dimiliki oleh 23 buah koperasi dan turut menguruskan 14 lagi Ar-Rahnu X'Change milik penuh Bank Rakyat," kata Mohamad Sabri pada majlis perasmian pembukaan premis perniagaan francais Ar-Rahnu X'Change milik Koperasi Serba Guna Iman Malaysia Bhd (KSIMB) yang kedua di sini Jumaat.

Rangkaian Ar-Rahnu X'Change pertama KSIMB di Seri Gombak telah mencatatkan prestasi yang memberangsangkan apabila mencatatkan purata jumlah pengeluaran pinjaman menghampiri RM2 juta sebulan.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat - Baki pinjaman cecah RM240j

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/BakipinjamancecahRM240j/Article/index_html

Published: September 15, 2012
Oleh Syarifah Dayana Syed Bakri
dayana@hmetro.com.my


LANCAR...Musa (tengah) melancarkan cawangan baru Ar-Rahnu 
sambil perhatikan Mohd Sharifudin (kiri) dan Mohamad Azmi. 

RAKYAT Management Services Sdn Bhd, anak syarikat milik Bank Rakyat yang berperanan sebagai francaisor perniagaan pajak gadai Islam Ar-Rahnu X’Change mencatatkan prestasi memberangsangkan dengan pencapaian baki pinjaman mencecah RM240 juta sehingga Ogos lalu.

Pengurus Besarnya, Mohamad Sabri Mohamed Nor berkata, jumlah yang dicatatkan itu adalah daripada operasi yang dijalankan francaisi koperasi yang setakat ini membabitkan 31 cawangan di seluruh negara.
“Rangkaian cawangan Ar-Rahnu X’Change yang diperkenalkan Bank Rakyat dijalankan melalui sistem francais dan di bawah kelolaan Bank Rakyat.

“Kebanyakan cawangan francais Ar-Rahnu X’Change menunjukkan prestasi baik malah terdapat cawangan yang mencatatkan pengeluaran pinjaman sehingga RM2 juta setiap bulan,” katanya selepas pelancaran cawangan Ar-Rahnu X’Change yang dikendalikan Koperasi Serbaguna Iman Malaysia Berhad di Seri Kembangan, semalam.

Turut hadir Pengarah Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia Cawangan Wilayah Persekutuan, Musa Nasri, Pengerusi Koperasi Serbaguna Iman, Mohd Sharifudin Yusop dan Setiausaha KSIMB Mohamad Azmi Omaruddin.

Menurutnya, memandangkan perniagaan pajak gadai Islam semakin mendapat tempat di kalangan pelanggan, pihaknya menjangkakan untuk membuka sehingga enam lagi cawangan menjelang akhir tahun ini.

“Setakat ini, kami mempunyai 45 cawangan di seluruh negara dan akan membuka enam cawangan lagi antaranya di Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Perak dan Pulau Pinang malah menjangkakan sambutan di kalangan pelanggan bukan Islam kerana kami menawarkan upah simpan lebih rendah berbanding pajak gadai konvensional,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Mohamad Sabri berkata, pihaknya sedang dalam perbincangan untuk membawa jenama dan perkhidmatan Ar-Rahnu X’Change ke luar negara menerusi kajian lokaliti dengan perunding untuk mengenal pasti pasaran di beberapa negara antaranya Singapura, Indonesia dan Brunei.

Francais Ar-Rahnu X’Change dibuka untuk koperasi dengan yuran mencecah RM105,000 bagi tempoh lima tahun merangkumi yuran francais, latihan dan sistem serta deposit.

TH Plantations to issue RM1.5bil sukuk

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/14/business/12023361&sec=business

Published: September 14, 2012

PETALING JAYA: TH Plantations Bhd (THP) has proposed to establish a sukuk murabahah programme of up to RM1.5bil in nominal value.

THP told Bursa Malaysia that the programme would have a tenure of up to 15 years from the date of the first issuance.

The plantation arm of the Pilgrimage Fund Board said proceeds from the programme would be utilised to pay in full THP’s commodity murabahah term financing-i facilities and to finance capital expenditure requirements and other general corporate purposes.

The programme shall be unrated.
THP said the Securities Commission, via a letter dated Sept 11, had given its approval for the sukuk murabahah programme.

Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd and RHB Investment Bank Bhd were appointed as the joint principal advisers, joint lead arrangers and joint lead managers for the programme.

TH Plantations to issue RM1.5b sukuk with 15-year tenure

Source from (Business Times): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/14/business/12023361&sec=business

Published: September 14, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR: Palm oil planter TH Plantations Bhd, a 59.08 per cent subsidiary of Malaysia's national pilgrims fund Tabung Haji, plans to issue a RM1.5 billion Islamic bond with a tenure of 15 years.

Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd and RHB Investment Bank Bhd have been appointed as the joint runners for the sukuk Murabahah facility, TH Plantations said in announcement yesterday.

It said the bond would not be rated.

Funds raised from the exercise will go towards redeeming TH Plantation's commodity term financing facilities, financing capital expenditure needs and other corporate expenses.

TH Plantations saw its net profit drop 39 per cent in the first half of the year due to lower production and lower selling prices for crude palm oil (CPO), in line with the lower year-on-year results reported by most plantation companies.

The company recently issued new shares to raise RM536 million to finance an acquisition that would double its land bank.

