UNIT TRUST INVESTMENT WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD

NILAI $$$ KIAN MENGECIL AKIBAT INFLASI

2011-03-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

INFLASI DUNIA - 2007

INFLASI HAKIS $$$ DARI HARI KE HARI...

APA ITU INFLASI?
Inflasi adalah sesuatu keadaan ekonomi dimana ia berlaku akibat kenaikan harga yang berterusan.

APAKAH PUNCA INFLASI?

1. Inflasi Tarikan Permintaan
Berlaku apabila bekalan barangan dan perkhidmatan tidak mencukupi untuk memenuhi permintaan. la berpunca daripada pertambahan permintaan secara tiba-tiba dalam jangkamasa pendek. Pengeluar kesuntukan masa untuk menambah pengeluaran bagi memenuhi permintaan. Peniaga pula mengambil kesempatan untuk memperolehi keuntungan yang lebih.

2. Inflasi Tolakan Kos
Berlaku apabila kos pengeluaran meningkat. Pengeluar akan memindahkan kos yang ditanggung kepada pengguna dengan menaikkan harga barangan atau perkhidmatan untuk mengekalkan keuntungan.

3. Inflasi Bekalan Wang
Berlaku apabila bekalan wang meningkat melebihi bekalan barangan atau perkhidmatan dalam pasaran. Inflasi ini iasanya berlaku semasa peperangan. Wang yang banyak dicetak untuk membiayai perbelanjaan peperangan. Wang yang akhirnya menyebabkan inflasi. Oleh itu adalah penting untuk mempastikan peningkatan bekalan wang pada tahap tertentu bersesuaian dengan barangan don perkhidmatan yang ada di pasaran setiap masa.

4. Inflasi Pentadbiran Harga
Berlaku apabila hanya terdapat sebuah syarikat (monopoli) atau sebilangan kecil syarikat (oligopoll) yang membekalkan barangan atau perkhidmatan, pengeluar biasanya mempunyai kuasa untuk menentukan harga. Jika pengeluar menggunakan kuasa itu, harga akan meningkat. Pengguna tidak mempunyai pilihan dan terpaksa membeli pada paras harga yang ditentukan oleh pengeluar atau pembekal.

Pengeluar atau pembekal berkemungkinan akan menaikkan harga barangan atau perkhidmatan untuk menikmati keuntungan yang lebih besar sama ada kos meningkat atau tidak. Harga sedemikian dipanggil harga pentadbiran,

5. Inflasi Yang Diimport
Faktor-faktor luar negara juga boleh menyebabkon inflasi. Apabila kos bahan-bahan mentah, barang siap atau perkhidmatan yang dilmport dari luar negara meningkat, ia akan menyebabkan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan di pasaran tempatan meningkat tanpa mudah disedari. Kenaikan harga barangan import boleh berlaku secara langsung iaitu inflasi yang berlaku di negara pengeksport atau tidak langsung melalui perubahan kadar pertukaran wang asing yang memlhak kepada negara pengeksport.

LANGKAH MEMBENDUNG INFLASI
1. Mengawal Permintaan
Jumlah permintaan melebihi jumlah penawaran di pasaran menyebabkan harga meningkat. Oleh itu adalah perlu untuk mengekalkan jumlah permintaan pada tahap yang munasabah.

2. Mengawal Bekalan
Dilakukan dengan cara meningkatkan bekalan melalui peningkatan produktiviti, memperbaiki jaringan pengedaran, mengimport bahan mentah yang lebih murah dan mengurangkan pembaziran merupakan langkah berkesan untuk mengurangkan tekanan inflasi.

3. Polisi Ekonomi Makro
Tindakan Kerajaan melalui pengurusan cukai, kewangan dan pentadbiran untuk menentukan halacara pembangunan negara.

PERANAN PENGGUNA MENGHADAPI INFLASI
- Jangan beli semasa harga tinggi. Beli semasa ditawarkan harga rendah.
- Elakkan pembaziran, berjimat dan membeli apabila perlu sahaja dan mengikut rancangan perbelanjaan dan kemampuan anda.
- Cari kedai yang menawarkan harga yang berpatutan serta yang meletakkan tanda harga.
- Dapatkan harga terbaik juga dengan cara tawar-menawar jika clapat dilakukan.
- Pengguna perlu memainkan peranan sebagai pengeluar atau pemberi khidmat untuk meningkatkan produktiviti mereka.
- Pengguna/pengeluar hendaklah beretika.
- Memperbaiki yang lama lebih baik daripada membeli baru, jika ekonomik.

Bagaimana untuk mengatasi Inflasi?

Menyimpanlah di instrumen kewangan yang mampu menangani kadar inflasi seperti Unit Amanah yang mampu memberikan pulangan > 10% setahun untuk jangkapanjang.

Dipetik daripada : Risalah Inflasi : Memahami Inflasi (Siri 3) , Kemeterian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Kuala Lumpur.

Harga minyak mentah cecah paras tertinggi tempoh 2 tahun

2011-02-26T03:25:00.000-08:00

PASARAN saham utama seluruh dunia jatuh teruk semalam, sementara harga minyak diniagakan pada paras tertinggi dalam tempoh dua tahun berikutan meningkatnya ketegangan politik di Libya.

Dipengaruhi sentimen yang sama, penanda aras utama Bursa Malaysia, Indeks Komposit Kuala Lumpur FTSE Bursa Malaysia (FBM KLCI), susut 0.80 peratus atau 12.22 mata untuk ditutup pada 1,513.63 mata. Penganalisis berkata, suasana panik susulan kebimbangan di Asia Barat itu menyebabkan sebahagian besar pelabur menarik keluar pelaburan dalam pasaran ekuiti, sekali gus menyebabkan penurunan ketara indeks utama global. Di Asia, pasaran mengalami kejatuhan paling besar semalam ialah Jepun dengan Indeks Nikkei 225 menjunam 1.78 peratus atau 192.83 mata kepada 10,664.70 mata.

Ia diikuti pasaran saham Hong Kong dengan Indeks Hang Seng jatuh 2.11 peratus atau 494.61 mata kepada 22,990.81 mata, manakala Indeks Komposit Shanghai China susut 76.73 mata kepada 2,855.52 mata.

Indeks Straits Times Singapura pula merosot 1.4 peratus atau 51.48 mata kepada 3,019.12 mata.

Di Eropah, pasaran saham London susut 0.6 peratus, DAX Germany (0.5 peratus) dan Paris (0.9 peratus) pada dagangan awal masing-masing semalam.

Penganalisis Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank-IB), Suhaimi Ilias berkata, kebanyakan pelabur ketika ini cenderung melepaskan pegangan masing-masing kerana enggan menanggung risiko kerugian susulan kebimbangan ketegangan politik di Libya.

Katanya, kebimbangan utama di kalangan peserta pasaran ketika ini ialah sama ada ketegangan di Libya itu boleh merebak ke negara Asia Barat lain seperti Iran, sekali gus boleh menjejaskan pengeluaran minyak negara Pertubuhan Negara Pengeksport Minyak (OPEC).

“Keadaan sedikit tidak menentu hari ini (semalam) kerana pelabur menjual pegangan masing-masing susulan ketegangan di Libya yang menyaksikan harga minyak mentah dunia melonjak tinggi semalam.

“Dalam kekalutan itu, pelabur kini lebih selesa untuk memegang tunai, menanti keadaan kembali tenang sebelum membuat pembelian,” katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Penanda aras kontrak minyak mentah New York Merchantile Exchange bagi penghantaran Mac melonjak AS$7.20 kepada AS$93.40 setong pada lewat petang semalam dalam dagangan elektronik Asia.

Di London, minyak mentah Brent bagi penghantaran April di ICE Futures Exchange pula meningkat AS$1.53 kepada AS$107.27 setong, iaitu paras tertinggi yang pernah dicatatkannya sejak akhir 2008.

Namun di sebalik kejatuhan semalam, Ketua Penganalisis OSK Research, Chris Eng kekal yakin pasaran saham tempatan dapat bertahan daripada tekanan faktor luaran itu dengan FBM KLCI masih mampu melepasi paras 1,600 mata untuk mencatatkan paras tertinggi barunya, 1,648 mata tahun ini.

Katanya, jangkaan pengumuman pendapatan korporat yang kukuh, pelaksanaan projek Program Transformasi Ekonomi (ETP) dan peningkatan keyakinan pelabur ke atas prospek pertumbuhan ekonomi Asia, termasuk Malaysia akan menjadi pemacu kepada pertumbuhan indeks itu.

“Pelabur ketika ini lebih cenderung bertindak balas keterlaluan terhadap sesuatu arah aliran pasaran, namun kami yakin, keadaan itu hanya sementara,” katanya.

SIMPANAN UNIT AMANAH MENGUNTUNGKAN, CUMA KENAPA MASIH ADA YG RUGI???

2011-02-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

1. Kurangnya maklumat atau pendedahan mengenai pelaburan di dalam Unit Trust.
Bagi rakan-rakan yang berminat untuk membuat simpanan di dalam unit trust ini,pastikan anda mendapat maklumat yang secukupnya dari Adviser yang ber"licence" dan bertanya apa saja yang tidak faham. Dengan berlagak faham akan hanya menjadikan anda menghadapi masalah nanti.

