Bank Rakyat's Profit For Nine Months Jumps To RM1.62 Billion

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat recorded a significantly increased profit of RM1.62 billion, before tax and zakat, for the first nine months financial period ended Sept 30, 2012.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=705417
Published: October 31, 2012

This was a rise by 8.1 per cent or RM121.8 million compared with the RM1.50 billion seen in the same period of last year.

"This commendable performance was achieved with an increase in income from financing activities and investment which were in tandem with the growth in financing and deposits," the bank said in a statement here Monday.

The bank also recorded a higher net profit of RM1.33 billion for the period compared with RM1.20 billion in the corresponding period of 2011.

Gross income meanwhile rose 15.2 per cent or RM616.4 million to RM4.68 billion in the nine-month period compared with RM4.06 billion previously. The bank's assets during the period rose 10.8 per cent or RM7.74 billion to RM79.50 billion compared with RM71.75 billion in the same period last year.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat’s profit for nine months jumps to RM1.62b

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 – Bank Rakyat recorded a significantly increased profit of RM1.62 billion, before tax and zakat, for the first nine months financial period ended Sept 30, 2012.
This was a rise by 8.1 per cent or RM121.8 million compared with the RM1.50 billion seen in the same period of last year.

Source from (The Malaysian Insider): http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/bank-rakyats-profit-for-nine-months-jumps-to-rm1.62b/
Published: October 31, 2012

“This commendable performance was achieved with an increase in income from financing activities and investment which were in tandem with the growth in financing and deposits,” the bank said in a statement here today.

The bank also recorded a higher net profit of RM1.33 billion for the period compared with RM1.20 billion in the corresponding period of 2011.

Gross income meanwhile rose 15.2 per cent or RM616.4 million to RM4.68 billion in the nine-month period compared with RM4.06 billion previously.

The bank’s assets during the period rose 10.8 per cent or RM7.74 billion to RM79.50 billion compared with RM71.75 billion in the same period last year.
Return on asset as at end September 2012 meanwhile continued to strengthen to a rate of 2.9 per cent, the bank said.

It said consumer financing will continue to remain its chief focus with the sector accounting for 89.2 per cent of its total financing in the first nine months of this year.

The shareholders fund rose 32.1 per cent or by RM2.39 billion to RM9.83 billion as at the end of the period reviewed compared with RM7.44 billion the previous year with the higher net profit contribution and an increase in the paid-up share capital.

Meanwhile the risk-weighted capital ratio (RWCR) remained high at 15.0 per cent while the core capital ratio (CCR) was at 14.8 per cent. – Bernama

Bank Rakyat profit soars

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Rakyat recorded a significantly higher profit before tax and zakat of RM1.62bil for the nine months ended Sept 30.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/30/business/12244828&sec=business
Published: October 31, 2012

This was a rise of 8.1% or RM121.8mil compared with the RM1.5bil achieved in the same period last year.

Bank Rakyat also recorded a higher net profit of RM1.33bil for the period compared with RM1.2bil previously. - Bernama

Bank Rakyat untung RM1.6b

KUALA LUMPUR 29 Okt. - Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia (Bank Rakyat) hari ini mengumumkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat sebanyak RM1.62 bilion bagi sembilan bulan pertama berakhir 30 September 2012.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Korporat/20121030/ko_01/Bank-Rakyat-untung-RM16b
Published: October 31, 2012



Bank rakyat dalam kenyataannya berkata, peningkatan sebanyak 8.1 peratus atau RM121.8 juta berbanding RM1.50 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

"Prestasi baik ini secara keseluruhannya dicapai berikutan peningkatan pendapatan aktiviti pembiayaan dan pelaburan, selari dengan pertumbuhan pembiayaan dan deposit.

"Pada masa yang sama untuk sembilan bulan pertama 2012, bank merekodkan keuntungan bersih lebih tinggi sebanyak RM1.33 bilion berbanding RM1.20 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu, iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 10.5 peratus atau RM126.0 juta," kata kenyataan itu.

Sementara itu, pendapatan kasar meningkat sebanyak 15.2 peratus atau RM616.4 juta kepada RM4.68 bilion berbanding RM4.06 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

"Manakala, pendapatan bersih selepas agihan keuntungan kepada pendeposit meningkat sebanyak 8.5 peratus atau RM227.9 juta kepada RM2.92 bilion berbanding RM2.69 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

"Jumlah aset meningkat sebanyak 10.8 peratus atau RM7.74 bilion kepada RM79.50 bilion berbanding RM71.75 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu," ujarnya.

Pada akhir September 2012, pulangan atas aset terus mengukuh pada kadar 2.9 peratus.
"Jumlah deposit Bank Rakyat meningkat sebanyak 9.9 peratus atau RM5.87 bilion kepada RM65.07 bilion pada akhir September 2012, berbanding RM59.20 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, dana pemegang saham meningkat sebanyak 32.1 peratus atau RM2.39 bilion kepada RM9.83 bilion pada akhir September 2012 berbanding RM7.44 bilion pada bulan yang sama tahun lalu hasil sumbangan penambahan untung bersih dan penambahan modal syer berbayar.

"Nisbah Modal Berwajaran Risiko (RWCR) kekal tinggi pada kadar 15.0 peratus manakala Nisbah Modal Teras (CCR) adalah pada kadar 14.8 peratus," kata kenyataan itu.

Bank Rakyat untung RM1.62b

Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd (Bank Rakyat) mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat RM1.62 bilion bagi sembilan bulan berakhir 30 September 2012, meningkat 8.1 peratus berbanding RM1.5 bilion pada tempoh sama tahun sebelumnya.

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/BankRakyatuntungRM1_62b/Article
Published: October 31, 2012

Prestasi baik itu secara keseluruhannya dicapai hasil peningkatan pendapatan aktiviti pembiayaan dan pelaburan, bertepatan dengan pertumbuhan pembiayaan dan depositnya.

Bank koperasi itu, dalam kenyataannya semalam berkata, sepanjang tempoh kajian, ia mencatatkan keuntungan bersih RM1.33 bilion, meningkat 10.5 peratus berbanding RM1.2 bilion yang dicatatkan sepanjang tempoh sama 2011.

“Pendapatan kasar meningkat sebanyak 15.2 peratus atau RM616.4 juta kepada RM4.68 bilion berbanding RM4.06 bilion dalam tempoh sama tahun lalu.

“Pendapatan bersih selepas agihan keuntungan kepada pendeposit meningkat 8.5 peratus atau RM227.9 juta kepada RM2.92 bilion berbanding RM2.69 bilion dalam tempoh sama tahun lalu,” kata kenyataan itu.

Ia berkata, pendapatan daripada sumber pembiayaan meningkat 12 peratus atau RM399.2 juta kepada RM3.72 bilion berbanding RM3.32 bilion dalam tempoh sama tahun lalu, apabila RM3.42 bilion atau 92 peratus disumbangkan perbankan pengguna manakala perbankan komersial menyumbang RM300 juta, atau lapan peratus daripada keseluruhan pendapatan pembiayaan.

“Bank Rakyat juga merekodkan pendapatan berasaskan yuran sebanyak RM83.4 juta dalam sembilan bulan pertama 2012.
“Pendapatan komisen takaful, wasiat dan yuran perkhidmatan ATM menyumbangkan 80.3 peratus daripada keseluruhan pendapatan berasaskan yuran,” katanya.

Jumlah aset bank itu dalam tempoh dikaji meningkat 10.8 peratus atau RM7.74 bilion kepada RM79.5 bilion daripada RM71.75 bilion tahun lalu.

Setakat akhir September 2012, pulangan ke atas asetnya terus mengukuh pada kadar 2.9 peratus.

Sementara itu, Bank Rakyat mencatatkan peningkatan 12 peratus atau RM5.99 bilion baki kasar pembiayaannya kepada RM55.71 bilion berbanding RM49.72 bilion dalam tempoh sama tahun lalu.

Ia masih mengekalkan pembiayaan pengguna sebagai fokus utama perniagaan bank, apabila segmen itu menyumbang 89.2 peratus daripada keseluruhan pembiayaannya bagi sembilan bulan tahun ini.

Mutu aset Bank Rakyat keseluruhannya pula kukuh setakat akhir bulan lalu, apabila nisbah pembiayaan tidak berbayar (NPK) kasarnya berada pada 2.9 peratus.

Pada masa sama, liputan atas kerugian pembiayaan kekal tinggi pada kadar 108.8 peratus.

Jumlah depositnya setakat akhir September pula meningkat 9.9 peratus kepada RM65.07 bilion, berbanding RM59.2 bilion dalam tempoh sama tahun lalu.

Dana pemegang saham Bank Rakyat meningkat 32.1 peratus kepada RM9.83 bilion setakat akhir Septemb er 2012, berbanding RM7.44 bilion pada bulan sama tahun lalu.

Ia hasil sumbangan penambahan untung bersih dan penambahan modal saham berbayar.

Nisbah Modal Berwajaran Risiko (RWCR) kekal tinggi pada kadar 15 peratus manakala Nisbah Modal Teras (CCR) pada kadar 14.8 peratus.