TH Plantations is one of six plantation companies wholly-owned by Tabung Haji. Reuters

PruBSN Unveils Melaka Branch

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=694527

Published: September 13, 2012

By Nasarudin Omar

MELAKA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) unveiled its new branch at Taman Melaka Raya here Thursday to cater to the growing demand for syariah-compliant offerings in the south of Peninsular Malaysia.

PruBSN Chief Executive Officer Azim Mithani said the Melaka Business Centre, PruBSN's sixth branch, will act as a one-stop centre for customers and agents.

"The new branch will strengthen our commitment to bring our market leading takaful products, and we see Melaka as a booming local tourism destination and manufacturing centre," he said adding the branch was carefully designed to project PruBSN's corporate identity and core values as the leading takaful operator.

The three-storey building in the heart of Melaka's commercial centre cost RM1.9 million, and features full Wifi access and comprehensive training rooms with a capacity of 60 people.

PruBSN, now entering its sixth year of operations, has close to 400,000 customers, and last year's sales totalled about RM231 million.

"We see the Southern region in Johor and Melaka, with about 25 per cent of our business, has good potential, and we are expecting to grow further," he said.

PruBSN has a combined total of close to 11,000 agents, and aims to raise the number once the branch is fully operational.

--BERNAMA 

PBSN expects new equity fund to hit RM200m in 3 years

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 12, 2012): Permodalan BSN Bhd (PBSN), which launched its new trust fund BSN Dana Dividend Al-Ifrah today, expects the fund to reach RM200 million in three years, said its executive director and CEO Kamarul Izam Idrus.

Source from (The Sun Daily): http://www.thesundaily.my/news/488325
Published: September 13, 2012

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

"Al-Ifrah has a fund size of 800 million units priced at 25 sen per unit and will invest in stocks that have the potential to pay at least 3% annual gross dividends," he said at the launch of the fund.

Investors who pursue regular income will find this fund attractive as it potentially offers medium- to long-term (three to more than five years) capital appreciation.

"Al-Ifrah will have high equity exposure by investing a minimum of 70% of the net asset value in syariah-compliant equities listed on Bursa Malaysia," Kamarul said.

He said dividend stocks have proven to be resilient during the economic downturn and at the same time to be rewarding in terms of capital appreciation over the long term.
The minimum initial investment is RM500.

Al-Ifrah is the third fund established and managed by PBSN, after Amanah Saham Bank Simpanan Nasional which was launched in 1995 and BSN Dana Al-Jadid in 2008. As at Aug 31, 2012, its assets under management stood at RM145.7 million.

Permodalan BSN launches Islamic unit trust fund

KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan BSN Bhd, a wholly-owned unit trust management company of Bank Simpanan Nasional, has launched its unit trust fund called BSN Dana Dividend Al-Ifrah.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/IFRAH/Article/
Published: September 13, 2012

A pure equity syariah-compliant fund, Al-Ifrah has 800 million units to offer at 25 sen a unit and will invest in stocks which pay and have the potential to pay at least three per cent annual gross dividends.

Investors who pursue regular income will find the fund attractive as it potentially offers medium to long term capital appreciation, Permodalan BSN chairman Datuk Azizan Abd Rahman said.

He said Al-Ifrah is the third fund under its management with the objective to provide consistent income by investing in dividend stocks which pay regular dividends.

As an equity fund, Al-Ifrah - which was launched yesterday will have high equity exposure by investing a minimum of 70 per cent of the net asset value in syariah-compliant equities listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Permodalan BSN as at August 2012 had RM145.6 million of assets under its management, managing two funds, Amanah Saham Bank Simpanan Nasional (RM97.7 million) and BSN Dana Al-Jadid (RM47.9 million).

Permodalan BSN's New Fund Aims To Generate Consistent Revenue

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=694116

Published: September 13, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama)-- Permodalan BSN Bhd's new trust fund, BSN Dana Dividend Al-Ifrah, aims to generate consistent revenue by investing in stocks which yield regular dividends.

Its Chairman Datuk Azizan Abd Rahman said the syariah-compliant fund would offer 800 million units at 25 sen each.

"As an equity fund, Al-Ifrah will have high equity exposure by investing a minimum of 70 per cent of the net asset value in syariah-compliant equities listed on Bursa Malaysia," he said at the launch of the fund Wednesday.

Chief Executive Officer Kamarul Izam Idrus said the fund aims to touch RM200 million in the next three years.

He said the Al-Ifrah fund would try to minimise risks to unitholders in order to avoid big losses.

-- BERNAMA

PBSN tawar 800 juta unit dana Al-Ifrah

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/PBSNtawar800jutaunitdanaAl-Ifrah/Article/index_html

Published: September 13, 2012

PERMODALAN BSN Berhad (PBSN), syarikat pengurusan dana milik penuh Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) memperkenalkan produk pelaburan terbaru, BSN Dana Dividen Al-Ifrah dengan menawarkan 800 juta unit dana yang diluluskan pada har ga tawaran RM0.25 seunit.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Kamarul Izam Idrus berkata, pihaknya menyasarkan dalam tempoh tiga tahun lagi semua unit dana Al-Ifrah dilanggan dengan saiz dana dianggarkan RM200 juta.