2. Mau kaya cepat / cepat untung.
Seanterio dunia tahu, semua orang mahu kaya cepat, mahu buat untung cepat tetapi biarlah kena saluran yang betul. Janganlah kerana nak cepat untung, masuk skim yg bukan bukan. Akhir sekali, menangis airmata darah pun tiada gunanya. LAIN PULAK dengan Unit Trust, "NOT GUARANTTED BUT PROVEN". Apa yang diperlukan ada dalam diri anda sebagai pelabur adalah Disiplin , Berobjektif dan Menyimpan utk tempoh yg lama (3-5 tahun ).

3. Unit Trust = Saham?????
Ada yang menganggap simpanan di dalam unit trust ini samalah seperti melabur dengan stock market di Bursa Malaysia. Soalan ini sering diutarakan oleh bakal bakal pelabur Maakl Mutual. Bak kata pepatah Lain ayah, lain emak.

4. Pengaruh dari rakan rakan.
Sikap suka mendengar cakap rakan-rakan yang negatif dan sememangnya tidak tahu langsung selok belok simpanan di dalam unit trust. Nasihat saya - dapatkan penerangan yang jelas dari mereka yang arif.Jangan mudah terpengaruh dengan cerita cerita yang tidak elok.

5. Tidak konsisten dan terpesong dari tujuan asal simpanan.
Tujuan asal menyimpan adalah untuk persaraan, tup tup , baru 2 tahun, dah melatah, dah sibuk nak keluarkan. Awal awal lagi adviser dah maklumkan, simpan untuk persaraan adalah untuk jangka panjang. Macamanalah nak capai hajat simpanan kalau begini fiilnye. Habis tue salahkan adviser...mana ada untung sedangkan salah diri sendiri.
Samalah jugak dgn simpanan utk pelajaran. Simpan.....belum sampai 1 tahun, sibuk nak keluarkan sedangkan dah plan utk pelajaran anak anak. Macamana nak capai target...tidak disiplin menyimpan.

6. Consultant yang tidak bertanggungjawab.
Terdapat berpuluh ribu konsultan di Malaysia ini tetapi tidak semuanya adalah konsultan yang bertanggungjawab dan professional. Ada yang dapat klien dan biarkan begitu aje, dapat komisen , lepastu dibiarkan aje.

InsyaAllah kami, tugas kami bertanggungjawab dan menjaga wang simpanan Pelabur sebagaimana kami menjaga wang kami sendiri. Amanah yang diberikan adalah satu penghargaan kepada kami…

SIMPAN WANG UTK KOS PELAJARAN ANAK-ANAK

2011-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

APAKAH MATLAMAT ANDA SELEPAS MENGHANTAR ANAK ANAK ANDA KE SEKOLAH RENDAH - SEKOLAH MENENGAH? CUKUP SETAKAT SPM? KALAU KEPUTUSAN CEMERLANG? IPTA / IPTS - IMPIAN SEMUA IBUBAPA.
MASALAH KEWANGAN MULA MENGHANTUI BENAK FIKIRAN.
PINJAMAN BANK DI TOLAK.

TINDAKAN YANG SEPATUTNYA DILAKUKAN??????

BUAT PERSEDIAAN AWAL.

Langkah langkah yang dicadangkan:-
-Mulakan simpanan sebaik sahaja anak anak dilahirkan.
-Jangan pernah terfikir untuk menggunakan simpanan tersebut untuk tujuan lain.
-Disiplin dan tetapkan objektif anda.
-Sampai masa - RM dah tersedia untuk anak anak anda.

BAGAIMANA CARANYA?

-Sediakan cek serendah RM1,000-00 atas nama MAAKL MUTUAL BHD (amaun paling minima)

-Sediakan Salinan kad pengenalan
-Sediakan salinan buku akaun / penyata untuk potongan setiap bulan.( RM100 paling minima )

InsyaAllah , anak anak anda akan berterima kasih kepada anda kerana anda adalah Ibubapa yang bertanggungjawab.

BAGAIMANA UNIT AMANAH MEMBANTU MENGANDAKAN WANG SIMPANAN KWSP ANDA UTK PERSARAAN?

2011-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

1. KETIKA MASIH BERKERJA...

1. SELEPAS BERSARA

3. TINDAKAN BIJAK KETIKA MASIH BEKERJA

ADAKAH DENGAN HANYA MERUNGUT AKAN MENAMBAHKAN SIMPANAN ANDA??

2011-02-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

MAKSIMAKAN EPF (AK1) ANDA DENGAN LEBIH BIJAK DEMI MASA DEPAN!!!

MENGAPA PERLU AGIHKAN SIMPANAN ANDA DLM AK 1 KWSP KE UNIT AMANAH?

2011-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Senario A - Anda biarkan sahaja RM anda dalam akaun 1 Kwsp selama 15 tahun.

Senario B - Anda agihkan jumlah tertentu yang dibenarkan oleh Kwsp untuk di simpan ke dalam Unit Amanah

A -Jumlah terkumpul = RM88,500-00

B -Jumlah terkumpul = RM109,500

PENGURANGAN KEUNTUNGAN SEBANYAK RM21,000-00 ( B – A )JIKA TIDAK MEMBUAT PELABURAN DI DALAM UNIT AMANAH MAAKL MUTUAL

YANG MANA SATU PILIHAN ANDA??

GANDAKAN SIMPANAN KWSP ANDA DI UNIT AMANAH BERSAMA MAAKL..

2011-01-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

Salam…

Pihak kerajaan Malaysia telah membenarkan pengeluaran dari akaun 1 KWSP untuk dilaburkan ke dalam dana dana di Unit Trust Company termasuk MAAKL MUTUAL BHD sejak tahun 1996 lagi. TENTU ADA SEBABNYA.........rujuk gambar di ATAS

Apakah anda tidak mahu wang simpanan anda di KWSP bertambah dari jumlah yang sepatutnya ( melalui caruman biasa )? Kami di MAAKL MUTUAL BHD ada caranya.

HUBUNGI SAYA, AZIAN HUSSIN-014-2210930 untuk penerangan lanjut secara percuma.

Way too young to retire at 55?

2010-12-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday May 2, 2010

Way too young to retire at 55?
By JOSEPH LOH

With the lifespan of a Malaysian man projected to be 74.4 in 2025, will the individual be able to support himself into old age if he retires at 55? It may be a win-win situation if the age is extended as keeping those beyond 55 would boost the workforce.

IF MALAYSIA’S maximum retirement age is increased to 60, there could potentially be close to a million more workers to boost the nation’s workforce within five years.

Extending the “traditional” retirement age from 55 could very well be part of a solution to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers.

Talk is rife again that the retirement age may be extended. Cuepacs has been pushing for an increase in the maximum of the retirement age of civil servants to 60 for about 10 years. Having partially succeeded in achieving its goals twice – from 55 to 56 in 2001, and to 58 in 2008 – it is pushing the envelope further and recently made another proposal to the Government to raise it to 60.

According to the Malaysian Statistics Department’s Labour Force Survey Report 2008, the total number of employed persons from the age band of 50 to 54 is 872,700 while those between 55 and 59 number 476,800, or 4.5% of the total workforce of 10,659,600 in the country.

Although there is no fixed statutory limit for retirement for Malaysia, there are inferences to the age of 55 in other legislation.

“For example, the EPF act says you can withdraw your savings when you reach 55. Additionally, the Employees’ Social Security (Socso) Acts say once you reach 55, you are no longer eligible for an invalidity pension. These are the things that have led the country to adopt 55 as the retirement age,” says Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director Shamsuddin Bardan.

Cuepacs president Omar Osman believes that raising the retirement age is the way forward for the country.

“Most other countries, regionally and globally, have fixed the age at 60 or later. Malaysia is one of the few countries where the working population retires relatively early. The time is ripe to raise the age to 60 so we can be brought in line with other countries,” he says.

Shamsuddin says that 80% of the private sector sets the age at 55.

“It was set in the context of the 1950s, where the life expectancy at that time was lower than 55. So people did not even live to retirement age then,” he says.

However, recent statistics show that life expectancy among Malaysians has increased dramatically. For men, it was 47 in 1950, rising to 66 in 1980, 70.8 in 2000 and is projected to be 74.4 in 2025 (women tend to live about five years longer).

The issue that arises from a longer life span is the ability of the individual to support himself into old age.

“If we stick to 55, then we have a gap of about 20 years for the individual to live. How will they support themselves for that period?” he says.
Shamsuddin says the majority of people in the private sector tend to rely solely on their EPF savings, and most the time it is insufficient.

According to EPF statistics, members have an average savings of RM132,539.78 at age 55. Given that an individual can live for about 20 years after retiring, this only leaves him with a mere RM552 per month to live on.

“This is below the national poverty line of RM750,” says Shamsuddin, qualifying that the figure is for the total household income.

However, he informs that if a person was to work for an additional five years, his savings would go up by about RM40,000.
“With the additional savings, he would have just over RM700 per month, which is still below the poverty line, but it is better,” he says.

Dr Jariah Masud, senior research fellow, Gerontology Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, brings up the point that Malaysians are starting families later in life than before.

“They may still have school-going children at retirement, and there is no comprehensive social protection system or a universal pension scheme. Furthermore, Malaysians, generally speaking, do not do much financial planning for retirement,” she says.

One point that constantly arises is the loss of human capital if people retire at 55.

Dr Jariah opines that with a population of about 28 million, Malaysia’s human resources are limited, and their continued service will be useful for national development.

Omar adds that training a new set of workers to take over from retired posts will incur a high cost, and it would be prudent to keep the experienced in service for longer periods.

“Anyway, it is a waste to train a person up to a high level and then let them go early,” he says.

Dr Jariah says that logically, those at the tail end of their careers have vast experience behind them, and are naturally better at their jobs than those with fewer years of experience.