Untung Sembilan Bulan Pertama 2012 Bank Rakyat Naik Kepada RM1.6 Bilion

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Okt (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat yang membanggakan bagi sembilan bulan pertama berakhir 30 September 2012, sebanyak RM1.62 bilion iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 8.1 peratus atau RM121.8 juta berbanding RM1.50 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lepas.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=705411
Published: October 31, 2012

"Prestasi baik ini secara keseluruhannya dicapai berikutan peningkatan pendapatan aktiviti pembiayaan dan pelaburan, selari dengan pertumbuhan pembiayaan dan deposit," kata bank itu dalam satu kenyataan di sini Isnin.

Pada tempoh yang sama, Bank Rakyat turut merekodkan keuntungan bersih lebih tinggi sebanyak RM1.33 bilion berbanding RM1.20 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lepas, iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 10.5 peratus atau RM126.0 juta.

Pendapatan kasar pula meningkat sebanyak 15.2 peratus atau RM616.4 juta kepada RM4.68 bilion berbanding RM4.06 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun sebelumnya.

Pendapatan bersih selepas agihan keuntungan kepada pendeposit pula meningkat sebanyak 8.5 peratus atau RM227.9 juta kepada RM2.92 bilion berbanding RM2.69 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lepas.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat catat untung RM1.62 bilion

BANK Rakyat mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat bagi sembilan bulan pertama 2012 sebanyak RM1.62 bilion, meningkat 8.1 peratus, kira-kira RM121.8 juta berbanding RM1.50 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu. 

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/BankRakyatcatatuntungRM1_62bilion/Article/index_html
Published: October 31, 2012

Dalam satu kenyataannya semalam, Bank Rakyat berkata, prestasi baik ini secara keseluruhannya disokong peningkatan pendapatan aktiviti pembiayaan dan pelaburan dan selari dengan pertumbuhan pembiayaan dan deposit.

“Bagi tempoh sembilan bulan pertama 2012, bank merekodkan keuntungan bersih lebih tinggi sebanyak RM1.33 bilion berbanding RM1.20 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu, peningkatan sebanyak 10.5 peratus atau RM126.0 juta,” katanya.

“Pendapatan kasar meningkat 15.2 peratus atau RM616.4 juta kepada RM4.68 bilion berbanding RM4.06 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu. Pendapatan bersih selepas agihan keuntungan kepada pendeposit meningkat sebanyak 8.5 peratus atau RM227.9 juta kepada RM2.92 bilion berbanding RM2.69 bilion pada tempoh yang sama 2011,” katanya. Selain itu, jumlah aset meningkat sebanyak 10.8 peratus atau RM7.74 bilion kepada RM79.50 bilion berbanding RM71.75 bilion.

“Bagi sembilan bulan pertama 2012, bank merekodkan peningkatan baki kasar pembiayaan sebanyak 12 peratus atau RM5.99 bilion kepada RM55.71 bilion berbanding RM49.72 bilion pada tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

“Bank masih mengekalkan pembiayaan konsumer sebagai fokus utama perniagaan yang menyumbang sebanyak 89.2 peratus daripada keseluruhan pembiayaan Bank Rakyat pada sembilan bulan pertama 2012,” katanya.

Yusof Pengarah Urusan baru Bank Rakyat

BANK Rakyat melantik Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman sebagai Pengarah Urusan ke-10 berkuat kuasa 1 Julai lalu, menggantikan bekas Pengarah Urusan, Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat yang bersara, awal tahun ini.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/yusof-pengarah-urusan-baru-bank-rakyat-1.98831
Published: October 31, 2012



Datuk Yusof adalah memangku jawatan Pengarah Urusan juga pernah memegang jawatan sebagai Pengurus Besar Kanan, Perkhidmatan Korporat, selama dua tahun.  Beliau berkelulusan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Ekonomi (Kepujian) daripada Universiti Malaya (UM).

Kariernya bermula di Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad pada 1980 dengan memegang beberapa jawatan kanan pelbagai jabatan sehingga 2000 antaranya Pengurus Cawangan, Ketua Jabatan Sumber Manusia dan Pentadbiran, Ketua Jabatan Pembangunan Industri dan Ketua Jabatan Pengawasan Kredit.

Beliau menyertai Bank Rakyat pada 2000 sebagai Ketua Sektor Pembangunan Sumber Manusia dan seterusnya jawatan sebagai Ketua Sektor Operasi dan Perniagaan Cawangan pada tahun 2004.

Kemudian dilantik Penolong Pengurus Besar, Produk dan Perkhidmatan Konsumer pada 2006 dan sebagai Pengurus Besar, Perbankan Konsumer pada 2007 dan Pengurus Besar, Perbankan Komersial pada 2009.

Beliau dianugerah Bintang Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), Pulau Pinang dan Darjah Kebesaran Setia Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Terbilang (PSK).

SME Bank sumbang RM25,000

LEDANG 30 Okt. - Empat Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) dan sebuah surau di Tangkak menerima sumbangan wang zakat RM25,000 dan tujuh ekor lembu daripada SME Bank sebagai menunaikan tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) institusi kewangan itu sempena Aidiladha kali ini.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Johor/20121031/wj_01/SME-Bank-sumbang-RM25000
Published: October 31, 2012

ABDUL Ghani Othman menyampaikan replika cek wang zakat kepada Pengerusi 

JKKK Kampung Sialang, Mohd. Yusof Ahmad (kiri) sambil diperhatikan Sheikh 

Ghazali Sheikh Abod (kanan) di Kampung Sialang, Tangkak, baru-baru ini.

Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung yang menerima sumbangan itu ialah JKKK Sialang; Tanjung Labuh; Seri Maamor; Padang Lerek 1 dan 2 dan Surau Anjung Batu.
Setiap satu menerima RM5,000 untuk diagihkan kepada golongan asnaf di kampung berkenaan sementara daging korban bagi golongan yang kurang berkemampuan.
...

Sila dapatkan naskhah Utusan Malaysia hari ini.

Tabung Haji Sasar Agih RM1.15 Juta Zakat Pendidikan Menjelang Akhir Tahun Ini

MELAKA, 30 Okt (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) menYasarkan agihan zakat pendidikan berjumlah RM1.15 juta kepada 2,300 pelajar miskin dan kurang berkemampuan di seluruh negara menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsgeneral.php?id=705692
Published: October 31, 2012

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya Datuk Kamarudin Mat Ali berkata pengagihan zakat di bawah projek pendidikan yang bermula 22 Okt lepas itu bertujuan sebagai motivasi kepada pelajar untuk berjaya dalam pelajaran selain meringankan beban perbelanjaan persekolahan mereka.

"Pengagihan zakat pendidikan ini juga tanda keprihatinan dan pemberian semula TH kepada kumpulan berkepentingan untuk pembangunan serta kelestarian masyarakat khususnya komuniti Islam yang memerlukan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan sumbangan zakat pendidikan berjumlah RM100,000 di Sekolah Menengah Munsyi Abdullah di sini, Selasa.

Seramai 200 pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah yang miskin dan kurang berkemampuan di seluruh Melaka menerima wang tunai berjumlah RM300 serta peralatan persekolahan bernilai RM200 setiap seorang.

Kamarudin berkata negeri Melaka merupakan negeri kedua penerima sumbangan zakat pendidikan selepas Johor.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat appoints new MD

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Rakyat appointed Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman as managing director, effective July 1, 2012, replacing Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat who opted for early retirement early this year.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/26/business/12229720&sec=business
Published: October 26, 2012



Yusof, 56, started his banking career in 1980 with Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd and joined Bank Rakyat in 2000 as sectoral head, human resource development, and moved up the ranks thereafter. His last position was that of senior general manager for corporate services, a post he held for two years, before he was appointed acting managing director. - Bernama

Yusof terajui Bank Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR 25 Okt. - Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman (gambar) hari ini diumumkan sebagai Pengarah Urusan Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Bhd. (Bank Rakyat) berkuatkuasa 1 Julai lalu.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Korporat/20121026/ko_01/Yusof-terajui-Bank-Rakyat
Published: October 26, 2012



"Pelantikan ini adalah bagi menggantikan mantan Pengarah Urusan, Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat yang telah bersara pada awal tahun ini," kata Pengerusi Bank Rakyat, Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik dalam kenyataan akhbar di sini hari ini.

Yusof, 56, yang memangku jawatan Pengarah Urusan sebelum ini pernah memegang jawatan sebagai Pengurus Besar Kanan, Perkhidmatan Korporat selama dua tahun.
Beliau yang merupakan Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat yang ke-10 itu berkelulusan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Ekonomi (Kepujian) dari Universiti Malaya.

Kerjaya beliau bermula di Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd. pada 1980 dengan memegang beberapa jawatan kanan di pelbagai jabatan sehingga 2000.

Yusof menyertai Bank Rakyat pada tahun 2000 sebagai Ketua Sektor Pembangunan Sumber seterusnya dilantik memegang pelbagai jawatan sebelum dilantik menjadi Pemangku Pengarah Urusan pada 30 April lalu.

Pengumuman tersebut mengakhiri penantian Bank Rakyat mendapatkan Pengarah Urusannya sejak 29 Februari lalu apabila Kamaruzaman mula mengambil cuti.

Bank Rakyat Lantik Yusof Abdul Rahman sebagai Pengarah Urusan

 KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Oct (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat telah melantik Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman sebagai Pengarah Urusan berkuat kuasa 1 Julai 2012.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=704880
Published: October 26, 2012

Dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini, Bank Rakyat berkata Yusof, 56, menggantikan Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat, yang telah bersara pada awal tahun ini.