Beliau berkata, dana amanah Al-Ifrah itu juga sesuai untuk pelabur yang inginkan pendapatan konsisten daripada tempoh pelaburan iaitu jangka masa sederhana ke jangka masa panjang melalui pelaburan dalam ekuiti patuh syariah dan mempunyai toleransi risiko sederhana ke peringkat tinggi.

“Objektif utama pelaburan dana ini ialah untuk memberikan pendapatan konsisten, sekali gus memberi pulangan dividen menarik di mana dana akan dilabur dalam ekuiti patuh syariah yang mempunyai rekod membayar purata tahunan dividen kasar iaitu sekurang-kurangnya pada penanda aras tiga peratus.

“Manakala daripada segi pemberi dividen pula kami yakin dapat memberi pulangan lebih tinggi daripada tiga peratus kepada pelabur dengan sekurang-kurangnya dalam tempoh tiga hingga lima tahun,” katanya selepas majlis pelancaran BSN Dana Dividen Al-Ifrah di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. Hadir sama, Pengerusinya, Datuk Azizan Abd Rahman dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif BSN, Datuk Adinan Maning.

Kamarul Izam berkata, Al-Ifrah diperkenalkan tepat pada masanya terutama dalam situasi ekonomi global yang tidak menentu sekarang di mana PBSN percaya menerusi stok dividen dapat menjana pulangan modal bagi tempoh jangka panjang dan setakat ini PBSN mempunyai pengurusan aset sebanyak RM150 juta.

TH Plantation plans RM1.5b sukuk issue

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — Palm oil planter TH Plantation Bhd, a 59.08 per cent subsidiary of national pilgrim fund Tabung Haji, plans to issue a RM1.5 billion Islamic bond with a tenure of 15 years.

Source from (The Malaysian Insider): http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/th-plantation-plans-rm1.5b-sukuk-issue/
Published: September 13, 2012

Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd and RHB Investment Bank Bhd were appointed as the joint runners for the Sukuk Murabahah facility, TH said in announcement today. It said the bond would not be rated.

Funds raised from the exercise will go towards redeeming TH’s commodity term financing facilities, financing capital expenditure needs and other corporate expenses.

TH saw its net profit drop 39 per cent in the first half of the year due to lower production and lower selling prices for crude palm oil (CPO), in line with the lower year-on-year results reported by most plantation companies.

The company recently issued new shares to raise RM536 million to finance an acquisition that would double its land bank. TH is one of six plantation companies wholly-owned by Tabung Haji. — Reuters

TH Plantations Terbit Program Sukuk Murabahah Hingga RM1.5 Bln

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=694511

Published: September 13, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Sept (Bernama) -- TH Plantations Bhd bercadang untuk menerbitkan program sukuk murabahah bernilai hingga RM1.5 bilion dengan tempoh matang selama hingga 15 tahun.

Dalam satu makluman kepada Bursa Malaysia di sini Selasa, syarikat itu berkata pendapatan daripada program itu akan digunakan untuk membayar sepenuhnya kemudahan pembiayaan Islam murabahah komoditinya.

Pendapatan itu juga akan digunakan untuk membiayai sebarang tujuan korporat yang lain dalam syarikat itu dan unit-unitnya, katanya.

TH Plantation, yang mendapat kelulusan daripada Suruhanjaya Sekuriti bagi penerbitan itu dua hari lalu, telah melantik Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd dan RHB Investment Bank Bhd sebagai penasihat utama bersama, pengatur utama bersama dan pengurus utama bersama bagi program sukuk itu.

-- BERNAMA

BSN projects 20% net income growth

Source from (The Sun Daily): http://www.thesundaily.my/news/485187

Published: September 11, 2012
Ee Ann Nee
sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 11, 2012): Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) expects net income to rise by 20% this year, driven by loans growth of 15% and non-interest income, said its deputy chief executive of retail banking, Winston E. Jeyaprakash.

Last year, BSN's net income stood at RM1.03 billion on revenue of RM1.46 billion.
BSN is aiming for a 15% increase in loans growth from RM945 million in 2011, while non-interest income is expected to account for 10% of its total revenue.

"We've established the infrastructure for wealth management and remittances and thus, we expect revenue to come from both interest and non-interest income (in 2012)," he saidtold reporters at BSN's Hari Raya Open House here yesterday.

"The loan-base revenue, through better product features and incentive for customers and giving competitive rates, will boost our income base," he said.

As of Aug 30, BSN has 2,016 registered agents for its banking beyond branches (3B) services, with 1.3 million transactions worth RM113 million.

"Although the government has given us five years to get 5,000 agents, we hope by the end of this year, we will have 3,000 agents," said Jeyaprakash.

He said the branchless banking concept started June this year, with its agents complementing the bank's existing branches.

"(Under the concept,) agents are able to perform normal banking transactions, simple withdrawals, deposits, and bills payments, and remittances – and it has been well accepted in the rural areas," he said, adding that the services target non-banking areas within a 30km radius in Sabah and Sarawak.

BSN expects RM1.3bil net income this year

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/11/business/12003598&sec=business

Published: September 11, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) expects its net income to touch RM1.3bil this year from RM1.03bil in 2011, mainly driven by higher loan revenue and better utilisation of the community bank through various government initiatives.

Deputy chief executive (retail banking) Winston E. Jeyaprakash said this year, BSN expected better contribution from its non-interest income with the bank's enhanced infrastructure for wealth management and remittance.