In a study conducted by the university, 96.3% of respondents acknowledged that older people have amassed considerable expertise and skills.

“Take educationists, for example. Professors and lecturers with 30 years of teaching behind them are better than those with just five. Provided, that is, that they stay in the same organisation,” she says.

Omar shares the opinions and gives the example of judges where experience is crucial.

“Everybody can work, but how the younger people solve a problem compared to the older generation is different,” he says.

Dr Jariah believes that if they were to continue working, they need not necessarily be employed in the same position, and even their roles in the organisation could be changed.

“They can be turned into mentors and trainers, and be a model for the younger generation. That would be better than waiting for them to retire and then looking for new workers. It is also their obligation to transfer knowledge to younger workers so there is continuity,” she says.

However, Shamsuddin is not in favour of a blanket increase in the retirement age.

“Companies will be saddled with a higher cost of medical treatment for employees. Older workers usually draw a higher salary, so wage costs are also going to increase. There is also the possibility that their performance and productivity will go down,” he says, adding that the current system of a contractual re-employment, as practised currently, works well.

However, Omar says Cuepacs wants to do away with the contract system in Government service.

“People do not like having yearly contract extensions, and the extra paperwork is also a burden to the Government. We want people at every level to be in full service, and not on contract. It also brings unnecessary worry to the worker.

“Furthermore, there can be some resentment in the staff if the leaders are getting both a pension and a contract salary,” he says.

There is also the worry that retaining older workers will saturate the job market and deprive fresh graduates of employment, and career advancement opportunities for those already in employment.

Omar does not see any basis for that argument.

“Since the age limit was raised two years ago, this has not been an issue. Furthermore, in government service there are many avenues for career advancement,” he says.

Dr Jariah says that the younger generation should be innovative enough to find and create jobs for themselves rather than aim for the one or two top posts.

“Extending the retirement age does not mean depriving the younger generation. There are many opportunities out there, and it is better to look for those rather than wait for people to retire,” she says.

Shamsuddin sees things in a different light and believes that while there are opportunities, it may not be the right one for the individual.

“Currently, for graduates coming out of university, getting the employment suitable for their qualifications is a challenge. There is a lot of latent employment – they may be employed but not to the full capacity of what they should be,” he says.

Another worry is if the employee in question is not productive, and an organisation is saddled with his wage bill without returns on the investment.

Dr Jariah believes that salary should be commensurate with ability and productivity

“It can be measured with a KPI, and the mindset has to be changed. At the moment we always equate position with salary,” she says.

While Shamsuddin has some reservations on extending the retirement age, he agrees with the concept.

He says that in order to facilitate this, wholesale changes are needed in the employment structure.

“It needs a lot of thorough planning, and the Government needs to put things in place. They can offer incentives for companies to re-employ them, so there is less resentment among employers,” he says.

Giving the example of medical costs, Shamsuddin says that companies could be allowed to obtain double tax relief for medical costs.

“Given that retirees will probably go to public hospitals, the burden is on the Government. With this incentive, companies are bearing the costs instead,” he says.

Incentives should be given to employees as well.

“The Government should consider a maximum tax bracket of 15% instead of 27%. If they can give this incentive to workers in Iskandar Malaysia, why not to the others?” asks Shamsuddin.

Dr Jariah says the current employment structure is not ready for an elderly population

“We have a system that is very rigid and bureaucratic. Some may not want to work full time three days a week; but now they have to work full-time or a five-day week,” she says.

Omar says that Cuepac’s proposal has been submitted and the nation awaits the Government’s decision on the matter.

“There are many benefits to having a later retirement age. We have been discussing it for a long time, and our request is under consideration.

When the time is ripe, they will announce it. It is up to the Prime Minister,” he says.

KWSP + UNIT AMANAH = MAKSIMAKAN SIMPANAN ANDA

2010-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

MENGAPA PENCARUM PENCARUM KWSP DIGALAKKAN UNTUK MELABUR / MENYIMPAN DI DALAM UNIT TRUST.

JADUAL INI SUDAH CUKUP UNTUK MENERANGKAN SEGALANYA.

Andaikata ada di antara para pengunjung blog ini yang masih belum memahami MENGAPA dan BAGAIMANA,

Hubungi saya, . InsyaAllah akan saya terangkan sebaik mungkin.

PENCAPAIAN DANA-DANA ISLAMIK

2010-10-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Untuk makluman para pengunjung yang dihormati.

Ketahuilah , tujuan utama anda mesti melabur didalam unit trust adalah untuk:

-1. Menggandakan wang simpanan anda baik yang terdapat di kwsp / tunai di bank

.2. Mencari kepada bentuk simpanan yang berlandaskan syariah.

TETAPI ANDA HARUSLAH SEORANG YANG MEMPUNYAITARGET SIMPANAN JANGKA PANJANG > 5TAHUN.

Kesedaran menabung rakyat Malaysia masih rendah

2010-09-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Artikel tulisan Syed Mazlan Syed Mat Dom yang tersiar di halaman tengah akhbar Berita Harian bertarikh Sabtu, 2hb Mei 2009 dibawah kolum Rencana, bersebelahan Minda Pengarang.

Kebanyakan generasi celik IT masa kini gagal buat perancangan kewangan untuk masa depan.BARU-BARU ini saya terbaca laporan akhbar tempatan memaparkan berita mengenai tabiat menabung rakyat Malaysia.Laporan itu dikeluarkan oleh Citi's Financial Quotient (Fin-Q),Citibank Berhad untuk 2008.Soal selidik berkaitan dijalankan pada Oktober tahun lalu, membabitkan seramai 500 orang responden secara dalam talian dan setiap responden ditanya sebanyak 40 soalan berkaitan dengan hal ehwal kewangan peribadi mereka serta tatacara mereka mengendalikan persoalan kewangan masing-masing.

Maka terhasil satu laporan yang saya rasa perlu kita semua terutama pihak kerajaan memberikan perhatian khusus.Antara keputusan yang dapat dilihat daripada soal selidik itu adalah bagi 500 orang yang menjawab soalan,12% mengaku tidak ada menabung langsung pada bulan berkenaan, 34% mengatakan mereka ada menabung antara satu hingga 10% daripada pendapatan bulanan mereka,28% lagi mengatakan mereka menabung sebanyak 11-20%.

Sementara itu,15% lagi menjawab mereka menabung sebanyak 21-30%,6% menyimpan sebanyak 31-40%,4% menyimpan antara 41-50% dan hanya 1% yang menabung lebih daripada 50% pendapatan bulanannya.Maka,jika kita andaikan pendapatan purata mereka RM2,000 sebulan, bermakna 46% atau hampir separuh daripada 500 orang yang berkenaan mempunyai tabungan bulanan kurang daripada RM200 sebulan. Yang paling membimbangkan kita adalah keadaan apabila sebanyak 12% daripada 500 orang ini iaitu seramai 60 orang,tidak langsung mempunyai sebarang simpanan untuk bulan berkenaan.Ini adalah satu fenomena amat tidak baik,apatah lagi dalam keadaan kita menangani ketidaktentuan keadaan ekonomi semasa dan akan datang.Potensi untuk kehilangan pekerjaan masih ada dan sekiranya berlaku sedemikian, pasti saja akan mendatangkan kesan kepada ekonomi keluarga keseluruhannya.

Apa yang dapat saya simpulkan daripada paparan keputusan soal selidik dipaparkan itu adalah betapa perlunya agensi kerajaan memperhebatkan kempen kesedaran untuk berjimat cermat dan juga menggalakkan rakyat untuk memulakan tabiat menabung.Pihak terbabit boleh memaparkan pelbagai kebaikan menabung seperti kegunaannya sebagai simpanan kecemasan keluarga yang boleh membantu masa kesusahan dan juga untuk simpanan sebagai menyusun dan merancang kewangan keluarga bagi menempuh masa depan serba mencabar.Kita perlu juga mengakui hakikat bahawa bukan semua orang mempunyai hobi untuk menabung sebegini.Bahkan desakan keperluan hidup yang semakin mendesak dewasa ini juga tidak memungkinkan sesetengah daripada kita mahu belajar untuk menabung.

Ungkapan 'kais pagi makan pagi kais petang makan petang' adalah perkataan usang tetapi realitinya ia masih lagi berlaku sehingga ke hari ini.Hanya yang berbeza adalah konteks kehadirannya.Di luar,mungkin kita nampak 'biasa-biasa' saja tetapi sebenarnya kebanyakan daripada kita mungkin berada di bawah tahap kemampuan untuk menyimpan.Tidak ada lebihan langsung selepas ditolak perbelanjaan isi rumah di setiap bulan.Kini juga kita dapat melihat bagaimana generasi baru zaman celik komputer ini cukup mudah untuk dipengaruhi dan cukup cepat terpengaruh dengan tarikan pelbagai bentuk dan jenis iklan yang kadangkala mereka tumpas dan terjebak ke dalam musibah berbelanja di luar tahap kemampuan sendiri.Meneliti hasil laporan itu juga,didapati masih banyak ruang yang boleh dan perlu diperbaiki.

Masyarakat Malaysia hari ini ramai yang bukan financial savvy .

Generasi muda hari ini yang diakui celik serba serbinya tetapi mereka belum tentu lagi celik dan pintar dalam merencanakan perancangan kewangan peribadi.Begitu juga dengan generasi yang lainnya.Tidak ada kursus awam yang khusus dan menjurus kepada penggalakkan berjimat cermat dan penabungan dijalankan selama ini yang boleh mendidik masyarakat kita untuk lebih peka serta mahir dalam selok belok percaturan kewangan individu, peribadi mahupun keluarga.Pengharapan simpanan atau tabungan nampaknya sepenuh hati diberikan kepada tabungan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) saja.Jika tiada tabungan itu, adalah tidak mengejutkan bahawa rata-rata warga Malaysia tidak ada duit pada hari tua mereka.Pelaburan kewangan atau pelan persaraan juga tidak banyak disertai.