Sebelum itu, Yusof memegang jawatan sebagai Pengurus Besar Kanan Perkhidmatan Korporat selama dua tahun di bank itu sebelum memangku jawatan sebagai Pengarah Urusannya.

Beliau memulakan kerjaya di Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd pada 1980 dengan memegang jawatan Pengurus Cawangan, Ketua Jabatan Sumber Manusia dan Pentadbiran, Ketua Jabatan Pembangunan Industri dan Ketua Jabatan Pengawasan Kredit sehingga 2000.

Yusof menyertai Bank Rakyat pada 2000 sebagai Ketua Sektor Pembangunan Sumber Manusia dan seterusnya memegang jawatan sebagai Ketua Sektor Operasi dan Perniagaan Cawangan pada 2004.

Beliau kemudian dilantik sebagai Penolong Pengurus Besar Produk dan Perkhidmatan Konsumer pada 2006 and seterusnya sebagai Pengurus Besar Perbankan Konsumer pada 2009.

Yusof, yang telah dianugerahi Bintang Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), berkelulusan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Ekonomi (Kepujian) dari Universiti Malaya.

-- BERNAMA

Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat

BANK Rakyat mengumumkan Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman sebagai Pengarah Urusannya ke-10 berkuat kuasa pada 1 Julai lalu bagi menggantikan mantan Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat, Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat yang bersara awal tahun ini.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/PengarahUrusanBankRakyat/Article/index_html
Published: October 26, 2012

Yusof sebelum ini memangku jawatan Pengarah Urusan sebelum ini pernah memegang jawatan sebagai Pengurus Besar Kanan, Perkhidmatan Korporat selama dua tahun.

PruBSN 1H2012 New Business Sales Up 23 Per Cent

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd's (PruBSN) total New Business Sales grew 23 per cent to RM129 million in the first half of this year, from RM105 million in the same period last year.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=703813
Published: October 23, 2012

PruBSN Chief Executive Officer Azim Mithani said the strong performance has enabled the company to maintain its leading position among the takaful operators in Malaysia.

"Our record Annual Contribution Equivalent of RM129 million in the first half of this year has given us a greater market share of 28 per cent, an increase from the 27 per cent we recorded in 2011.

"Very clearly, this could not have happened without all of the hard work and dedication across the company, especially from our sales teams with the support of customer service and operations," he said in a statement issued today.

PruBSN's Assets Under Management rose 29 per cent to RM774.4 million in the period under review, from RM601 million recorded in the same period last year.

-- BERNAMA

PruBSN total new business sales in H1 up 23pc to RM129m

KUALA LUMPUR: Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd's (PruBSN) total new business sales grew 23 per cent to RM129 million in the first half of this year, from RM105 million in the same period last year.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/22PRUBSN/Article/
Published: October 23, 2012

PruBSN chief executive officer Azim Mithani said the strong performance has enabled the company to maintain its lead position among the takaful operators in Malaysia.

"Our record annual contribution equivalent of RM129 million in the first half of this year has given us a greater market share of 28 per cent, an increase from the 27 per cent we recorded in 2011.

"Very clearly, this could not have happened without the hard work and dedication across the company, especially from our sales teams with the support of customer service and operations," he said in a statement issued yesterday.

PruBSN's assets under management rose 29 per cent to RM774.4 million in the period under review, from RM601 million recorded in the same period last year.

Since its inception six years ago, PruBSN has consistently recorded impressive growth, making it one of the country's most dynamic takaful players.

It has a combined total of close to 11,000 direct agents and Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd agents serving over 300,000 customers nationwide.

The company's partnership with local banking and financial institutions provides segmentised distribution reach for its syariah-compliant products and solutions to the public.

"We will remain focused on maintaining our strong performance in the second half of 2012 with a continued focus on professionalism, customer service and syariah-compliant product innovation," said Azim.

He said despite its market-leading position, the company is constantly seeking alternative distribution channels whilst expanding its geographical presence across the country.

In addition, PruBSN is also actively exploring technology and integrated advertising and brand promotion campaigns as new drivers of growth.

On the future of the local takaful market, Azim said: "It will take time for this industry to grow its market penetration, but as people become more aware of takaful, the demand for its products, as we see it, will increase. Bernama

Jualan PruBSN naik 23%

JUMLAH jualan perniagaan baru Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) meningkat 23 peratus kepada RM129 juta dalam separuh pertama tahun ini daripada RM105 juta pada tempoh sama tahun lalu. 

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/JualanPruBSNnaik23_/Article/index_html
Published: October 23, 2012

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PruBSN, Azim Mithani berkata, prestasi kukuh itu membolehkan syarikat berkenaan mengekalkan kedudukan utamanya di kalangan pengendali takaful di Malaysia. “Sumbangan Setara Tahunan kami RM129 juta pada separuh pertama tahun ini memberi kami bahagian pasaran besar pada 28 peratus, peningkatan daripada 27 peratus yang dicatatkan pada 2011. “Jelas sekali ini tidak akan berlaku tanpa kerja keras dan dedikasi semua pekerja, terutama pasukan jualan kami dengan sokongan perkhidmatan pelanggan dan operasi,” katanya dalam kenyataan di Kuala Lumpur.

Aset diurus PruBSN meningkat 29 peratus kepada RM774.4 juta dalam tempoh itu daripada RM601 juta yang dicatatkan pada tempoh sama tahun lalu.

“Keputusan baik kami bagi tempoh ini dicapai menerusi prestasi kukuh dan konsisten dalam seluruh platform saluran pelbagai pengedaran kami,” katanya.

Sejak diasaskan enam tahun lalu, PruBSN mencatatkan pertumbuhan memberangsangkan dengan konsisten, menjadikan ia satu daripada peserta Takaful paling dinamik di negara ini dan mempunyai gabungan jumlah hampir 11,000 Ejen Langsung serta Ejen Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd.

Mengenai masa depan pasaran Takaful tempatan, Azim berkata, ia akan mengambil masa bagi industri untuk mengembangkan penembusan pasarannya tetapi oleh kerana orang ramai semakin menyedari mengenai Takaful, permintaan bagi produknya akan meningkat. - Bernama

Bank Negara Issues Shariah Standards On Mudarabah For Islamic Financial Institutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia on Monday issued Shariah Standards on Mudarabah for Islamic financial institutions under its purview.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=703909
Published: October 23, 2012

The central bank said the standards marked an important milestone and was part of its continuous efforts to enhance the Shariah and regulatory framework in Malaysia.

The standards would serve as guidelines for Islamic financial institutions in developing Islamic financial products and services based on Mudarabah, it said in a statement.

Bank Negara said the Standards aimed to provide a standard on the features of mudarabah contracts applicable in Islamic financial transactions.

It said the standards also outlined the mandatory and optional features applicable to the mudarabah contract under which Islamic financial institutions would be required to observe such requirements in developing Islamic financial products and services.

The standards are the second in the series of Shariah Standards (formerly known as Shariah Parameters).

-- BERNAMA

Bank Negara issues new syariah standards

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia yesterday announced syariah standards to assist financial institutions, under its purview, develop Islamic financial products and services based on mudarabah.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup22c-2/Article/
Published: October 23, 2012

The syariah standards on Mudarabah is the second in the series of syariah standards (formerly known as syariah parameters), with the first on Murabahah.

Describing it as a major milestone, Bank Negara said it is part of efforts to enhance the syariah and regulatory framework in Malaysia.

The syariah standards on Mudarabah aims to provide a standard on the features of mudarabah contracts applicable in Islamic financial transactions.


It also outlines the mandatory and the optional features applicable to the mudarabah contract in which the Islamic financial institution would be required to observe such requirements in developing Islamic financial products and services.

Mudarabah: Bank Negara keluar piawaian syariah

KUALA LUMPUR - Bank Negara Malaysia hari ini mengumumkan pengeluaran Piawaian Syariah bagi Mudarabah bagi semua institusi kewangan  Islam yang di bawah kawal selia Bank Negara Malaysia.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/mudarabah-bank-negara-keluar-piawaian-syariah-1.97039
Published: October 23, 2012

Bank Negara dalam satu kenyataan berkata, pengeluaran Piawaian Syariah bagi Mudarabah ini menandakan satu lagi pencapaian penting dalam usaha bank pusat untuk menambah baik rangka kerja Syariah dan pengawalseliaan di Malaysia.

Piawaian ini akan menjadi garis panduan bagi institusi kewangan Islam dalam membangunkan produk dan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam berasaskan Mudarabah.

Bank Negara berkata piawaian Syariah bagi Mudarabah bertujuan menyediakan suatu piawaian bagi ciri-ciri kontrak Syariah yang diterima pakai dalam urus niaga kewangan Islam.

Piawaian Syariah ini juga menggariskan ciri-ciri mandatori dan ciri-ciri pilihan dalam kontrak Mudarabah tersebut yang perlu dipatuhi oleh institusi kewangan Islam dalam membangunkan produk dan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam, kata bank pusat itu.

Piawaian Syariah bagi Mudarabah merupakan piawaian kedua yang dikeluarkan dalam siri Piawaian Syariah (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Parameter Syariah).

Piawaian pertama dalam siri Piawaian Syariah ialah Piawaian bagi Murabahah.