He said 2012 was expected to be a better year for BSN as it had plans for enhanced versions of existing products as well as better and efficient online banking services.

“We are improving our infrastructure and banking channels such as Internet banking. We are bringing it to a very new level.

“We are also looking to increase our agent base for the banking beyond branches (3B) services to 3,000 agents by end of this year from 2,016 agents who have done 1.3 million transactions worth about RM130mil as of Aug 31, 2012,” Winston told reporters on the sidelines of BSN's Hari Raya open house yesterday. Bernama

Bank Simpanan sees higher income of RM1.3b

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) expects its net income to touch RM1.3 billion by the end of this year from RM1.032 billion in 2011, mainly driven by higher loan revenue and better utilisation of the community bank through various government initiatives.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/10BSN/Article/
Published: September 11, 2012

Deputy chief executive for retail banking, Winston E. Jeyaprakash said BSN expects better contribution this year from its non-interest income with its enhanced infrastructure for wealth management and remittance.

He said 2012 is expected to be a better year for BSN as it has plans for enhanced versions of existing products as well as better and efficient online banking services.

"We are improving our infrastructure and banking channels such as Internet banking. We are bringing it to a very new level.

"We are also looking to increase our agent base for the banking beyond branches (3B) services to 3,000 agents by end of this year from 2,016 agents who have done 1.3 million transactions worth about RM130 million as of August 31 2012," Jeyaprakash said on the sidelines of BSN's Hari Raya open house yesterday.

BSN's 3B is a branchless banking concept, offering financial accessibility to customers, especially in areas without banks, and enables customers to perform banking transactions conducted by authorised agents at retail outlets.

Khidmat bank tanpa cawangan BSN dapat sambutan

PERKHIDMATAN perbankan tanpa cawangan yang diperkenalkan Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), menerima sambutan meggalakkan apabila mencatat transaksi 1.3 juta bernilai RM113 juta.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/KhidmatbanktanpacawanganBSNdapatsambutan/Article/index_html
Published: September 11, 2012

Timbalan Ketua Eksekutif Perbankan Runcitnya, Winston E Jeyaprakash berkata, pihaknya yakin perkhidmatan itu akan terus berkembang disokong pelantikan sekurang-kurangnya 3,000 ejen di seluruh negara menjelang akhir tahun ini.

“Kami diberi mandat untuk menyediakan 5,000 ejen di seluruh negara dalam tempoh lima tahun. Kami yakin tiada masalah untuk memenuhi syarat itu memandangkan setakat ini kami sudah pun melantik 2,016 ejen dan menjangkakan angka ini bertambah kepada 3,000 akhir tahun ini.

“Kami ingin memperbanyakan jumlah ejen di Sabah dan Sarawak terutama di kawasan yang tidak mempunyai capaian bank dalam radius 20 hingga 30 kilometer kerana kurang infrastruktur asas contohnya jalan raya,” katanya pada majlis rumah terbuka BSN 2012 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

BSN Unjur Pendapatan Bersih RM1.3 Bln Tahun Ini

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=693578

Published: September 11, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Sept (Bernama) -- Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) menjangkakan pendapatan bersihnya akan mencecah RM1.3 bilion menjelang akhir tahun ini daripada RM1.032 bilion pada 2011, dipacu terutamanya oleh pendapatan pinjaman yang lebih tinggi dan penggunaan yang baik bank komuniti menerusi pelbagai inisiatif kerajaan.

Timbalan Ketua Eksekutif (Perbankan Runcit) Winston E. Jeyaprakash berkata tahun ini, BSN menjangkakan sumbangan yang lebih baik daripada pendapatan bukan faedah dengan infrastruktur bank yang dipertingkatkan untuk pengurusan kekayaan dan kiriman wang.

Beliau berkata 2012 dijangka menjadi tahun yang lebih memberangsangkan untuk BSN kerana ia merancang untuk versi-versi tambah baik produk sedia ada serta perkhidmatan perbankan dalam talian yang lebih baik dan cekap.

"Kami sedang menaik taraf saluran-saluran infrastruktur dan perbankan seperti perbankan internet. Kami mahu membawanya ke tahap yang paling tercanggih.

"Kami juga mahu menambah asas ejen kami untuk perbankan melangkaui perkhidmatan cawangan (3B) kepada 3,000 ejen menjelang akhir tahun ini daripada 2,016 ejen yang telah melakukan 1.3 juta transaksi bernilai RM130 juta setakat 31 Ogos, 2012, kata Winston kepada pemberita di luar majlis rumah terbuka Hari Raya BSN di sini Isnin.

-- BERNAMA

BSN unjur pendapatan bersih RM 1.3 billion tahun ini

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/bsn-unjur-pendapatan-bersih-rm-1-3-billion-tahun-ini-1.83770

Published: September 11, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR - Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) menjangkakan pendapatan bersihnya akan mencecah RM1.3 bilion menjelang akhir tahun ini daripada RM1.032 bilion pada 2011, dipacu terutamanya oleh pendapatan pinjaman yang lebih tinggi dan penggunaan yang baik bank komuniti menerusi pelbagai inisiatif kerajaan.
  
Timbalan Ketua Eksekutif (Perbankan Runcit) Winston E. Jeyaprakash berkata tahun ini, BSN menjangkakan sumbangan yang lebih baik daripada pendapatan bukan faedah dengan infrastruktur bank yang dipertingkatkan untuk pengurusan kekayaan dan kiriman wang.
  