Hanya 28 peratus daripada 500 responden itu mempunyai pelan terperinci yang boleh membantu mereka ketika dan selepas umur bersara nanti.

Selebihnya langsung tidak peka, malah langsung tidak mempunyai apa-apa perancangan khusus untuk menempuh hari tua mereka.

Satu perkara yang mendorong kepada ketidakpekaan menabung atau mempunyai perancangan kewangan ini adalah kerana ramai daripada warga Malaysia berpendapat tahap kewangan mereka tidak cukup untuk melakukannya.Bagi mereka,hanya yang kaya raya dan berduit saja layak melakukannya,manakala bagi mereka yang berpendapatan biasa-biasa,mereka tidak nampak akan keperluan mendesak untuk turut sama melakukan perancangan kewangan.

Inilah yang perlu diperjelaskan oleh kerajaan dalam setiap kempen mengenai kewangan dan tabungannya nanti.Masyarakat perlu dididik dan salah tanggapan ini perlu dikikis sama sekali.Laporan itu juga ada menyebut bahawa terdapat empat jenis personaliti boleh disimpulkan daripada keadaan mereka menangani hal ehwal kewangan kendiri.Yang pertama,mereka berusia antara 30-39 tahun,bertungkus lumus di dalam menjana dan mengawal keadaan kewangan masing-masing.Mereka juga didapati tidak puas hati dengan cara kehidupan mereka hari ini.Kumpulan kedua pula adalah generasi muda yang berasa selamat dan berpuas hati dengan keadaan kewangan semasa mereka.

Kumpulan ketiga pula adalah mereka berusia 40-an dan ke atas dan 80% daripada mereka amat berpuas hati dengan keadaan kehidupan dan kewangan mereka yang ada.

Kumpulan terakhir adalah blur budgeter' iaitu hampir 50% daripada mereka tidak berpuas hati sama sekali dengan corak kehidupan dan keadaan kewangan mereka masa kini.Oleh itu,jika dirujuk kepada kategori yang dipaparkan itu,maka jelas sekali wujud dua kumpulan besar yang harus menjadi sasaran bagi kempen kerajaan untuk menggalakkan tabiat menabung,perbelanjaan berhemah serta perancangan kewangan masa depan ini.Kumpulan sasar itu adalah blur budgeter dan mereka berusia 30-an.Kumpulan ini majoritinya terdiri daripada lelaki dan rata-ratanya bekerja sendiri atau mempunyai perniagaan sendiri.Bagi dua kumpulan yang agak selesa dan tidak perlu diberikan fokus pula adalah terdiri daripada majoritinya golongan wanita yang mempunyai pendapatan atau pekerjaan tetap.

Kempen tabiat menabung dan merancang kewangan ini harus dimulakan segera kerana keperluannya diperkuatkan oleh fakta yang didapati daripada soal selidik terbabit yang berjaya membuka minda kita betapa nazak dan daifnya perancangan kewangan individu dan keluarga sebahagian rakyat kita.

Masakan tidak,tabungan bulanan yang menjadi rutin kepada warga terdahulu pun tidak mampu untuk kita lakukan hari ini.Itulah hakikat sebenar yang pahit untuk diterima tetapi harus kita semua mengakui akan kebenarannya.

Penulis ialah pensyarah Fakulti Pengurusan Perniagaan, UiTM Kampus Bandar Raya Johor Bahru

Expect profit-taking correction ahead

2010-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

The local stock market staged a bullish breakout last week, with the benchmark index surging to a 30-month high fuelled by breakout rallies on blue chips, encouraged by stronger Q2 earnings and the much higher-than-expected Q2 GDP growth of 8.9 per cent released mid-week by Bank Negara.

For the week, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) climbed 34.87 points, or 2.56 per cent to settle at 1,395.02, with gains on Maybank (+41 sen), CIMB (+39 sen), Genting Bhd (+43 sen) and Genting Malaysia (+30 sen) representing about two-thirds of the index's rise.

Average daily trading volume ballooned to 980.5 million shares with an average value at RM1.55 billion, compared with the 787.9 million shares and RM1.16 billion average in the previous week, boosted by resurgent buying interest of key blue chips.

In marked contrast to expectations, the local market shrugged off external negative news last week and advanced strongly on expectations of a stronger Q210 GDP growth.

True to form, the Bank Negara's growth figure for the quarter exceeded consensus expectations of 8.4 per cent and helped sustain the upbeat momentum, which was drummed up further by the ringgit liberalisation measures related to trading and hedging that pushed up the ringgit close to April 2008 high of RM3.127 per US dollar.

The move did send a positive signal about prospects of full liberalisation and offshore trading of the ringgit in the future, but it is worthwhile highlighting that this knee-jerk reaction may fizzle out.

The fact that many foreign trades are still conducted in the US dollar and resident companies are allowed to borrow any amount in foreign currency from non-resident non-bank-related companies now can mitigate any further advancement in the ringgit.

Abolishment of limits on cross-border foreign currency inter-company borrowings would encourage companies to increase their foreign currency borrowings to benefit from the prevailing high interest rate spread between Malaysia and developed countries.

The second quarter earnings reporting season will gain momentum this week before it is concluded next Monday.

So far, the banks have reported commendable results with Hong Leong, AMMB and Maybank reporting stronger net profits than consensus expectations.

The ringgit's strength thus far this year will not favour exporters that rely on their US dollar sales as they will lose out upon conversion.

Thus, do not expect any positive surprise from sectors like plantation, technology, and oil and gas but those with high domestic sales and high foreign cost content like utilities and media may outperform.

Sime Darby's result announcement this Thursday will be closely watched as the market is expecting further provisions. Weak set of numbers could act as index dampener.

On the US front, things do not look as rosy. Leading indicators like housing starts and building permits underperformed expectations last week.

Its initial jobless claim continued to rise while the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's general economic index contracted for the first time in

August for the first time in twelve months.

This is not a good sign for trading nations, and countries like Malaysia have to seriously beef up their domestic demand through private consumption and investment to pick up the slack.

This week's release of existing and new home sales and durable goods orders for July, and the Q2 GDP numbers will be closely monitored to gauge the strength of US economic recovery.

Technical outlook

Spot month August KLCI futures contract traded on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Bhd advanced 28.5 points, or 2.1 per cent, last week to 1,390, reverting to a five-point discount to the cash index, compared with the 1.35-point premium the previous Friday, as traders liquidated long positions while anticipating profit-taking correction this week.

Bursa Malaysia shares extended strong gains last Monday, with bullish breakouts on Genting Bhd, Maybank and AMMB lifting the benchmark blue chip KLCI to close just barely above the August 3rd intra-day high. The index advanced 10.43 points to settle at 1,370.58, the highest since February 2008.

The market closed firmer on Tuesday led by banking stocks and selected heavyweights as expectation the country's second-quarter economic growth will be quite robust boosted market sentiment.

The FBM KLCI gained another 7.89 points to close at 1,378.47 on robust trade totalling 1.11 billion shares worth RM1.75 billion.

Blue chips extended strong gains a fourth day on Wednesday, led by CIMB, Sime Darby and Maxis, on speculation of stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP growth, but the broader market saw profit-taking checking gains. The index added 7.04 points to settle at the day's high of 1,385.51.

The much higher-than-expected Q2 GDP growth of 8.9 per cent fuelled the rally on KLCI for a fifth straight day on Thursday, lifting the index to close just above the July 24 2007 pivot high of 1,392 led by gains on CIMB, Maybank and Tenaga.

The benchmark added another 7.05 points to end at the day's high of 1,392.56, but trading volume moderated to 983.4 million shares worth RM1.7 billion.

Stocks rose a sixth session last Friday, with blue chips leading gains due to better-than-expected Q2 earnings but lower liners softened as market players took profits ahead of the weekend.

The index ended up 2.46 points as losers edged gainers 394 to 316 on a lower trade totalling 834.5 million shares worth RM1.34 billion.

The trading range last week expanded further to 36.08 points, compared with the 20.17-point range the previous week. The FBM EMAS Index advanced 194.95 points, or 2.12 per cent, week-on-week to close at 9,407.01, while the FBM Small Cap Index gained 48.59 points, or 0.42 per cent to 11,600.66, as small-cap stocks mostly stayed in consolidation mode.

The daily slow stochastics is now at the grossly overbought region with readings in the high 90s (Chart 1), while the weekly indicator remained at the overbought zone with an unconfirmed sell signal.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator has an overbought reading of 78.35, while the 14-week RSI hooked up for a reading just above 70, a level considered overbought.

Meantime, the daily Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has turned bullish after flashing a buy signal last Tuesday, while the weekly MACD signal line resumed upwards to retain its buy signal three weeks ago.

The +DI and -DI lines on the 14-day Directional Movement Index (DMI) indicator have expanded further on a recovering ADX line, suggesting an emerging bullish trend.

Conclusion

After rallying for six consecutive trading days to close at a fresh 30-month high, the KLCI is technically in an overly overbought territory, as confirmed by the daily and weekly momentum oscillators, signalling a profit-taking correction is imminent this week.

Nevertheless, trend indicators reaffirmed their buy signals for positive trend ahead, hence the overbought correction should be shallow.