Piawaian Syariah bagi Mudarabah ialah ketetapan yang dikeluarkan oleh Majlis Penasihat Syariah (MPS) Bank Negara Malaysia, menurut seksyen 59 Akta Bank Negara Malaysia 2009. - Bernama

Bank Rakyat Receives Most Outstanding Islamic Retail Banking Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat, for the third time, has received the "The Most Outstanding Islamic Retail Banking" award for its outstanding performance in consumer banking.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=703321
Published: October 21, 2012

The award was recently presented at the Ninth Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum 2012 by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance Datuk Wira Dr Serigar Irwan Mohd Abdullah to Bank Rakyat's Acting Managing Director Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman.

The bank bagged the same award in 2007 and 2009, it said in a statement.

Bank Rakyat recorded a pre-tax profit and zakat of RM1.06 billion, up 7.7 per cent, for the half year ended June 30, 2012 against RM0.98 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat rangkul anugerah Perbankan Runcit Islam Paling Cemerlang

KUALA LUMPUR - Bank Rakyat, buat kali ketiga, membolot anugerah "Perbankan Runcit Islam Paling Cemerlang", pengiktirafan ke atas kecemerlangan prestasi dalam perbankan konsumer.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/bank-rakyat-rangkul-anugerah-perbankan-runcit-islam-paling-cemerlang-1.96213
Published: October 21, 2012

Anugerah itu disampaikan baru-baru ini di Forum Kewangan Islam Kuala Lumpur Kesembilan 2012 oleh Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan, Datuk Wira Dr Serigar Irwan Mohd Abdullah kepada Pemangku Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman.

Bank Rakyat dalam satu kenyataan berkata, ia menerima anugerah yang sama pada 2007 dan 2009.

Bank Rakyat mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat sebanyak RM1.06 bilion, naik 7.7 peratus, bagi setengah tahun pertama yang berakhir pada 30 Jun 2012 berbanding RM0.98 bilion yang dicatatkan pada tempoh yang sama tahun lepas. - Bernama

Tabung Haji's Success Recognised By Other Countries

JEDDAH, Oct 18 (Bernama) - Tabung Haji (TH) has gained recognition from the international community in managing haj pilgrims prompting some countries to invite TH to open branches over there.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsgeneral.php?id=703430
Published: October 21, 2012

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said TH's success have attracted travel operators handling Christian groups to visit their holy land of Vatican City and Jerusalem.

"Tabung Haji's management system has become a benchmark for the international community, regardless of their religious affiliations," he told reporters shortly after arriving here to perform the pilgrimage.

Jamil Khir is expected to deliver the wukuf sermon to Malaysian pilgrims when Muslims around the world perform the wukuf at Mt Arafat on Thursday.

Almost annually TH received application from other countries to study Malaysia's success in the pilgrimage fund management system.

He said annually, the government and TH made improvements and these things were sometimes not recognised by haj pilgrims.

"Last year, we spent RM100 million to subsidise the pilgrimage as the cost keep rising annually.

"We charge RM9,980 for the fare but the actual cost has risen to RM15,150. This means that we give RM5,170 in subsidies and bonuses for each pilgrim."

TH also placed pilgrims about 900 metres from the Grand Mosque (Masjidil Haram) while pilgrims from other countries stay two to three kilometres away.

"This year we also get sponsorship of drugs and equipment worth RM11 million," said Jamil Khir.

Some 27,288 Malaysian pilgrims are already in the holy land to perform the pilgrimage and celebrate Aidiladha.

-- BERNAMA

Bank Rakyat Rangkul Anugerah Perbankan Runcit Islam Paling Cemerlang

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Okt (Bernama) -- Bank Rakyat, buat kali ketiga, membolot anugerah "Perbankan Runcit Islam Paling Cemerlang", pengiktirafan ke atas kecemerlangan prestasi dalam perbankan konsumer.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=703331
Published: October 21, 2012

Anugerah itu disampaikan baru-baru ini di Forum Kewangan Islam Kuala Lumpur Kesembilan 2012 oleh Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Datuk Wira Dr Serigar Irwan Mohd Abdullah kepada Pemangku Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman.

Bank Rakyat dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata ia menerima anugerah yang sama pada 2007 dan 2009.

Bank Rakyat mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai dan zakat sebanyak RM1.06 bilion, naik 7.7 peratus, bagi setengah tahun pertama yang berakhir pada 30 Jun, 2012, berbanding RM0.98 bilion yang dicatatkan pada tempoh yang sama tahun lepas.

-- BERNAMA 

Tabung Haji dipelawa buka cawangan luar

JEDDAH: Tabung Haji terus mendapat pengiktirafan masyarakat antarabangsa dari segi cara pengendalian serta sistem pengurusan jemaah haji sehingga ada negara luar mempelawa Tabung Haji menubuhkan cawangan di negara mereka.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/TabungHajidipelawabukacawanganluar/Article/index_html
Published: October 21, 2012

Malah, cara Tabung Haji mengendalikan jemaah haji dalam jumlah ramai menarik minat penganut agama lain mempelajarinya termasuk pengendali rombongan agama Kristian melawat tempat suci mereka, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

“Ini bermakna sistem pengurusan Tabung Haji menjadi satu penanda aras kepada masyarakat antarabangsa tanpa mengira anutan agama mereka,” katanya kepada pemberita sejurus tiba di sini bagi menunaikan ibadah haji.

Jamil Khir dijangka menyampaikan khutbah wukuf kepada jemaah haji Malaysia ketika umat Islam seluruh dunia melaksanakan wukuf di Padang Arafah Khamis ini.

Menurutnya hampir setiap tahun beliau menerima permohonan negara asing untuk belajar kejayaan Malaysia dan Tabung Haji.

“Mereka juga mahu kami menjadi konsultan. Ada juga mencadangkan agar Tabung Haji ditubuhkan di negara mereka,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, setiap tahun kerajaan dan Tabung Haji sentiasa membuat penambahbaikan dan perkara itu kadang-kadang tidak disedari jemaah.

“Tahun lalu, RM100 juta dibelanjakan untuk subsidi haji kerana kos meningkat setiap tahun di mana tambang kekal RM9,980 tapi kos sebenar tambang sudah meningkat sehingga RM15,150 dan ini bermakna kami beri RM5,170 untuk subsidi dan bonus untuk setiap jemaah haji,” katanya.

Awang Adek: Tighter loan rules meant to gauge, not hinder

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — The loan procedures being implemented by financial institutions is aimed at making a fair evaluation and not complicate financing for local entrepreneurs.

Source from (The Malaysian Insider): http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/awang-adek-tighter-loan-rules-meant-to-gauge-not-hinder/
Published: October 19, 2012

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said the procedure took into account credit management practice to determine if the applicant was eligible to receive financing based on the viability of the project as well as the repayment capability.

“The procedure used is clearly stated in the customer charter of the financial institutions alongside the list of documents to be verified for each application, including the time taken to process it.
“Hence, the applicant is asked to ensure that all core documents are complete, so that the process of evaluation goes smoothly,” he said in response to a question from Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Bung Moktar had wanted to know the loan procedure of financial institutions such as SME Bank, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Bank Pembangunan, which are seen as complicating assistance to local entrepreneurs.

Taking the MTDC as an example, Awang Adek said its funding procedure was very brief towards assisting customers, apart from having in place flexible preconditions, compared to commercial banks.

Answering a supplementary question from the same MP on the steps taken by the government to ensure local entrepreneurs were not left in the lurch by the procedures of the financial institutions, Awang Adek said a complaint ought to be lodged for appropriate action to be taken.

“If there is unsatisfactory service, bribery, there needs to be follow up, so that action can be taken or an investigation instituted,” he added.

To a supplementary question from Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) on whether the government had plans for a different approach to making the loan process easier for entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak, Awang Adek said the matter would be brought to the attention of those concerned. — Bernama

Loan Procedures Implemented To Make Fair Evaluations, Says Awang Adek

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The loan procedure being implemented by financial institutions is aimed at making a fair evaluation and not complicate financing for local entrepreneurs.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=702890
Published: October 19, 2012

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said the procedure took into account credit management practice to determine if the applicant was eligible to receive financing based on the viability of the project as well as the repayment capability.

"The procedure used is clearly stated in the customer charter of the financial institutions alongside the list of documents to be verified for each application, including the time taken to process it.

"Hence, the applicant is asked to ensure that all core documents are complete, so that the process of evaluation goes smoothly," he said in response to a question from Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Bung Moktar had wanted to know the loan procedure of financial institutions such as SME Bank, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation(MTDC) and Bank Pembangunan, which are seen as complicating assistance to local entrepreneurs.

-- BERNAMA

PruBSN Yakin Kekalkan Kedudukan No.1 Dalam Pasaran Takaful Tahun Ini

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Okt (Bernama) -- Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN), yakin kekal pada kedudukan nombor satu dalam pasaran takaful tahun ini.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=703109
Published: October 19, 2012

Syarikat itu berkata ia terus berkembang, dengan kejayaan menduduki tempat pertama dalam pasaran takaful pada 2011 telah menetapkan kedudukan yang bermakna pada 2012.

Pada separuh kedua 2012, Sumbangan Bersamaan Tahunan (ACE) meningkat 23 peratus tahun ke tahun kepada RM129 juta.

Ini menjadikan bahagian pasaran syarikat itu sebanyak 28 peratus, peningkatan daripada 26.7 peratus dalam tempoh yang sama pada 2011, kata PruBSN menerusi kenyataan bagi mengumumkan pelantikan pelumba profesional, Nabil Jeffri sebagai duta jenamanya.

