Investors Still Underwhelmed with Amanah Saham’s 5.75% Return Rates

Since 1979, Amanah Saham has provided Malaysians with steady annual returns from government investments. With over 40 years of history, both older and current generations are benefiting from their investments.

Investors underwhelmed with Amanah Saham’s return rates

However, investors on social media are not pleased with the most recent return rates. Many long for the mid-2010s when returns were relatively high at around 7-8% plus the bonus percentage. This changed in 2020 when the rates dropped to 5% after the bonus.

In late December 2024, Amanah Saham announced their rates to which countless social media users responded. There are some who are pleased that the rates went up slightly, while others showed their dismay by calling the new rates “lemah,” which translates to weak in English. 

As a primary savings account for some, users are encouraging others to diversify their savings into other investment fields. A user on X recommended investing in gold, citing higher return rates. However, it’s important to note that ASB/ASN investments are considered some of the safest and with the least amount of risk in the country.

According to Professor Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Sabri, former director at the Institute of Tun Dr Mahathir Thoughts states, ASB’s current performance isn’t solely due to global economic conditions or the pandemic (though these factors certainly contributed). Experts believe there is a fundamental mismatch between traditional investment strategies and the evolving new-world economy.

Other sectors Amanah Saham can look into

Professor Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin then states, “I’ve been watching how younger investors are making money these days. They’re into sectors that barely existed when ASB started – fintech, e-commerce, digital services. ASB needs to get with the program. We can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results.”

Following that, Professor Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin recommends regular dividends to improve cash flow management and reduce year-end anxiety, aiding financial planning. Frequent reinvestment enhances long-term returns. ASB can adjust distributions based on real-time performance, aligning with modern investment standards seen in global products.

Difference in savings among Malaysians

Additionally, an X page @thefuturizts observed the stark difference in terms of savings between the upper class and working class. Apparently, over 77% of investors have less than RM5,000. Which means only 23% of those investing with ASB/ASN would have more than RM5,000. 

Nevertheless, Amanah Saham must find innovative ways to keep their investors satisfied. Embracing change and renewal is considered a form of innovation, which is preferable to being stuck in a time when circumstances were different.