Expect immediate support upon a correction at 1,380, followed by the August 3 pivot high of 1,370, and next at the previous Friday's closing high of 1,360. As for the immediate upside potential, once past 1,392, profit-taking and selling interest will increase toward the next immediate hurdle at 1,410. The next significant resistance above will be the December 2007 peak near 1,450.

Chart-wise, maintain sell on rally call on banking stocks AMMB, CIMB, Maybank and RHB Capital as expect profit-taking correction ahead following last week's strong gains.

On the other hand, switch to buy on dips Axiata, Gamuda, Genting Bhd, IOI Corp, and Sime Darby for medium-term upside.

Meantime, lower liners such as rubber glove makers Adventa, Latexx and Supermax and construction players such as MRCB, Tebrau, UEM Land, Jaks Resources and L&G may attract renewed buying interest as rotational plays return.

Malaysia economic growth to stay strong

2010-08-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Malaysian economy, which enjoyed a spectacular performance in the first three months of 2010, is expected to ease in the second quarter.

Economists polled by Business Times forecast the economy to grow 7.93 per cent year on year in the second quarter, from 10.1 per cent in the first.

They also project full-year growth to average 6.83 per cent before slipping to 5.47 per cent next year.

Bank Negara Malaysia will announce the latest data today.

DBS Bank economist Irvin Seah said that although a moderation of gross domestic product (GDP) growth was expected - as the low base effect dissipates and external demand momentum slows - it would still be "a considerably strong pace of growth", with domestic demand as the key driver.

Private consumption growth may edge slightly higher to 5.3 per cent on the back of a brighter employment outlook.

Seah expects capital investment to bounce back after a sharp inventory destocking of about RM2.4 billion in the previous quarter.

"We could possibly see investment growth of about 7 per cent (from 5.4 per cent previously) as companies expand their production capacity along with this recovery," he said.

Seah, however, warned that strong domestic demand also implies that import growth will likely outpace the rise in exports and, thus, some drag can be expected from overall net exports.

US investment bank Citi attributed the slowing pace in the second quarter mainly to the services and agriculture sectors.

Within services, growth in electricity production, transport and storage, and tourism has moderated. The weakness in the rubber, crude palm oil and crude oil production sectors has dragged down agriculture and mining output.

Economist Kit Wei Zhang said that financial services saw faster household and business loan growth during the second quarter.

Manufacturing growth edged up to 15.6 per cent as both export- and domestic-oriented industries recovered.

"But with production running ahead of exports in recent months, the resulting increase in inventories signals a likely moderation in manufacturing output in coming quarters," Kit said.

He said that construction has also picked up, led by projects under the stimulus packages announced by the government. There was also renewed pick-up in housing construction.

Kit said the narrowing of trade surplus may be partly offset by resilient domestic demand.

"Decline in sales tax has eased significantly, while consumption credit accelerated, although motor vehicle sales moderated slightly.

Economists polled expect GDP growth to ease in the second half of the year to about 5.08 per cent from an average of 9.07 per cent in the first half, due partially to weaker external demand.

Seah said that while manufacturing would once again lead the other key sectors in terms of growth, its pace was slowing.

With the uncertainties surrounding US recovery and the euro zone, and Asia facing slower growth, the pace of expansion in manufacturing would continue to moderate in the quarters ahead, he added.

Kit sees inflation at benign levels.

"With both output and inflation gap near neutral levels, a more subdued external outlook, and renewed easing by the (US) Federal Reserve (Fed), we maintain our view that Bank Negara Malaysia will stand pat till end-2010 and early 2011," he said.

Kenanga Investment Bank economist Wan Suhaimie Saidi said the slowing pace in the second half of the year was already evident as intra-regional trade showed signs of slowing on weaker export demand.

Harga saham uji paras 1,350 mata

2010-07-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR 25 Julai - Harga saham di Bursa Malaysia dijangka meningkat minggu depan menguji paras 1,350 mata dengan pelabur runcit sebagai peserta utama dalam pasaran, kata para peniaga.

Pong Teng Siew daripada Jupiter Securities Sdn. Bhd. berkata, harga komoditi tinggi, seperti minyak sawit, akan menyokong kaunter berkaitan perladangan dan memberikan rangsangan kepada pasaran.

Menurutnya, antara kaunter yang dijangka mendapat perhatian minggu depan ialah Sime Darby, IOI Corp dan Kuala Lumpur Kepong.

Kenaikan itu juga akan disokong oleh saham bank, yang baru-baru ini menyaksikan kekurangan minat meskipun Public Bank mencatatkan keuntungan sebelum cukai tinggi sebanyak RM981.98 juta dalam suku keduanya di atas pendapatan RM2.679 bilion, katanya.

Saham perbankan lain seperti CIMB dan Hong Leong dijangka kekal menjadi antara saham pilihan berikutan jangkaan pertumbuhan suku kedua kukuh dalam industri tersebut, kata Teng Siew.

Keputusan kewangan menggalakkan yang dicatatkan oleh DiGi juga merangsang beberapa minat belian dalam kaunter tersebut pada minggu ini.

Seorang penganalisis lain berkata faktor-faktor luar seperti prestasi di Wall Street dan pasaran saham serantau juga perlu diambil kira kerana ia juga boleh menyediakan hala tuju kepada bursa tempatan.

Pada Jumaat, bursa tempatan melantun semula sebagai memberi reaksi kepada aliran meningkat di Wall Street, selepas para pelabur agak berhati-hati pada Khamis terhadap kenyataan Pengerusi Rizab Persekutuan AS Ben Bernanke bahawa ekonomi AS berdepan dengan prospek "tidak menentu yang luar biasa". "Pasaran tempatan berada dalam sentimen neutral dan bergerak menghala ke arah positif. Sebarang pengunduran dijangka terhad dengan sokongan indeks utama dilihat pada paras 1,340 mata dan paras ketahanan pada 1,350 mata," kata penganalisis itu.

Bagi minggu yang baru berakhir ini, FBM KLCI utama meningkat sebanyak 9.63 mata kepada 1,345.68. Menurut para peniaga, ia merupakan minggu yang baik bagi penyenaraian baharu.

EA Holdings Bhd, syarikat pegangan pelaburan, pengurusan dan perkhidmatan perundingan memulakan dagangan sulungnya pada 20 Julai pada 45 sen, di mana premium 20 sen mengatasi harga tawarannya pada 25 sen. Saham tersebut ditutup tinggi minggu ini pada 70 sen.

Bagi asas Jumaat ke Jumaat, FBM KLCI meningkat 9.03 mata kepada 1,345.68 daripada 1,336.65 sebelumnya.

Indeks FBM Emas naik 78.14 mata kepada 9,126.57, FBM70 meningkat 77.44 mata kepada 9,162.94 dan Indeks FBM Ace menokok 51.40 mata kepada 3,816.01.

Indeks Kewangan menambah 86.51 mata kepada 12,187.12, Indeks Perladangan menokok 90.59 mata kepada 6,380.09 dan Indeks Perusahaan naik 12.69 mata kepada 2,667.72.

Jumlah dagangan bagi minggu ini naik kepada 4.175 bilion saham bernilai RM6.527 bilion daripada 3.4 bilion saham bernilai RM5.937 bilion minggu sebelumnya.

Jumlah dagangan di Pasaran Utama meningkat kepada 4.237 bilion saham bernilai RM6.384 bilion daripada 3.101 bilion saham bernilai RM5.879 bilion sebelumnya.

Jumlah dagangan Pasaran Ace menokok kepada 273.18 juta saham bernilai RM216.745 juta daripada 143.064 juta saham bernilai RM19.081 juta pada minggu sebelumnya.
Waran naik kepada 176.124 juta unit bernilai RM29.516 juta daripada 131.56 juta unit bernilai RM21.985 juta sebelumnya. - BERNAMA

Maxis and MAAKL Introduce Unit Trust Monitoring iPhone App

2010-07-13T21:31:00.001-07:00

13/07/2010, Press Release, Updated By Public Relations Department

Investors can now manage their portfolios on the go

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Kuala Lumpur, 12 July 2010

Maxis Berhad (‘Maxis’), the country’s leading integrated communications provider and unit trust management company MAAKL (pronounced Mac’kle), jointly introduce a financial service innovation for the growing community of iPhone customers, the new MHO (MAAKL Home Office) Mobile iPhone application.

MHO Mobile was revealed for the first time at a 10 July gathering of members of the MAAKL Privilege Club (MPC), for the Wealth Talk 2010 featuring advice from trusted experts in fund management from Meridian Asset Management, HwangDBS Investment Management and CIMB-Principal Asset Management. Approximately 250 MAAKL Privilege Club members were pleased to receive at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa in Petaling Jaya, recommendations on how to keep their portfolios current to the present outlook - and best of all, they were presented with a constant new companion which will make it easy going forward, to track and manage investments on a running basis, from day to day.

The eagerly anticipated MHO Mobile for iPhone was jointly unveiled by Mr. Wong Boon Choy, MAAKL’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director and En. Fitri Abdullah, Maxis’ Senior Vice President and Head of Business Services, as part of the programme of this year’s Wealth Talk. At the crucial moment, an enlarged SIM card inserted by the partners into a special construct, revealed an iPhone 3GS display complete with the MHO Mobile app.

Said En. Fitri Abdullah, “Maxis will continue to ensure that we provide enterprise with the most relevant enhancements of opportunity and the most innovative, flexible ways of doing better business. As part of being an integrated communications provider, we will focus on delivering every aspect of enterprise solutions, from full feature devices to bundled services encompassing voice, data, fixed and mobile broadband. We are also committed to going all the way to satisfy the needs of specific business and client communities, by developing contents and applications which will become staple business tools delivering information, interactivity and most of all, outcomes.”