"Selain menawarkan produk inovatif dengan nilai luar biasa, PruBSN menjayakan misi kami dalam menyokong gaya hidup sihat.

"Persatuan itu juga memperakui tumpuan kami ke atas pembangunan belia selain mengetengahkan kejayaan besar belia Malaysia," katanya.

-- BERNAMA 

RM1 Billion SME Development Fund To Be Generated Via Sukuk Issue

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The RM1 billion Small-and-Medium Entrepreneurs Development Scheme, announced in the 2013 Budget, will be funded via the issue of sukuk or Islamic bonds.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=702510
Published: October 17, 2012

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir said SME Bank has been given the mandate to manage the funds aimed at helping SMEs gain access to further financing to develop their businesses.

"However, the terms and conditions of the scheme are still in the preparatory stage and will be ready by year-end," he said in winding up the debate on the Supplies Bill 2013 in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.

He said SMEs can source for funding from the scheme beginning January.

Mukhriz said information on the scheme would be disseminated by the bank to SMEs at seminars, entrepreneurship expositions and clinics and, the media.

-- BERNAMA 

Bank Rakyat tunggu keputusan Bank Negara

KUALA LUMPUR 12 Okt. - Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd. (Bank Rakyat) masih lagi menunggu keputusan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) berhubung pelantikan Pengarah Urusan baharu bank koperasi itu.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Korporat/20121013/ko_02/Bank-Rakyat-tunggu-keputusan-Bank-Negara
Published: October 15, 2012

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata, beliau berharap BNM menyegerakan pelantikan jawatan nombor satu itu bagi mengelakkan sebarang spekulasi berlaku.

Menurutnya, beliau tidak tahu mengapa pelantikan orang kuat Bank Rakyat itu mengambil masa yang agak lama.

"Kita sudah lama menghantar nama calon dan kita harap sangat BNM tidak mengambil masa terlalu lama untuk melantik dan mengumumkan nama Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat yang baharu," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau menjawab demikian ketika ditanya mengenai spekulasi industri berhubung kelewatan pelantikan pengganti Datuk Kamaruzaman Che Mat yang telah bersara sejak akhir Februari lalu.
Sejak itu, jawatan berkenaan dipangku oleh Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman.

Mengulas mengenai khabar angin kononnya berlaku konflik dalam calon yang bakal menduduki kerusi utama itu, Ismail Sabri berkata, meskipun Bank Rakyat tertakluk kepada Akta Institusi Pembangunan Kewangan 2002 (Dafia) tetapi berdasarkan polisi, Menteri yang terlibat mempunyai kuasa dalam pelantikan itu.

"Dan, sudah menjadi polisi Bank Rakyat untuk mengutamakan 'orang dalam' kerana barisan pengurusan bank ini mempunyai calon-calon yang layak.
"Kalau ada pihak yang beranggapan barisan pengurusan sedia ada tidak mampu menguruskan Bank Rakyat, sudah lama bank ini rugi.

"Tetapi hakikatnya tidak begitu, Bank Rakyat sebuah bank yang berjaya mengekalkan keuntungan serta mampu memberi dividen tertinggi," jelas beliau.

Menjawab pertanyaan, Ismail Sabri berkata, Bank Rakyat tidak sama seperti bank-bank komersial yang lain kerana bank koperasi itu mempunyai tanggungjawab kepada ahli-ahli koperasi.
Malah, beliau sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa Bank Rakyat akan kekal sebagai bank koperasi.

Tambang haji Malaysia termurah

KUALA LUMPUR 10 Okt. - Malaysia menerusi Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) merupakan negara yang menawarkan pakej ibadah haji termurah iaitu pada kadar RM9,980 seorang, berbanding kos lebih mahal dikenakan di negara-negara jiran.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Parlimen/20121011/pa_01/Tambang-haji-Malaysia-termurah
Published: October 11, 2012

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom berkata, TH telah menyalurkan subsidi sebanyak RM125 juta tahun ini berbanding RM100 juta tahun lalu bagi mengekalkan harga berpatutan bagi ibadah tersebut.

"Lembaga Tabung Haji telah mengekalkan kos bayaran haji untuk Jemaah Muasassah (kali pertama) pada RM9,980 seorang walaupun tempoh berada di tanah suci lebih daripada 40 hari.

"Jika dibuat perbandingan daripada maklumat negara jiran, Brunei mengenakan bayaran haji RM18,000, Singapura RM18,000, Indonesia antara RM15,000 hingga RM18,000 manakala Thailand antara RM16,000 hingga RM18,000," katanya menjawab soalan tambahan Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) dalam sidang Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

Ismail bertanyakan perbandingan harga pakej ibadah haji yang ditawarkan Malaysia berbanding dengan negara-negara jiran lain serta subsidi yang disalurkan oleh TH.

Menurut Jamil, walaupun kos sebenar haji telah meningkat kepada RM15,150 seorang berikutan faktor tertentu seperti pengangkutan dan penginapan, TH telah melaksanakan tanggungjawab sosial korporatnya (CSR) untuk menyerap kos tersebut menerusi hasil keuntungan pelaburan dan perniagaan.

Sementara itu, menjawab soalan tambahan Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) berkenaan gaji tinggi yang diterima Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif TH, Jamil Khir berkata, gaji sebanyak RM85,000 sebulan itu mengambil kira harga pasaran semasa dan kedudukannya sebagai pengerusi dalam kumpulan syarikat-syarikat besar di bawah TH.

Beliau memberitahu, Lembaga Tabung Haji yang merupakan antara institusi kewangan terunggul di dunia dengan menguruskan dana sebanyak RM34 bilion merangkumi 7.8 juta orang pendeposit dan hampir sejuta penyimpan.

"Saya suka maklumkan bukan sahaja negara-negara Islam, bahkan baru-baru ini kita mendapat permohonan dari persatuan Kristian yang ingin melihat contoh Tabung Haji diwujudkan sehingga mampu menguruskan jemaah dan memberi subsidi," katanya.

Menjawab soalan lain, Jamil Khir memberitahu, TH telah pun memulakan projek bagi membina sebuah kompleks jemaah haji baharu bertaraf hotel berhampiran Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di sini bagi menggantikan Kompleks Tabung Haji Kelana Jaya.

Sementara itu, berhubung soalan tambahan daripada Datuk Dr. Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis), Jamil Khir berkata, TH menyediakan khidmat kaunselor serta kumpulan Sahabat Haji bagi membantu jemaah haji Malaysia yang mempunyai masalah peribadi ketika berada di tanah suci.

Kekal kos haji RM9,980

TABUNG Haji (TH) masih mengekalkan kos bayaran haji untuk Jemaah Muassassah (kali pertama) pada RM9,980 seorang walaupun tempoh berada di Tanah Suci lebih daripada 40 hari sedangkan kos bayaran haji sebenar RM15,150.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/KekalkoshajiRM9_980/Article/index_html
Published: October 11, 2012

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom berkata, lebihan kos berkenaan adalah subsidi ditanggung oleh TH sebagai tanggungjawab sosial korporatnya (CSR) dapat diberikan hasil keuntungan pelaburan dan perniagaan TH.

Melihat kepada termasuk Indonesia, Singapura, Thailand dan Brunei, kadar kos bayaran haji dikenakan lebih tinggi jika dibandingkan jemaah haji pertama kali di negara ini dengan purata kos dikenakan antara RM15,000 hingga RM18,000 setiap jemaah.

“Seperti saya katakan, kos sebenar untuk mengerjakan haji bernilai RM15,150 pada tahun ini dan peningkatan kos RM25 juta pada tahun ini, berbanding kos sebanyak RM100 juta pada tahun lalu. Walaupun tambang kekal, tetapi ia membabitkan pe ningkatan lain-lain kos.

“Jika dibuat perbandingan dengan negara lain dalam kos jemaah haji yang pertama kali melakukan ibadah berkenaan seperti Brunei dan Singapura (RM18,000), Indonesia (RM15,000 dan RM18,000) serta Thailand (RM16,000 dan RM18,000),” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan tambahan dikemukakan Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) yang ingin mengetahui mengenai jumlah subsidi diberikan kerajaan kepada jemaah haji, selain perbandingan kos haji berbanding negara-negara jiran yang lain.

Jamil Khir turut diajukan soalan tambahan oleh Datuk Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis) mengenai usaha dilakukan TH dalam mengendalikan jemaah yang berdepan pelbagai cabaran serta mengalami gangguan perasaan ketika di Tanah Suci.

Menjawab soalan berkenaan, Jamil Khir berkata, menerusi laporan disiarkan mengenai jemaah haji di Tanah Suci banyak perkara dibincangkan termasuk isu dihadapi jemaah muassassah terpaksa berpisah dengan pasangan masing-masing.

“Dalam mendepani isu seperti itu, TH mempunyai bilik berkat khusus kepada pasangan suami isteri. Kita juga mempunyai kumpulan dikenali Sahabat Haji yang boleh membantu memberi kaunseling kepada jemaah bermasalah,” katanya ketika ditemui.

Menurutnya, TH sentiasa berusaha memberikan pulangan simpanan deposit yang kompetitif dan pada tahun lalu TH sudah membayar bonus enam peratus kepada pendeposit.