Beliau berkata 2012 dijangka menjadi tahun yang lebih memberangsangkan untuk BSN kerana ia merancang untuk versi-versi tambah baik produk sedia ada serta perkhidmatan perbankan dalam talian yang lebih baik dan cekap.
  
"Kami sedang menaik taraf saluran-saluran infrastruktur dan perbankan seperti perbankan internet. Kami mahu membawanya ke tahap yang paling tercanggih.
  
"Kami juga mahu menambah asas ejen kami untuk perbankan melangkaui perkhidmatan cawangan (3B) kepada 3,000 ejen menjelang akhir tahun ini daripada 2,016 ejen yang telah melakukan 1.3 juta transaksi bernilai RM130 juta setakat 31 Ogos, 2012, kata Winston kepada pemberita di luar majlis rumah terbuka Hari Raya BSN di sini hari ini.
  
3B BSN ialah konsep perbankan tanpa cawangan, menawarkan akses pembiayaan kepada pengguna, terutamanya di kawasan-kawasan tanpa bank, dan membolehkan pengguna membuat transaksi perbankan yang dikendalikan oleh ejen-ejen sah di cawangan runcit.
  
Kerajaan, dalam Bajet 2012, telah memberi mandat kepada institusi perbankan untuk mewujudkan 5,000 ejen dalam tempoh lima tahun ini.
  
Winston berkata ejen-ejen 3B telah melengkapkan cawangan sedia ada dengan teramat baik dan diterima di kawasan-kawasan luar bandar.
  
"Selain daripada pengembangan rancak di Semenanjung Malaysia, kami menyaksikan pasaran yang besar di Sabah dan Sarawak, yang belum lagi ditembusi," kata beliau.
  
Ditanya mengenai senarai harapan BSN pada Bajet 2013 yang akan datang, Winston berkata bank menjangka memainkan peranannya dalam melaksanakan pelbagai inisiatif kerajaan menerusi bank komuniti.
  
"Kami ingin menjadi sebahagian daripada belanjawan kerajaan. Kami mahu beberapa inisiatif kerajaan seperti bantuan kewangan untuk rakyat Malaysia disalurkan menerusi kami," kata beliau.
  
Sebelum ini, BSN telah diberi mandat melaksanakan skim bantuan kewangan yang disediakan oleh kerajaan persekutuan seperti Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M), Teksi Rakyat 1 Malaysia (TR1Ma) dan skim baucar Buku 1 Malaysia. - Bernama

Exim Bank lent RM30m to restaurateurs over 4 years

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/4EXIM/Article/

Published: September 10, 2012

PETALING JAYA: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) has disbursed a total of RM30 million over a period of four years to Malaysian restaurant entrepreneurs venturing outside Malaysia, said its managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali.

"So far, we have funded about 30 Malaysian restaurant owners who applied for the Malaysia Kitchen Financing Facility.

"The fund holds RM180 million of taxpayers' money, with Exim Bank the only government agency entrusted by the government to manage it," he said.

He also stressed that it is not a grant, but a soft loan with a flat interest rate of three per cent.

Adissadikin said although there is no maximum allowable loan amount, the largest loan so far is about RM7 million, and on average, Exim Bank approves around RM1 million per loan. Bernama

SME Bank Malaysia And SME Bank Russia Sign MoU

VLADIVOSTOK, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The SME Bank of Malaysia and SME Bank of Russia Friday signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the APEC 2012 Summit here.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=692965
Published: September 09, 2012

On hand to witness the signing was Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

The MoU was aimed at setting a platform for the two parties to cooperate in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their respective countries.

Managing Director of SME Bank Malaysia, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, signed on behalf of his bank, while SME Bank of Russia was represented by its Chairman of the Managing Board, Sergey Pavlovich Krujukov.

The MoU is expected to provide opportunities for both parties to share information and expertise in the development of entrepreneurs in their countries, said Mohd Radzif.

He said there are vast opportunities for trade between the two countries, and the MoU is only the first step towards collaboration.

Mustapa said SMEs have an important role to play in the economy especially in the supply chain.

SME Bank Malaysia, which from 2005 to 2011 approved 7,546 loan applications with a total approved amount of RM13.6 billion, has been mandated to nurture and develop entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

PruBSN Eyes Number One Takaful Operator Position Again

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=692850

Published: September 07, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Prudential BSN Takaful (PruBSN) intends to maintain its position as the number one takaful operator in Malaysia this year, said its chief executive officer, Azim K. Mithani.

It achieved its goal of being the number one takaful operator in the first quarter of last year, after being involved in the segment for six years.

For the first quarter of this year, PruBSN was also the leading takaful operator in Malaysia, he said.

Azim said this performance marked another milestone in the company's history as its market share was also increased to 29.1 per cent.

"We are happy with our performance and will work hard to maintain it every year," he told reporters at the company's Hari Raya Open House here Friday.

-- BERNAMA

EximBank - Mixed views by SOBA award judges on entries

PETALING JAYA: The panel of judges that had begun the initial judging of the submissions for the third round of Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA) harboured mixed opinions when shortlisting the participating companies this year.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/7/business/11981997&sec=business

Published: September 07, 2012
Panelist Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers council member Datuk Mizanur Rahman Ghani said the entries for this year's award showed improvement from the past years and believed that the awareness created by the awards had spilled over to the larger business community.