The groundbreaking MHO Mobile is a new application for the iPhone which enables MAAKL investors to manage the performance of their unit trust investments from their fingertips. MHO Mobile’s key features include an easy to understand investment profit or loss summary, informative pie chart showing investments by asset class, detailed analysis of the amount invested in each MAAKL fund, daily MAAKL fund prices and key market indices including the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI.

Said Mr. Wong Boon Choy, MAAKL’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, “From my experience, most of the time investors do not know or are unable to track how well their unit trust investments are performing. Investors expect their consultants or the banks that sold them the funds to also monitor their investments for them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Therefore, I believe it is important that investors have a convenient tool for monitoring their investments anywhere they go and anytime they want. With MHO Mobile, investors will be able to make informed decisions about their investments or to rebalance their portfolios,” explained Mr. Wong.

Prior to today’s launch, MHO Mobile was only available for Windows Mobile smartphones and on the BlackBerry platform. From today onwards, iPhone users who are MAAKL’s customers will also enjoy the application’s all-the-time, on-demand assistance in managing their investments with the best selection of relevant updates.

Mr. Wong also said that partnering Maxis was a natural choice as it has the largest number of iPhone subscribers in Malaysia, and is able to offer very attractive rate plans to the company’s MPC members. En. Fitri Abdullah concluded with a message to customers, “We are also pleased with this collaboration, as it brings to customers a greater degree of freedom in how they wish to spend their time overall, dividing it between their work, their investments in their future, and their time for their own families and interests. Maxis currently offers the widest platform of smartphones including Android devices from several device makers - and we will continue to ensure that financial services take every route possible towards reaching more customers through preferred service and technology packages.”

MHO Mobile is an essential component of the award-winning software, MAAKL Home Office. MAAKL Home Office (Version 3.0) won the Microsoft Developer Innovation and Excellence Award in 2008, making MAAKL the first company from the Asia-Pacific region to win the prestigious award. Clients of MAAKL can now download the MHO Mobile app for iPhone for free from the iTunes store.

Pengeluaran Pelaburan KWSP Catat Pertumbuhan Ketara Pada S1 2010

2010-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Peningkatan Didorong Oleh Pemulihan Ekonomi

Prestasi kukuh ekonomi Malaysia pada suku tahun pertama 2010 telah mendorong ramai ahli Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) memilih untuk mengeluarkan sebahagian daripada simpanan persaraan mereka bagi dilaburkan dalam saham amanah.

Amaun yang dikeluarkan di bawah Pengeluaran Pelaburan Ahli pada suku pertama 2010 (S1 2010) meningkat 43.26 peratus kepada RM911.15 juta (S4 2009: RM896.66 juta) berbanding RM636.01 juta yang dikeluarkan pada suku tahun yang sama pada 2009. Jumlah permohonan yang diluluskan di bawah pengeluaran ini meningkat kepada 113,809 (S4 2009: 114,375) daripada 87,420 dalam tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif KWSP Tan Sri Azlan Zainol dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan hari ini mengenai prestasi operasi S1 2010 yang belum diaudit berkata, “Peningkatan pengeluaran pelaburan adalah selaras dengan pemulihan dalam ekonomi domestik yang bermula pada suku tahun ketiga 2009 dan terus meningkat hingga kini.”

Peningkatan ini juga disebabkan oleh bertambahnya bilangan ahli yang layak untuk pengeluaran pelaburan.

Pada masa sama, keutamaan yang diberi terhadap pelaburan berhemah juga memainkan peranan dalam peningkatan jumlah pesara yang memilih Pengeluaran Fleksibel Umur 55 Tahun bagi memanjangkan nilai simpanan persaraan mereka berbanding dengan Pengeluaran Penuh Umur 55 Tahun.

Pada S1 2010, KWSP mencatatkan peningkatan 52.80 peratus dalam permohonan ahli yang memilih Pengeluaran Fleksibel 55 Tahun di mana sejumlah 14,869 permohonan (S4 2009:11,929) diterima berbanding 9,731 permohonan bagi tempoh yang sama pada 2009. Amaun pengeluaran pada suku tahun tersebut meningkat 26.05 peratus kepada RM637.73 juta (S4 2009: RM454.12 juta) daripada RM505.94 juta pada suku tahun yang sama tahun sebelumnya.

Tan Sri Azlan berkata, “Ia juga menunjukkan keyakinan ahli terhadap KWSP untuk terus menguruskan simpanan persaraan mereka bagi jangkamasa yang lebih panjang.”

Sentimen ini sekali lagi ditunjukkan dalam peningkatan kecil sebanyak 1.99 peratus permohonan yang diluluskan bagi Pengeluaran Penuh Umur 55 Tahun pada suku tahun tersebut kepada 36,349 permohonan (S4 2009: 30,120) berbanding 35,640 bagi tempoh yang sama pada 2009. Amaun yang dikeluarkan sepanjang suku tahun ini juga meningkat sedikit 0.70 peratus kepada RM1,632.52 juta (S4 2009: RM1,235.52 juta) berbanding RM1,621.15 juta bagi tempoh yang sama pada 2009.

Berikutan kempen penamaan KWSP yang bertujuan menggalakkan ahli untuk membuat penamaan terhadap simpanan persaraan mereka, bilangan ahli yang membuat penamaan meningkat 67.32 peratus daripada 57,618 pada S1 2009 kepada 96,404 ahli (S4 2009: 93,254) pada S1 2010. Setakat ini, seramai 3,253,721 ahli telah membuat penamaan.

“Kempen penamaan KWSP yang dijalankan berjaya menanamkan rasa tanggungjawab ahli terhadap keluarga mereka yang mendorong peningkatan positif ini. KWSP menjangkakan tahap kesedaran ahli ini akan berterusan di masa hadapan,” kata Tan Sri Azlan.

Mengenai Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP)
Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) adalah dana pencen terulung di Malaysia yang menyediakan jaminan asas kewangan bagi persaraan. KWSP sentiasa komited dalam menjamin dan meningkatkan simpanan ahlinya melalui amalan terbaik pelaburan dan tadbir urus korporat. Langkah berhemah sentiasa menjadi panduan dalam setiap keputusan pelaburannya.

Sebagai sebuah organisasi yang berfokuskan pelanggan, KWSP memberikan perkhidmatan yang cekap dan berkesan untuk keselesaan ahli dan majikan berdaftar.

KWSP akan terus memainkan peranannya sebagai pemangkin kepada pembangunan ekonomi negara, selaras dengan kedudukannya sebagai institusi simpanan terkemuka di Malaysia.

Over RM900m withdrawn from EPF for unit trust investment

2010-06-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Thursday 10 June 2010 (Bernama) -- A significantly larger number of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members have opted to withdraw part of their retirement savings for investment in unit trusts.

In a statement today, EPF said the amount withdrawn under Members' Investment Withdrawals in the first quarter of 2010 rose 43.26 percent to RM911.15 million from RM636.01 million (Q4 2009: RM896.66 million) withdrawn in the corresponding period last year.

Total applications approved under this withdrawal increased to 113,809 (Q4 2009: 114,375) from 87,420 in the same period last year.

"The increase in withdrawals for investments is in tandem with the recovery in the domestic economy that began in the third quarter of 2009 and has since continued to gain momentum," said EPF Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Azlan Zainol in the statement.

EPF said the increase was also attributed to the rise in the number of members who were eligible for investment withdrawals.

Priority towards prudent investing was also reflected in the increasing number of retirees who opted for Flexible 55 Withdrawals to stretch the value of their retirement savings as opposed to Lump Sum Withdrawals, it added.

In the first quarter of 2010, EPF recorded a 52.80 percent increase in applications from members who had opted for Flexible 55 Withdrawals in which a total of 14,869 applications (Q4 2009: 11,929) were received compared to the 9,731 applications in the corresponding period in 2009.

The amount withdrawn during the quarter grew by 26.05 percent to RM637.73 million (Q4 2009: RM454.12 million) from RM505.94 million in the corresponding period last year.

"This also signifies the confidence members have in allowing the EPF to continue managing their retirement savings over a longer period," Azlan said.

This sentiment was again reflected in the marginal 1.99 percent increase of approved applications for Lump Sum Withdrawals during the quarter to 36,349 applications (Q4 2009: 30,120) from 35,640 in the corresponding period last year.

The amount withdrawn during the quarter also grew by a marginal 0.70 per cent to RM1,632.52 million (Q4 2009: RM1,235.52 million) from RM1,621.15 million in corresponding period in 2009.

Meanwhile, the total number of members who had nominated their beneficiaries was 3,253,721.

EPF To Publish Top 30 Equity Investments Online

2010-06-09T01:51:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will publish on a quarterly basis its Top 30 equity investments in companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.

In a statement here on Wednesday, its chief executive officer, Tan Seri Azlan Zainol, said the disclosure would be published through its 'Investment Highlights' page on its website, commencing tomorrow.

"The move is in line with our positive stance towards corporate governance which will enable members to see in which companies their savings are being invested," he said.

Azland said the online page, accessible through www.kwsp.gov.my, aimed to keep members informed on EPF's performance in the various financial instruments that it invested in.

"The site also includes media releases on quarterly financial performance, a compilation of annual reports, advertorials on annual reports and dividend rates.