Dana RM3 juta baiki rumah asnaf di Pahang

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pahang/20121009/wp_03/Dana-RM3-juta-baiki-rumah-asnaf-di-Pahang

Published: October 09, 2012

Yusof Abdul Rahman (baris depan tiga dari kiri ) bersama pengurus-pengurus 

cawangan dan keluarga Normah Hud yang menerima sumbangan program 

Bantuan Baikpulih rumah Bank Rakyat di Kampung Kubang Panjang 

Mengkarak, Bera, Pahang kelmarin.

BERA 8 Okt. - Bank Rakyat akan mewujudkan satu dana khas sebanyak RM3 juta pada tahun depan bagi menjalankan tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) institusi perbankan itu bagi membaiki rumah keluarga asnaf di negeri ini.

Pemangku Pengarah Urusan Bank Rakyat, Datuk Yusof Abdul Rahman berkata, peruntukan khas antara RM25,000 sehingga RM35,000 diperuntukkan untuk sebuah rumah tersebut sekali gus membantu keluarga terbabit mendiami kediaman yang lebih selesa.

Jelasnya, ketika ini peruntukan sedemikian hanya diberi kepada keluarga tertentu berdasarkan terhadap permintaan dan permohonan daripada seperti ketua kampung, penghulu dan sebagainya.
"Pada tahun depan, pihak kami akan turun padang mencari individu atau keluarga yang benar-benar layak mendapat bantuan berkenaan dengan sokongan pentadbiran kampung.

"Kita tidak hanya berorientasikan keuntungan sahaja, tetapi tanggungjawab itu tidak diabaikan selari dengan status sebagai bank koperasi Islam terbesar di negara ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia selepas majlis penyerahan peruntukan bantuan baik pulih rumah keluarga Normah Hud bersama Ahli Parlimen Bera, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob di Kampung Kubang Panjang, Mengkarak di sini semalam.

Menurutnya, di daerah ini sahaja, dua penerima telah mendapat bantuan berkenaan iaitu seorang penduduk Kampung Durian Tawar, Abu Bakar Abdullah berjumlah RM27,000 dan seorang lagi penduduk kampung tersebut, Normah Hud sebanyak RM30,000.

Jelasnya, langkah itu adalah satu cara untuk membantu meringankan beban golongan asnaf di negeri ini sesuai dengan operasi perbankan Bank Rakyat.

"Sumbangan itu adalah selaras dengan saranan kerajaan supaya badan korporat berbakti demi mewujudkan masyarakat prihatin dan penyayang," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Ismail Sabri berharap lebih banyak badan korporat, jabatan kerajaan dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) mencontohi langkah Bank Rakyat.

Katanya, Syarikat-syarikat tempatan perlu melihat tanggungjawab korporat sebagai suatu peluang untuk maju dan bukannya sebagai suatu bebanan kepada mereka.

PruBSN SmartLink, The First To Extend Coverage For Unborn Babies

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsgeneral.php?id=700444

Published: October 08, 2012

By Nur Syuhada Shamsudin

SEPANG, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) today introduced the newly enhanced PruBSN SmartLink, the first takaful plan that enables its customers to provide cover for their child's future even before the baby is born.

Its Chief Executive Officer Azim Mithani said the product was built on the earlier PruBSN SmartLink which offered coverage for children aged one to 18 years old.

This enhanced SmartLink provides takaful coverage for an unborn child from as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy and is eligible for mothers aged between 19 and 45-years old, he told Bernama at the launching of the enhanced PruBSN SmartLink here today.

Customers who choose PruBSN Smartlink with Extra Basic will also get extra coverage with compassionate benefit of RM2,000 for fetus and RM5,000 for mothers within 60 days from delivery.

"The same coverage is applicable for unlimited deliveries as long as the mother is pregnant before 46 years old. The customers will also be entitled to cash a reward of RM200 after the second year their child born through the Immunisation Bonus," Azim said.

Azim said the payment will depend on the coverage that customers choose starting at as low as RM100 per month.

He said the product was now available at all PruBSN branches nationwide and believed that there will be good take up for it in the market.

-- BERNAMA

Pelan takaful untuk anak belum lahir

PRUDENTIAL BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) (www.prubsn.com.my) perkenal PruBSN SmartLink, pelan takaful pertama yang membolehkan pelanggan melindungi masa depan anak sebelum dilahirkan. Ketua Eksekutifnya, Azim Mithani berkata, produk itu dibangunkan berasaskan PruBSN SmartLink sebelumnya yang melindungi kanak-kanak berusia satu hingga 18 tahun.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Pelantakafuluntukanakbelumlahir/Article/index_html
Published: October 08, 2012

Pelindungan SmartLink yang ditambah baik itu melindungi janin seawal 20 minggu kehamilan dan layak untuk ibu berusia 19 hingga 45 tahun.
“Aspek lain ialah kami menjalin usaha sama dengan organisasi ‘stem life’. Perkhidmatan ini baik untuk pelanggan,” katanya pada majlis pelancaran PruBSN SmartLink yang ditambah baik di Sepang, kelmarin.

Pelanggan yang memilih PruBSN Smartlink dengan ‘Extra Basic’ akan memperoleh perlindungan tambahan meliputi manfaat belas kasihan RM2,000 untuk janin dan RM5,000 untuk ibu dalam tempoh 60 hari melahirkan anak.

“Jika bayi sakit, kami menyediakan penjagaan hospital RM300 sehari di Unit Rawatan Rapi selama 30 hari di hospital terpilih,” katanya.

Menurutnya, ibu bapa yang mahu memaksimumkan perlindungan, boleh menambah tanggungan ‘Baby Care’ bagi melanjutkan perlindungan mulai tempoh kehamilan sehingga 60 hari selepas bersalin.

“Perlindungan ini tidak menghadkan jumlah kelahiran selagi ibu yang hamil itu berusia bawah 46 tahun. Pelanggan mendapat RM300 selepas tahun kedua anak dilahirkan, menerusi Bonus Imunisasi,” katanya. - Bernama

Recharging the SME industry (Exim Bank)

THE small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) industry has been getting a lot of attention as of late, which is understandable, given the fact that it is considered the backbone of the Malaysian economy.
In July, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the SME Masterplan (2012-2020), describing it as a “game changer” to take the SME industry to a higher level.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/6/business/12116393&sec=business
Published: October 07, 2012

Industry experts believe that while having a masterplan in place is a good move, ensuring that certain perennial issues are addressed is vital so that the masterplan meets its objectives.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia SMEs chairman Koong Lin Loong believes that there has to be a “better understanding” between SMEs and policymakers for the industry to strive.

 

Fruitful discussion: (from left) Koong, Adissadikin, Soo, Kumararajah and Kang. While having the SME masterplan in place is a good move, experts believe that certain perennial issues must be addressed so that the plan meets its objectives.

 

“What is needed is a better understanding between SMEs and policymakers. The policymaker needs to come down to the ground level to understand SMEs better, while the SMEs need to understand what the policymakers are doing.

“Without this understanding between both parties, the gap will get bigger,” he says during a panel discussion titled “An Appraisal of the SME Masterplan 2012-2020,” earlier in the week.
The panel discussion was organised at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya in conjunction with the upcoming the Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA).

The other speakers were Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry assistant general secretary Dr A.T. Kumararajah, SMI Association of Malaysia deputy president Michael Kang and Exim Bank managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali.
The discussion was moderated by The Star's deputy executive editor Soo Ewe Jin.

Kang feels that Malaysian SMEs need to change the way they conduct their business before they can make an impact.

“All this while, SMEs have been going about doing business their own way. The issue is how to change them. The way I look at it, it's all about the mindset.

“They must change themselves, especially in this new era. A lot of things have changed. It's not like in the 1970s and 1980s where the Government had its own policies and SMEs had their own way of running things and both parties worked separately.

“The roads have been running separately and they need to converge. So the mindset needs change and both parties have to work together.”

Kumararajah feels that there has to be a “realignment of resources” to assist the “micro enterprises” in Malaysia.

Micro enterprises, according to him, are defined as business concerns with less than five full-time employees and an annual sales turnover of less than RM250,000 in the manufacturing sector and RM200,000 in the agricultural and services sectors.

“The game-changer (for the SME industry) is that there should be a realignment of resources, both quantitative and qualitative, towards the micro enterprises.”

Kumararajah also says the “realignment to help the micro enterprises” has to be done as soon as possible.
“Everything should have been due yesterday, because we only have seven years left (under the SME Masterplan). As far as we're concerned, 2012 is already as good as done.”

The SME Masterplan has proposed six high impact programmes, reinforced by other key initiatives to boost the SME sector within the next eight years.

The six programmes devised are the integration of business registration and licensing, the technology commercialisation platform, SME investment programme, going export programme, catalyst programme and inclusive innovation to empower the 40% of lowest income earners.

These programmes would enable the sector to achieve what is set out in the masterplan, based on a new SME development framework.

Under the new SME development framework, the masterplan targets to increase new businesses by 6% per year and the number of high growth and innovative firms by 10% per year while raising labour productivity from RM47,000 (2010) to RM91,000 and speed up the formalisation of businesses by reducing the informal sector to 15% gross national income from 31%.

The SME Masterplan also aims to expand SME's share in national employment and exports to 62% and 25% from the current 59% and 19%.