“I think the sharing of knowledge by last year's winners in the roadshow held must have been a great contributor to this year's better submissions,” he said after the initial judging session.

He believed that the knowledge-sharing, which was absent previously, has rubbed off companies that were not participants as well, thus raising the awareness for a balance between profiteering and giving back.

“Even companies who may not have participated would have learned. It is through the sharing that we have improved the standards of the business community as a whole,” he said.

From left: SME Association president Teh Kee Sin, Exim Bank Malaysia product development department assistant vice-president Zulkipli Md Yunos, Mizanur, Star Publications (M) Bhd chief financial officer Ragesh Rajendran and Bursa Malaysia head issuer for ACE Market Hanita Othman having a panel discussion to shortlist the participants for SOBA.

 

“If through this award, the business community can learn to manage and operate their businesses in a balanced manner, it would be a win-win situation for them as well as the community and nation.”
He added: “SOBA is not only contributing to the improvement of business practices and standard but also playing a meaningful and useful role in raising the level of balance between achieving business objectives and corporate social responsibility (CSR).”

Mizanur noted that while he would like to see more participants in the future, he said that “better quality submissions than the quantity”.

He also said that the increasing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participating meant that these companies had achieved a certain level of maturity, acknowledging the pride in their work.

“That shows the consciousness among the SMEs, that they are proud of what they do and are stating it,” he said.
However, not every panel was entirely impressed with the entries they saw.

Another judge, Media Specialists Association president Ranganathan Somanathan, said he found many of the SME participants still too “focused on one P product while there are huge opportunities for them to ramp-up their efforts with the other three Ps pricing, promotions and placing”.

“This requires a mindset change among the SMEs to tackle market opportunities rather than operate at a very organic level to sustain current business,” he said.

For branding, Ranganathan said he noticed there were more up-and-coming companies putting in more effort in telling their brand stories. “The more established companies, on the other hand, have taken the easy road. Thus, their stories are not coming through that well,” he said.

He said there were also “inspiring stories” among the participants who had transformed their business from a fledging brand to a reasonably-sized brand and made use of technology to market themselves.
Ranganathan praised these participants for being single-minded and relentless in pursuing business for their companies.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia national council member Koong Lin Loong said he had hoped to see more outstanding efforts from those participating, especially in the Best Employer category.
“The quality does not seem to have improved from the past two years. What the participants seemed to have done for their employees are the norm,” he said, adding that what the panel wanted to see was extraordinary efforts in being a “caring employer” rather than just installing facilities like gymnasiums.

“They say they have better remuneration and higher bonuses but these are ordinary. We want to see what they have done for the employees and their families besides the monetary rewards,” Koong said, noting that employees should work towards creating a familial sense of belonging at their workplace.

On the Best in CSR category, Koong noted that the quality of entries had improved though not as much as he had hoped for.

“We want to see more SOBA spirit in their CSR. We want to encourage the enterprises to do more than just donating to a home so that they can be a real winner that embodies the spirit of the award,” he said, adding that some entries had come in with only a cheque-presentation photo.

The 2012 SOBA promises to see some significant enhancements. For one, the awards are divided into two broad categories the top-of-the-class awards and outstanding achievement awards. There are eight sub-categories for the former and three for the latter.

Now in its third year, the awards will reward winners with almost RM1mil worth of advertising space and airtime.

Exim Bank is the presenter of the awards, supported by Bursa Malaysia. The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur is the official hotel partner. Red Tomato is the official Chinese newspaper, while the official radio stations are 988FM and RedFM. The awards auditor is BDO.

Bank Rakyat Kuching Agih Pinjaman RM94 Juta Pada Julai

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=692472

Published: September 06, 2012

KUCHING, 6 Sep (Bernama) -- Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Rakyat) Cawangan Kuching mencatatkan pengagihan luar biasa pinjaman pada Julai lepas berikutan pengenalan produk pinjaman pembiayaan peribadi, i-Aslah.

Pengurus cawangannya, Azman Abdul Aziz pada Khamis berkata pinjaman yang dikeluarkan oleh cawangan itu melonjak kepada RM94 juta berbanding purata pengeluaran pinjaman bulanan sebanyak RM40 juta.

"Sejak dilancarkan, kita telah berjaya menarik ramai pelanggan baharu yang tertarik dengan pinjaman i-Aslah yang menawarkan kadar keuntungan bank yang rendah dan pinjaman sehingga RM200,000," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis rumah terbuka Hari Raya Aidilfitri bank itu di sini.

Menurutnya ketiadaan syarat yang ketat adalah antara faktor tarikan produk pinjaman ini yang turut ditawarkan untuk golongan yang berpendapatan di bawah RM3,000 sebulan.

Masalah pinjaman tidak berbayar juga tidak timbul memandangkan pembayaran balik dapat dibuat menerusi kemudahan potongan biro angkasa dan potongan gaji bulanan, katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Kanak-kanak terima sumbangan Bank Rakyat

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Utara/20120906/wu_04/Kanak-kanak-terima-sumbangan-Bank-Rakyat

Published: September 06, 2012, 2012

Zainuddin Yaacob (dua dari kiri) menyampaikan sumbangan duit raya 

dan hamper kepada Norzalina Abdullah sambil diperhatikan ibunya, 

Wan Sepiah Bah Ras di Wad Pediatrik, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 

Ipoh, Perak, semalam.