"This is just a first step towards enhancing our transparency and we will review periodically if there is any further information regarding investment that can be disclosed without jeopardising our investment strategy," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Perlukan simpan RM1 juta untuk selesa selepas bersara

2010-06-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

ARKIB : 22/04/2010

22/04/2010 5:14pm

KUCHING 22 April – Rakyat Malaysia memerlukan simpanan sekurang-kurangnya RM1 juta untuk memastikan kehidupan yang selesa selepas bersara, kata Pengarah Kanan Hubungan Pelanggan ReMark Malaysia, Sasitharan Krishnan.

Berdasarkan kajian yang dijalankan di kalangan sebilangan besar pesara di negara ini, katanya, ramai yang tidak dapat mencapai jumlah simpanan yang sepatutnya dan ini menyebabkan mereka terpaksa mencari kerja walau pun selepas bersara.

Kegagalan membuat simpanan mencukupi, katanya, adalah disebabkan kerana mereka tidak merancang kewangan lebih awal dan tiada sikap disiplin dalam menabung.

Kajian itu, menurutnya, turut menunjukkan bahawa simpanan dalam Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) yang dikumpul bertahun-tahun lamanya hanya mampu bertahan dalam tempoh tiga tahun sahaja.

"Keadaan ini amat membimbangkan. Dengan ini, saya menyarankan agar kerajaan menimbangkan semula cadangan usia persaraan 55 tahun kepada 65 tahun,” katanya ketika ditemui selepas Seminar Perancangan Kewangan yang diadakan di sini sempena Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM) 2010.

Menurutnya, usia persaraan 55 tahun adalah terlalu awal untuk rakyat Malaysia memandangkan usia itu dianggap masih belum matang berbanding di Eropah dan Jepun yang mengamalkan pencen pada usia 65 tahun. – Bernama

Potential for further KL market rebound

2010-05-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

For this week, investors should look for buying opportunities in oversold blue chips such as IOI Corp, Public Bank and Sime Darby, says a research head

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia (1818) slumped a second week, triggered by rising political tensions in the Korean peninsula and concern the Europe debt crisis will spread to dampen the global economic recovery, depressing the 30 blue-chip benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) to a fresh 31/2-month low before bargain hunters surfaced to spark a strong technical rebound ahead of the Wesak holiday-shortened week.

Week-on-week, the FBM KLCI lost 16.57 points or 1.3 per cent to settle at 1,269.16, with losses in Sime Darby (-25 sen), IOI Corp(-21 sen), Maybank (-18 sen) and Public Bank (-22 sen) contributing to three-quarters of its fall.

Average daily trading volume bounced back to a four-week high of 849.3 million shares with average value of RM1.61 billion, compared with the 751.5 million shares and RM1.35 billion average the previous week, as foreign selling of blue chips picked up pace.

While the adage "Sell in May and Go Away" has become a self fulfilling prophecy, the blame for the fall in global equity markets, including FBM KLCI, should go to the European Union for its slow reaction in nipping Greece's problem in the bud. Now, suddenly the risk of a double dip has risen as concerns over sovereign debt crisis spreading in Europe and austerity measures crippling economic recovery have permeated into the investment decision-making process in every asset class.

The rush to safety has caused the US dollar to strengthen against most other major currencies and gold prices to soar.

Malaysia enjoyed robust gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 10.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in 1Q10, thanks to the low base effect and a strong 19.3 per cent YoY expansion in exports. However, it is unlikely to sustain such an impeccable quarterly growth in the remaining three quarters of the year with external demand cooling off.

The signs of weakness in external demand are already there with government incentives coming to an end and a fresh threat emerging from potential slowing in the European economies that will affect the US and China, Malaysia's key exports destinations. As it is, the lower-than-expected US GDP expansion of 3 per cent and personal consumption of 3.5 per cent have hit nerves.

Thus, it will be imperative for Malaysia to nurture domestic demand through efficient allocation of resources in revenue-generating ventures to sustain economic growth.

Last Thursday's announcement of proposed cuts in various subsidies to keep a tight rein on growing budget deficits is a step in the right direction as the government spent RM74 billion on such measures in 2009.

The proposed wide-ranging subsidy cuts in petrol, gas, toll rates, food items, healthcare and education would lead to savings of RM103 billion in five years. As the move will erode disposable income, speed up inflationary pressures, push up interest rates, and curb spending in the long run, it is necessary for the savings to be channelled into viable economic ventures to increase nominal income.

As much as the government expects the rakyat to accept market prices as the way going forward, it has equal responsibility to walk the talk and adopt similar best practices. It should remove unhealthy protective taxes that have prohibited improvement in living standards such as import taxes on cars and approved permits; aggressively promote open tenders in government projects that will lower projects costs; and ensure proper check and balance in the system so that only viable projects are implemented while removing rent seekers.

Measures to reduce the deficit bode well for the country's improved sovereign rating and reduced risk premium, which in turn augurs well for stocks.

The broader market sentiment is expected to improve this week before it enters a consolidation phase next week with rangebound trade ahead of the Fifa World Cup finals. Interest this week could switch to high-beta benchmark stocks like CIMB and Genting to ride on a market rebound. However, Tenaga, an undervalued low-beta stock, deserves a re-rating as it will be able to mitigate any rise in input cost by passing it on to consumers via higher tariff and this will improve earnings.

Technical outlook

Spot month May FBM KLCI futures contract traded on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives was down only 7.5 points or 0.6 per cent for the week at 1,279, expanding to a strong 9.84 point premium to the cash index, compared with the minor 0.77-point premium the previous Friday. The strong technical rebound last Thursday triggered short-covering and encouraged fresh long positions from traders.

Shares on Bursa Malaysia extended losses on Monday, ignoring a rebound in the region, as foreign selling depressed blue-chip heavyweights and brought the index down to a near three-month low.

The FBM KLCI fell from early high of 1,282.96 to eventually end 12.04 points lower at 1,273.69. The next day stocks tumbled in line with heavier regional losses, with rising tensions in the Korean peninsula and concern the Europe debt crisis will spread depressing sentiment and raising investors' risk aversion.

The benchmark index plunged 23.56 points or 1.85 per cent to end at 1,250.13, as losers beat gainers by a 10-to-1 margin on higher trade volume of 940.6 million shares worth RM1.79 billion.

A rebound early on Wednesday in line with regional markets was overshadowed by persistent foreign selling of heavyweights Sime Darby, MISC, Genting Malaysia, Maybank and IOI Corp, forcing the index to close on a negative note. The index eased 1.19 points to close at 1,248.94, but market breadth was positive as gainers led losers on a four-to-three ratio on active trade totaling 929.6 million shares worth RM2.11 billion.

The market staged a strong technical rebound the next day, encouraged by a recovery in regional markets as investors returned to bargain at cheaper oversold levels. The FBM KLCI rose from opening low of 1,243.86, the lowest seen since February 10, to settle 20.22 points up at the day's high of 1,269.16 ahead of the Wesak holiday weekend.

The weekly trading range for the index shrank to 39.1 points, compared with the 56.67-point range the previous week.

Among other indices, the FBM-Emas Index was off by 83.91 points or 0.97 per cent for the week to close at 8,541.76, while the FBM-Small Cap Index retraced 28.6 points, or 0.27 per cent to 10,485.89, as lower liners bounced back from sharp losses by the week's end.

The daily slow stochastics indicator for the FBM KLCI hooked up for an early buy signal in the extremely oversold region, increasing the likelihood for a strong technical rebound this week, but the weekly indicator retraced further into bearish territory.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) rose sharply from the oversold region to trigger a buy with a reading at 31.24 following last Thursday's strong rebound, but the 14-week RSI eased for a weaker reading at 45.70.

The trigger lines on the daily and weekly Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicators registered bearish expansions, suggesting the current trend remains weak.

However, the 14-day Directional Movement Index (DMI) signalled a weakening bearish trend, as the +DI and -DI lines contracted towards each other.

Conclusion

While the weekly technical momentum indicators for the FBM KLCI sustained bearish signals, buy signals on short-term indicators such as the daily slow stochastics and 14-day RSI suggest good potential for a further technical rebound this week.

A weekly "hammer" candlestick on the index's weekly chart, which is a bullish reversal pattern, together with the close above the 200-day moving average which was at 1,268 last Thursday, augurs well for the bulls this week.

A decisive push above the 200-day moving average will accelerate the gain towards the next significant resistance from the 100-day moving average at 1,304, while a successful breakout will target the 50-day moving average at 1,324 before more profit-taking and selling resistance emerge to cap the upside.

As for the downside, the 200-day moving average at 1,268 will provide support, with stronger support platforms available at 1,254, the 76.4 per cent Fibonacci Retracement (FR) of 1,224.4 trough to 1,349.9 peak, and then 1,228, the 61.8 per cent FR and 23.6 per cent FR of the 1,153 low of August 19, 2009 and 836 low of March 12 2009 to the 1,349 peak of May 4, which is reinforced by the February 9 pivot low of 1,224.

For this week, investors should look for buying opportunities in oversold blue chips such as IOI Corp, Public Bank and Sime Darby for technical rebound upside, as the 14-day RSI remains oversold. Also, lower liners such as rubber glove makers Adventa and Supermax, construction players MRCB, Tebrau and UEM Land, and oil and gas players Dialog, Kencana and SapuraCrest should rise further as buying momentum picks up.

Are there opportunities in a down market?

2010-05-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

By TEE LIN SAY
linsay@thestar.com.my

However, fund managers advise caution

PETALING JAYA: They say never waste a crisis. Fund managers are cautious but see an opportunity in the midst of global markets tumbling on the back of Europe's tumultous debt problems.