Aside from the programmes, there are four thematic measures to promote resource pooling and shared services, create demand for SME products and services, reduce information asymmetry and build capacity and knowledge.

Specifically for the business environment in east Malaysia, the initiatives proposed also include improving connectivity and basic amenities, reviewing restrictive laws and policies and easing market access.
Other macro supportive measures are the completion of the integrated trade clearance and facilitation system, implementation of the Bankruptcy Law to give entrepreneurs a second chance, review of SME taxation policy and synchronisation measures on productivity enhancement technologies with other relevant labour policies.

Adissadikin notes that funding is often a big issue for SMEs. Therefore, he believes that more proactive steps need to be taken to assist the micro enterprises.

“For many of these (SME) players, to produce what they are producing is already a challenge,” Adissadikin says, adding that funding should not only be made available for the “top-rung” SMEs.

“Funding-wise, we can't just look at the top-tier, but at the bottom-tier as well. We need to be sensitive to their needs to help them move up the curve.”
Koong says bankers should be more than just financial providers to SMEs.

“SMEs need to listen to someone that can be their adviser, and bankers are quite close to them.
“Instead of just lending them money, bankers should also advise them on how to grow.”
He says that if the SMEs don't get the necessary assistance, many would go out of business.

Citing the latest census report on SMEs, Koong points out that SMEs currently represent 97.3% of total business establishments in the country, which was a marginal drop from 99.2% previously.

According to the SMEs Census 2011 report, a total of 645,136 SMEs were operating their businesses in Malaysia in 2011, representing 97.3% of total business establishments.

The results showed that 90% of the establishments were in the services sector, 5.9% in the manufacturing sector and 3% in the construction sector.

The remaining were in the agriculture sector (1%) and mining and quarrying (0.1%).
SMEs in the services sector were the largest, with more than 580,000 establishments representing 98.2%, followed by SMEs in the manufacturing sector, 95.4%.

Meanwhile SMEs in the construction sector represented 87.1% of the total establishments in that sector.
The census showed that the percentage of micro establishments remained the same as compared with the census of 2005. Overall, the majority of SMEs or 77% were micro-sized establishments, followed by small establishments (20%) and medium-sized establishments (3%).

The services sector recorded the highest percentage of micro-sized establishments (79.6%) followed by manufacturing and agriculture 57.1% and 56.3% respectively.

SMEs in the mining and quarrying sector were mainly small in terms of size, registering 42.1%.
The census findings also showed that most of the SMEs were concentrated in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Perak, representing more than 50%.

Meanwhile, SMEs in Sabah and Sarawak represented 13.1% of total SMEs in Malaysia. From 645,136 active SMEs in operation, 19.7% were owned by women.
According to the census, SMEs contribution to gross domestic product increased from 29.4% in 2005 to 32.5% in 2011.

Meanwhile, 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.

PruBSN SmartLink, pelan takaful pertama untuk anak belum lahir

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/prubsn-smartlink-pelan-takaful-pertama-untuk-anak-belum-lahir-1.92015

Published: October 07, 2012

SEPANG -  Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) memperkenal PruBSN SmartLink, pelan takaful pertama yang membolehkan pelanggan melindungi masa depan anak masing-masing, sebelum anak itu dilahirkan lagi.

Ketua Eksekutifnya Azim Mithani berkata produk itu dibangunkan berasaskan PruBSN SmartLink sebelumnya yang melindungi kanak-kanak berusia satu hingga 18 tahun.

Pelindungan SmartLink yang ditambah baik itu melindungi janin seawal 20 minggu kehamilan, layak untuk ibu berusia 19 hingga 45 tahun, katanya.

"Aspek lain produk itu ialah kami sudah menjalin usaha sama dengan organisasi "stem life". Perkhidmatan ini baik untuk pelanggan," katanya kepada Bernama pada pelancaran PruBSN SmartLink yang ditambah baik itu di sini hari ini.

Pelanggan yang memilih PruBSN Smartlink dengan "Extra Basic" akan memperoleh perlindungan tambahan yang meliputi manfaat belas kasihan RM2,000 untuk janin dan RM5,000 untuk ibu dalam tempoh 60 hari melahirkan anak.

"Jika bayi sakit, kami akan menyediakan penjagaan hospital pada kadar RM300 sehari di Unit Rawatan Rapi selama 30 hari di hospital terpilih," katanya.

Beliau berkata ibu bapa yang mahu memaksimumkan perlindungan, boleh menambah tanggungan "Baby Care" bagi melanjutkan perlindungan mulai tempoh kehamilan sehingga 60 hari selepas bersalin.

"Pelindungan ini tidak mengehadkan jumlah kelahiran selagi ibu yang hamil itu berusia sebelum 46 tahun. Pelanggan akan memperoleh wang tunai RM300 selepas tahun kedua anak dilahirkan, menerusi Bonus Imunisasi," katanya.

Azim berkata pembayaran itu bergantung kepada perlindungan yang dipilih oleh pelanggan, sama ada serendah RM100 sebulan, pembayaran setengah tahun atau setahun.

Beliau berkata produk itu yang kini boleh didapati di semula cawangan PruBSN, diyakini dapat menarik pasaran.- Bernama

SME Bank, IDB in halal fund deal

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM200 million Halal Industry Fund will play a part in stimulating halal industry growth for export market purposes, says SME Bank.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/halla/Article/
Published: October 05, 2012

In a statement yesterday, the development financial institution said it will join hands with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to provide the fund.

"The move is also expected to hasten the internationalisation of competitive small and medium enterprises in the global arena," it said.

On the 2013 Budget, the bank said a huge challenge awaits SME entrepreneurs in ensuring the production of high-impact halal products. "... The seed fund is a good initiative by the government to enable the country to compete with others, "it said. Bernama

Halal Industry Fund To Boost Halal Industry Growth For Export Market, Says SME Bank

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=699560

Published: October 05, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The RM200 million Halal Industry Fund will play a part in stimulating halal industry growth for export market purposes, SME Bank said today.

In a statement today, SME Bank said it will join hands with the Islamic Development Bank to provide the fund.

"The move is also expected to hasten the internationalisation of competitive small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global arena," it said.

On 2013 Budget, the bank said a huge challenge awaited small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in ensuring the production of high-impact halal products.

"This simultaneously paves the way for access to the global market. Although the allocation was expected to be much higher, the seed fund is a good initiative by the government to enable the country to compete with others such as Thailand in the world halal industry and further pioneers the global halal hub industry," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Dana Industri Halal tingkatkan industri bagi pasaran eksport

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/dana-industri-halal-tingkatkan-industri-bagi-pasaran-eksport-1.91478

Published: October 05, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR - Dana Industri Halal berjumlah RM200 juta akan memainkan peranan dalam merangsang pertumbuhan industri halal bagi tujuan pasaran eksport, kata SME Bank hari ini.
  
SME Bank dalam satu kenyataan berkata ia akan bekerjasama dengan Bank Pembangunan Islam untuk menyediakan dana itu.
  
"Langkah tersebut juga dijangka mempercepatkan usaha mengantarabangsakan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang kompetitif di arena global," kata bank itu.
  
Mengenai Belanjawan 2013, bank itu berkata cabaran besar menanti usahawan PKS dalam memastikan pengeluaran produk halal berimpak tinggi.
  
"Ini sekali gus membuka jalan bagi akses kepada pasaran global. Walaupun peruntukan dijangka lebih tinggi, dana benih merupakan inisiatif baik oleh kerajaan untuk membolehkan negara bersaing dengan negara lain seperti Thailand dalam industri halal dunia dan merintis lagi industri hab halal global," kata bank itu.
  
Sementara itu, Dana Pembiayaan Bumiputera bernilai RM1 bilion akan membantu PKS Bumiputera membiayai pembelian unit syarikat berkaitan kerajaan bagi memastikan pegangan ekuiti kekal milik Bumiputera.
  
PKS yang menyertainya kelaknya akan mempunyai sumber modal bagi melaksanakan pembelian seumpama itu, kata bank tersebut.
  
"Ini akan menjadi tugas paling mencabar dalam konteks membina kapasiti dan keupayaan PKS Bumiputera dalam menerajui syarikat-syarikat ini dan kemudiannya mencapai penyenaraian di Bursa Malaysia," kata SME Bank.
  
Bank itu berkata program latihan dan perundingan profesional berkaitan pembelian, pengurusan dan tadbir urus korporat perlu diadakan bagi merealisasikan matlamat tersebut, termasuk program pasca pembelian yang menumpukan kepada pengukuhan prestasi. - Bernama

RM200j rangsang industri halal eksport

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/RM200jrangsangindustrihalaleksport/Article/index_html

Published: October 05, 2012

DANA Industri Halal berjumlah RM200 juta akan memainkan peranan dalam merangsang pertumbuhan industri halal bagi tujuan pasaran eksport.

SME Bank berkata, ia akan bekerjasama dengan Bank Pembangunan Islam untuk menyediakan dana itu dan langkah berkenaan juga dijangka dapat mempercepatkan usaha mengantarabangsakan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang berdaya saing di arena global.

Mengenai Belanjawan 2013, bank itu berkata, cabaran besar menanti usahawan PKS dalam memastikan pengeluaran produk halal berimpak tinggi. “Ini sekali gus membuka jalan bagi akses kepada pasaran global.