IPOH 5 Sept. - Kegembiraan jelas terpancar pada wajah 150 kanak-kanak yang menghuni Wad Pediatrik Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) apabila menerima hamper dan duit raya bernilai RM100 sumbangan Bank Kerjasama Rakyat (Bank Rakyat) di sini hari ini.

Sumbangan kepada kanak-kanak berkenaan disampaikan Ketua Wilayah Tengah bank tersebut, Zainuddin Yaacob.

Menurut Zainuddin, program itu merupakan salah satu daripada aktiviti Bank Rakyat dalam melaksanakan tanggungjawab sosial korporatnya dan merupakan kali kelima diadakan di HRPB.

"Kami melihat senyuman dan pancaran kegembiraan di wajah anak-anak ini serta ibu bapa mereka sebagai satu kepuasan kepada kami di Bank Rakyat.

"Adalah diharapkan sumbangan yang tidak seberapa ini dapat menggembirakan mereka dalam meraikan Aidilfitri tahun ini. Kami juga mendoakan anak-anak ini terus tabah menjalani proses perubatan dan segera sembuh bagi menjalani kehidupan mendatang," katanya.

Program berkenaan dijalankan serentak di 17 hospital seluruh negara termasuk Hospital Tuanku Fauziah di Kangar (Perlis); Hospital Langkawi (Kedah); Hospital Taiping (Perak) dan Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (Kuala Terengganu).

Menurut Zainuddin, secara keseluruhan, seramai 2,070 kanak-kanak dijangka menerima manfaat daripada sumbangan Bank Rakyat berjumlah RM176,600.

"Tahun lalu, Bank Rakyat menyampaikan sumbangan kepada 1,362 kanak-kanak dengan jumlah RM136,200. Berbanding tahun lalu, sumbangan tahun ini melibatkan lebih ramai penerima.

"Selain kanak-kanak berkenaan, kami turut menyampaikan sumbangan hamper kepada 30 petugas di Wad Pediatrik HRPB sebagai tanda penghargaan kepada tugas mereka menjaga kanak-kanak terlibat," katanya.

Bank Rakyat Sabah Contributes RM28,800 In Zakat To Needy

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=692190

Published: September 06, 2012

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat Sabah Region today handed over RM28,800 in zakat to the needy in the state at a Hari Raya function at its premises in Harbour City near here.

Bank Rakyat Sabah Regional Head Redzuan Yaakob presented the zakat to orphans in Kota Kinabalu (RM10,000), the Anak Kesayangan home (RM5,000), Masjid Nurul Hidayah in Kampung Bangka-Bangka (RM5,000) and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Buang Sayang (RM8,800).

He also presented football jerseys to SK Inanam 2 and Sekolah Agama Rakyat Sembulan as well as a computer from Yayasan Bank Rakyat to SK Kolombong.

The contributions are part of Bank Rakyat's continued efforts to advance educational development and to reach out the wider community.

-- BERNAMA

AgroBank perkenal produk FRIA-i

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/agrobank-perkenal-produk-fria-i-1.81791

Published: September 06, 2012
Wartawan Sinar Harian

Agrobank memperkenalkan produk pelaburan baru, Fixed Return Investment Account-i (FRIA-i) yang merupakan inisiatif ke arah melaksanakan sistem perbankan Islam sepenuhnya menjelang 2015.

FRIA-i menawarkan pulangan pada kadar tetap berasaskan konsep syariah komoditi Murabahah dan ia ditawarkan kepada individu layak mengikut terma dan syarat yang ditetapkan.

Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman berkata, FRIA-i ialah produk unik yang bakal memberikan kelebihan signifikan kepada pelanggan memandangkan keuntungan pelaburan boleh dibuat secara pembayaran hadapan.

HLISB Now A Tabung Haji Deposits Collection Agent

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=692237

Published: September 06, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB) today announced its appointment by the Pilgrims' Fund Board (Tabung Haji) as a deposits collection agent.

The deposits collection is offered via two modes -- salary deduction and standing instruction (SI).

Chief Executive Officer Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz said the bank was proud to announce that HLISB was the first bank in Malaysia to provide the convenience of TH deposits via salary deduction from the customers' salary for their own TH deposit accounts.

"The deposits will form part of the deductions automatically made from the employees' salary," she said in a statement.

Raja Teh Maimunah said HLISB's Muslim customers can also make periodic deposits to their TH accounts by executing a hassle-free SI, with only one form submission required.

With the SI, customers are given the flexibility to choose their preferred date and frequency for the deposits, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually.

Currently, there are more than 2,300 employers who enjoy the convenience of payroll services offered by HLISB and Hong Leong Bank via Hong Leong Online Business, an efficient and secure e-banking services for businesses that allows customers to perform transactions and keep track of finances even on the go.

-- BERNAMA

Agrobank lancar akaun syariah

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Korporat/20120903/ko_03/Agrobank-lancar-akaun-syariah

Published: September 03, 2012, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR 2 Sept. - Agrobank memperkenal produk pelaburan baru - Fixed Return Investment Account-i atau FRIA-i, yang merupakan inisiatif ke arah melaksanakan sistem Perbankan Islam sepenuhnya menjelang tahun 2015.