“Walaupun peruntukan dijangka lebih tinggi, dana benih adalah inisiatif baik kerajaan untuk membolehkan negara bersaing dengan negara lain seperti Thailand dalam industri halal dunia dan merintis lagi industri hab halal global,” kata bank itu dalam kenyataan di Kuala Lumpur. Sementara itu, Dana Pembiayaan Bumiputera bernilai RM1 bilion akan membantu PKS Bumiputera membiayai pembelian unit syarikat berkaitan kerajaan bagi memastikan pegangan ekuiti kekal milik Bumiputera. “Ini akan menjadi tugas paling mencabar dalam konteks membina kapasiti dan keupayaan PKS Bumiputera dalam menerajui syarikat ini dan kemudian mencapai penyenaraian di Bursa Malaysia,” katanya.

SME Bank berkata, program latihan dan perundingan profesional berkaitan pembelian, pengurusan dan tadbir urus korporat perlu diadakan bagi merealisasikan matlamat berkenaan termasuk program pasca pembelian yang menumpukan kepada pengukuhan prestasi.

Exim bank to extend US$95m facility to PLUS unit

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

Published: October 05, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (Exim Bank) has extended credit facilities of US$95 million to PT Lintas Marga Sedaya to part finance the development of the Cikampek-Palimanan toll road in Indonesia.

The bank, together with 21 other banking and financial institutions signed credit facilities agreement worth RM2.9 billion in Jakarta yesterday to finance the Cikampet-Palimanan toll highway that requires a total investment of RM4.15 billion.

Exim Bank managing director and chief executive Datuk Adissadikin Ali said as a development financial institution primarily responsible to facilitate Malaysians for cross border ventures, Exim Bank will continue to support this endeavour.

"We are proud to assist PLUS in their first toll road project in Indonesia," he said in a statement made available to Business Times.

PLUS began its first highway project in Indonesia to build the Cikampek-Palimanan toll highway in West Jawa since December 8, 2011.

The RM4.15 billion highway is being built by a joint venture firm, LMS, in which PLUS has 55 per cent equity, while local partner, Baskhara Utama Sedaya holds the remaining 45 per cent.

The project is being implemented under the build, operate and transfer concept. In this regard, LMS has been awarded a 35-year concession to manage the highway slated for completion in 2014.

The 116km highway will link two other highways that will form the Trans Jawa highway, the main land corridor access in this densely-populated island of 124 million people.

The Cikampek-Palimanan highway will have four lanes, two each on both sides, with adequate reserve land for expansion to six lanes in future.

When completed, the highway will be linked to the Jakarta-Cikampek toll highway and Palimanan-Kanci toll highway, both in West Jawa, which have been completed and are operational.

Exim biayai projek jalan

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

Published: October 03, 2012

EXIM Bank menyertai perjanjian bersindiket kredit bagi menyediakan kemudahan pinjaman RM2.9 bilion untuk membiayai pembangunan jalan tol Cikampek-Palimanan, Jakarta yang memerlukan jumlah pelaburan RM4.15 bilion.

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Adissadikin Ali berkata, EXIM Bank menyokong usaha ini sebagai institusi kewangan pembangunan yang bertanggungjawab dalam memudahkan rakyat Malaysia untuk penerokaan sempadan bersilang.

SMEs need to be innovative

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/3/business/12114520&sec=business

Published: October 03, 2012
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM
eugenicz@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to be innovative at all levels of their business operations, even with basic things such as cutting cost, according to Exim Bank managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali.

“Innovation need not be high-tech. Even if SMEs cut cost, that itself is innovative,” he said at a panel discussion titled “An Appraisal of the SME Masterplan 2012-2020” here.
The panel discussion was organised at Menara Star, in conjunction with the upcoming Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA).

The other speakers were Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry assistant general secretary Dr AT Kumararajah, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia SMEs chairman Koong Lin Loong and SMI Association of Malaysia deputy president Michael Kang.
The discussion held yesterday was moderated by The Star's deputy executive editor Soo Ewe Jin.
Koong said many SMEs, despite being innovative, lacked the ability to properly commercialise themselves.

“The SMEs that are innovative don't have the mindset to commercialise themselves.
“They need the relevant quantitative and qualitative support,” he said.
Kang said many SMEs did not focus on human capital development, but noted that it was something that most players are keen to build on.

“We did a survey and found that a lot of SMEs are willing to engage in human capital training.”
Kumararajah concurred that developing talents was imperative for SMEs.
“The difference between a good company and a great company ... is the people.”
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.

PruBSN Takaful expands footprint in Ipoh

Source from (The Malay Mail): http://www.mmail.com.my/story/prubsn-takaful-expands-footprint-ipoh-31812

Published: October 02, 2012

REACHING OUT: Azim with the children from Rumah 

Anak Yatim Jasa at the mini library launch in Ipoh

WITH its new branch in Ipoh, Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd (PruBSN) aims to cater to the growing demands for syariah compliant offerings in the north of Peninsular Malaysia, complementing the Sungai Petani branch.

PruBSN chief executive officer Azim Mithani said this follows the launch of its new branch in Malacca, in line with the company’s long term expansion plans and reach across the country. These branches are part of PruBSN’s effort to grow its business rapidly and realise its goal as the top takaful operator, he said, adding that the company is investing approximately RM1.4 million for the new business centre.

With its “A-Book, A-Child, A-Week” programme, PruBSN also established its seventh mini library for the children of Rumah Anak Yatim Jasa in Ipoh.

RM2.25b tingkatkan pertumbuhan PKS (SME Bank)

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/RM2_25btingkatkanpertumbuhanPKS/Article

Published: October 01, 2012
Oleh Mohd Zaky Zainuddin

Kuala Lumpur: SME Bank menyasar untuk memastikan dana RM2.25 bilion yang diperuntukkan menerusi Bajet 2013 disalurkan secara berkesan kepada kumpulan sasaran untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) di negara ini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, berkata untuk tujuan itu, SME Bank akan bekerjasama rapat dengan agensi kerajaan, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) serta pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO).

Beliau berkata, keseluruhan jumlah peruntukan yang disalurkan kerajaan itu merangkumi empat inisiatif strategik iaitu Dana Pembiayaan Bumiputera, Skim Pembangunan PKS, Dana Industri Halal dan Dana Usahawan Muda.

Ia adalah tanggungjawab besar yang perlu dipikul SME Bank dan kami akan menggandakan usaha untuk memenuhi hasrat dan mandat yang diberikan oleh kerajaan.

Apa yang lebih penting adalah mewujudkan PKS kompetitif dan terus memberi sumbangan kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK), katanya kepada BH.

Peruntukan diagih

Daripada RM2.25 bilion yang diperuntukkan kerajaan, sejumlah RM1 bilion daripadanya adalah Dana Pembiayaan Bumiputera untuk membantu usahawan membiayai pengambilalihan anak syarikat milik GLC yang menjalankan aktiviti bukan teras dan dikenal pasti untuk diambilalih.
Selain itu, RM1 bilion lagi adalah dana di bawah Skim Pembangunan PKS, manakala baki RM200 juta disediakan menerusi Dana Industri Halal untuk membiayai modal kerja PKS yang diuruskan SME Bank dengan kerjasama Bank Pembangunan Islam serta RM50 juta bagi Dana Usahawan Muda.

Sementara itu, Presiden Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia (IKHLAS), Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah berharap SME Bank tidak mengenakan syarat terlalu ketat kepada usahawan PKS khususnya Bumiputera untuk mendapatkan pembiayaan berkenaan.

Katanya, sebelum ini institusi kewangan itu dikatakan kurang mesra dengan usahawan Bumiputera menyebabkan kebanyakan permohonan mendapatkan pinjaman untuk meluaskan perniagaan ditolak.

Sejak tahun 2000, kami menerima banyak aduan mengenai proses ketat dan kerenah birokrasi yang diamalkan SME Bank. Jadi IKHLAS mengharapkan perkara ini diperhalusi bank berkenaan, katanya.

Beliau berkata, insentif yang diumumkan kerajaan memberi impak besar kepada PKS, namun ia tidak akan bermakna jika ia gagal di peringkat pelaksanaan.

Harap SME Bank memberi sedikit kelonggaran kepada PKS khususnya Bumiputera untuk mendapatkan pinjaman menerusi pembiayaan yang diumumkan Bajet 2013, katanya.

Kelantan BSN to expand registered agent programme

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20121001001726/Article/index_html

Published: October 01, 2012

KOTA BAHARU: Kelantan Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) is expanding its programme to encourage public premises especially sundry shops to become registered agents with the bank.

BSN Kelantan branch director, Mohd Azian Abu Samah, said the move is in line with the bank's objective as a community bank that focuses on local residents.

He said since its introduction last June, the bank now has 148 Registered Bank Agents in Kelantan and recorded 91,000 transactions worth RM7.97 million.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of Registered Banking Agent programme with the community, here today, he said the figure is part of 4,000 Registered Banking Agents nationwide targeted until end of this year.

He said transactions through the programme is carried out at premises with Point Of Sale (POS) terminal equipped with wireless GPRS (general packet radio service).

"Among the services provided at the initial stage are deposit, withdrawal, bill payment, buying premium savings certificate, and non-cash payment," he said.

Mohd Azian said BSN will continue to be progressive to empower initiatives covering finance for all levels of the community and is always committed to provide quality and more efficient services to customers and the people.

BERNAMA