FRIA-i menawarkan pulangan pada kadar tetap berasaskan konsep Syariah komoditi murabahah dan ia ditawarkan kepada individu dan bukan individu yang layak mengikut terma dan syarat yang ditetapkan.

Menurut Presiden/Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Agrobank, Wan Mohd. Fadzmi Wan Othman, FRIA-i ialah produk unik yang bakal memberikan kelebihan signifikan kepada para pelanggan Agrobank memandangkan keuntungan pelaburan boleh dibuat secara pembayaran hadapan.

"Ia juga istimewa kerana peniaga dan pengusaha dapat memanfaatkan produk ini dengan menjadikan pulangan yang diperoleh sebagai modal pusingan, tanpa perlu mengeluarkan pelaburan asal," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Selain itu, kadar keuntungan FRIA-i merupakan kadar yang ditetapkan oleh bank melalui akad semasa pembukaan akaun sepanjang tempoh pelaburan, kata Wan Mohd Fadzmi.

Bermula pelaburan minimum RM5,000 bagi pembukaan akaun pelaburan, pelanggan dapat menikmati kadar keuntungan semasa yang kompetitif.

"Menerusi pelancaran produk FRIA-i, ini membuktikan kesungguhan Agrobank dalam menyediakan satu lagi produk bagi membantu pengusaha kecil dan sederhana di samping turut menyumbang kepada perkembangan ekonomi, terutama dalam sektor pertanian dan industri asas tani negara," katanya. - Bernama

Agrobank perkenal FRIA-i

AGROBANK memperkenalkan satu produk pelaburan baru yang dikenali sebagai ‘Fixed Return Investment Account-i’ atau FRIA-i.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/AgrobankperkenalFRIA-i/Article/index_html
Published: September 03, 2012

FRIA-i menawarkan pulangan dengan kadar tetap berasaskan kepada konsep syariah ‘komoditi murabahah’ dan ia ditawarkan kepada individu dan bukan individu yang layak mengikut terma dan syarat yang ditetapkan. Produk pelaburan yang berkonsepkan Perbankan Islam ini juga satu inisiatif Agrobank ke arah melaksanakan sistem Perbankan Islam sepenuhnya menjelang tahun 2015. Menurut Presiden/Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Agrobank, Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman, FRIA-i adalah produk unik yang bakal memberikan kelebihan yang signifikan kepada pelanggan Agrobank apabila keuntungan dari pelaburan boleh dibayar secara terdahulu (upfront payment).

Tambah beliau lagi, FRIA-i Agrobank juga istimewa kerana peniaga dan pengusaha dapat memanfaatkan produk ini dengan menjadikan pulangan yang diperoleh sebagai modal pusingan tanpa perlu mengeluarkan pelaburan asal.

Selain itu, kadar keuntungan FRIA-i ditetapkan bank melalui akad semasa pembukaan akaun sepanjang tempoh pelaburan. Bermula dengan minimum RM5,000 bagi pembukaan akaun pelaburan, para pelanggan dapat menikmati kadar keuntungan semasa yang kompetitif.

Agrobank Launches New Investment Product

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Agrobank Bhd has introduced a new investment product, Fixed Return Investment Account-i (FRIA-i), which is part of its initiative towards the full implementation of Islamic banking system by 2015.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=691218
Published: September 02, 2012

In a statement Saturday, Agrobank said FRIA-i would offer fixed returns based on syariah principle of commodity murabahah and would be offered to individuals and non-individuals.

Its president/chief executive officer, Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman said FRIA-i was a unique product and would give significant returns as profits could be paid upfront at the effective date of investment.

"Also, the profit rate is set by the bank through the contract during the account opening on a regular basis over the period of investment," he said.

Agrobank said the minimum investment for an individual was RM5,000.

-- BERNAMA

Belanja Dan Derma Inisiatif BSN Kumpul Dana Untuk Pihak Memerlukan

GEORGE TOWN, 1 Sept (Bernama) -- Kempen belanja dan derma kad kredit Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) yang bermula hari ini hingga 15 Okt depan memberi peluang kepada pemegang kad kredit BSN menderma sambil berbelanja serta menikmati mata ganjaran tambahan.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=691268
Published: September 02, 2012

Naib Presiden Kanan Jabatan Kewangan BSN Frederick Siew berkata kempen itu juga adalah selaras dengan inisiatif bank untuk mengumpul dana untuk disalurkan kepada pihak yang memerlukan.

"Kempen ini juga satu platform yang baik bagi kami untuk menyumbang kepada masyarakat, selain ia merupakan sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab sosial korporat bank," katanya selepas majlis pelancaran kempen belanja dan derma kad kredit BSN sempena forum larian maraton malam BSN Putrajaya, di sini Sabtu.

Siew berkata setiap pemegang kad kredit BSN hanya perlu berbelanja di beberapa premis terpilih seperti kedai runcit, pasar raya dan kedai serbaneka, untuk turut serta memberi sumbangan derma kepada Women's Aid Organization dan Persatuan Glaukoma Malaysia.

"Bagi setiap satu daripada enam mata yang diperoleh apabila berbelanja, akan disalurkan kepada Women's Aid Organization dan Persatuan Glaukoma Malaysia," katanya.

-- BERNAMA