Emerging markets are always known to be more volatile. As its ups and downs are always more extreme, would it be wiser to rejig one's portfolio or brace through the storm?

Fortress Capital Asset Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer CEO Thomas Yong, who started trimming his position three weeks ago, is no longer selling, but waiting to see how things pan out.

“We are in a position to buy (in Malaysia), but it would be premature to act now. Risk aversion will remain for now, and everyone will be cutting positions,” he said.

He opined that Europe might not be as quick as the United States in implementing measures, hence uncertainty would continue to dominate sentiments for the time being.

Aberdeen Asset Management managing director Gerald Ambrose is a buyer of the market, and is in fact buying some of the stocks he could not previously buy because it had moved too fast. “For instance, the rubber gloves have done very well and have gone up a lot. With this correction, they also fall faster. Here's an opportunity,” he said.

He added that volatility was irrelevant, and Aberdeen's investment was not based on market volatility.

“Markets are now operating on a trampoline. The safety net, which had been the interest rates and financial stimulus used by central banks, have been used so much that it doesn't work anymore. Now that the safety net has been removed, there is a possibility that things could go really wrong,” Ambrose said.

Ambrose likes gold, and said it was the only insurance against the follies of the authorities of the world.

Meanwhile, HwangDBS Investment Management Bhd chief investment officer David Ng said that in view of what's happening in the euro zone, they had reduced the risk in their portfolios by cashing in on the less liquid stocks.

“Moving forward, we are still cautiously optimistic about the market as we expect the economic recovery to continue even if it might be reduced by the events in Europe.

However, the market will need to further re-price this slower growth outlook before we opt to increase our invested levels,” he added.

On Thursday, BNP Paribas' Cliver McDonnell said that the euro zone crisis signalled that markets were about 40% through the crisis.

“We believe we are in the fear phase, don't buy stocks until capitulation is reached,” he said.

He added that for Asian equities, the two biggest worries were negative earnings translation due to euro weakness and the impact of a slowdown on euro-zone demand.

McDonnell listed his 10 steps to capitulation, four of them which he said had already occurred. These included worst recession, loss of investment-grade status, drying up of liquidity, and further de-rating of the euro-zone banks.

He said the next likely step was the nationalisation of a bank in southern Europe, as he thought it was improbable that not a single bank had racked up significant losses related to non-performing loans and trading losses as a result of the recent economic downturn and wild swings in markets.

FOREX: Ringgit Opens Lower Against US Dollar

2010-05-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened lower against the US dollar, in early trade today, following Germany's move to ban naked short-selling of bonds, credit swaps based and bank shares.

At 9am, the local currency was traded at 3.2480/2530 compared with 3.2100/2150 Tuesday.

Germany announced a ban that covered some high-risk bets of euro-denominated government bonds, credit default swaps based on those bonds and shares in Germany's 10 top financial institutions.

A dealer said although the ban was temporary, the move has caused fretful sentiment in the forex market.

"The market lost some freedom and the ban could cause investors to grow more risk averse. Some investors moved to dabble in dollars," he added.

Meanwhile, the ringgit was mostly mixed against other major currencies.

It was lower against the Singapore dollar at 2.3183/3240 from 2.3123/3176 yesterday and depreciated against the Japanese yen to 3.5432/5491 from 3.4598/4659 Tuesday.

The ringgit was however higher against the euro at 3.9493/9557, from 3.9790/9837 previously and rose against the British pound to 4.6281/6365 from 4.6368/6431 on Tuesday.

BURSA MALAYSIA: Share Prices Lower In Early Trade

2010-05-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Share prices on Bursa Malaysia were lower in early trade Wednesday, amid mild losses, as the overnight fall on Wall Street weighed down on investors sentiment locally, dealers said.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) fell 5.21 points to 1,324.96, after half-an-hour of trading, led by losses on plantation-related stocks. It had opened 1.12 points lower at 1,329.05.

The Finance Index erased 33.44 points to 11,999.29, the Industrial Index declined 15.23 points to 2,677.89 and the Plantation Index slipped 15.67 points to 6,324.19.

The FBM Emas Index lost 34.76 points to 8,913.14 and the FBM70 dwindled 37.92 points lower to 8,747.15.

However, the FBM Ace Index rose 2.06 points to 3,987.25.

Decliners led advancers 179 to 62 while 99 counters closed unchanged, 1,038 untraded and 31 others were suspended.

A total volume of 54.036 million shares, worth RM71.916 million, changed hands.

Leading the actives, Xidelang rose half-a-sen to 39 sen, Fitters-Warrants perked up 1.5 sen to 18.5 sen while Berjaya Corporation eased three sen to RM1.59.

Advance Information edged up half-a-sen to 14 sen but My E.G.Services lost half-a-sen to 64 sen.

Among heavyweights, PPB Group dropped 42 sen to RM17.20, Sime Darby fell seven sen to RM8.19 and Maybank declined four sen to RM7.54.

Hussman: Greece Has Just 18 Months Before Relapse

2010-05-14T00:17:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, 11 May 2010 09:23 AM
By: Julie Crawshaw

The bailout package for Greece should keep it from having to tap the open market for capital for about 18 months, says economist John Hussman — but it’s easy to see that owners of Greek debt will likely to receive only a portion of the face value of the bonds they hold.

“What European leaders seem to be attempting is to buy Greece more time,” Hussman writes in a note to investors.

“If investors are at all forward looking, the window of relief about Greece (and the euro more generally) is likely to be much shorter than 18 months,” he says.

“European officials deny the possibility of contagion that might call for additional bailouts, but my impression is that Greece is the focus because its debt is the closest to rollover.”

The bottom line, Huffman says, is that aid from other European nations may prevent the markets from provoking an immediate default, but is likely throw “good money after bad and inducing higher inflationary pressures several years out than are already likely.”

Greeks borrowed money they couldn’t reasonably expect to pay back, says financial author Bill Bonner.

“Foreign bankers – largely French and German – hoped to earn outsized yields by taking a risk on Greek debt,” Bonner writes in The Christian Science Monitor. “A just ruler would let them all collapse, and give them the boot on the way down. Instead, the knaves enjoyed their loot,” he says.

“And, under the terms of the bailout, the fools are supposed to get their money after all; it will be squeezed out of taxpayers all over Europe.”

© Moneynews. All rights reserved.

Arab Saudi Lihat Malaysia Sebagai Negara Islam Paling Maju Di Dunia

2010-05-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

Daripada Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

RIYADH, 13 Mei (Bernama) -- Kagum dengan pembangunan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi Malaysia, Arab Saudi melihat negara itu sebagai sebuah negara Islam paling maju di dunia.

Semasa menyatakan perkara ini, Duta Besar Istimewa dan Mutlak Malaysia dan wakil tetap Malaysia ke Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam di Arab Saudi Profesor Madya Datuk Syed Omar Al Saggaf berkata Arab Saudi berminat untuk belajar daripada kejayaan Malaysia.

"Oleh itu mereka berharap dapat belajar daripada pengalaman Malaysia, terutamanya dari segi pengetahuan teknologi, antara lainnya, termasuk dalam sektor pertanian," katanya kepada Bernama.

"Mereka menyedari bahawa Malaysia menjalankan penyelidikan dan pembangunan dalam banyak bahagian dan mereka juga cuba untuk belajar daripada negara bagaimana ia berjaya membangun dan bertahan daripada krisis ekonomi global dalam tempoh masa yang singkat," katanya.

Syed Omar juga menyebut contoh Malaysia berjaya menarik pelancong dalam usahanya memperkenalkan pelancongan kesihatan.

"Selama ini, pelancong pergi ke Jerman bagi tujuan itu tetapi sekarang nampaknya industri tersebut semakin berkembang di Malaysia," katanya.

Syed Omar juga berkata Arab Saudi berminat untuk belajar daripada pengalaman Malaysia dalam menangani krisis kewangan global dan bagaimana ia kini berada di landasan pemulihan ekonomi.

Menurut Bank Dunia, Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) Malaysia berkembang pada kadar tahunan 2.20 peratus pada suku lepas. KDNK negara bernilai AS$195 bilion atau 0.31 peratus daripada ekonomi dunia.

Sebagai ekonomi yang sedang pesat membangun di Asia, Malaysia, sebuah negara berpendapatan sederhana, telah berubah perlahan-lahan sejak 1970-an daripada pengeluar bahan mentah menjadi sebuah ekonomi pelbagai sektor.

Kerajaan Malaysia, di bawah pimpinan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, meneruskan usaha untuk meningkatkan permintaan domestik bagi memisahkan ekonominya daripada bergantung kepada eksport walaupun ketika ini eksportnya, terutama elektronik, masih kekal sebagai pemacu utama ekonomi.

Syed Omar berkata demikian semasa temu bual Bernama dengan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Penasihat Pembangunan Koridor di Malaysia.

Mantan perdana menteri itu mengetuai delegasi misi pelaburan Majlis Pembangunan ECER (ECERDC) ke Asia Barat termasuk Abu Dhabi di Emiriah Arab Bersatu, Riyadh dan Jeddah di Arab Saudi dari 7-17 Mei.

Misi itu merupakan susulan kepada kunjungan terdahulu Najib ke Arab Saudi pada Januari.

Turut hadir pada sesi temu bual itu ialah Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif ECERDC Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

Syed Omar berkata kedutaan itu akan memberikan sokongan dan bantuan bagi memastikan kejayaan misi tersebut yang bertujuan menarik pelabur serta meningkatkan hubungan perniagaan dua hala dengan negara-negara Asia Barat.

-- BERNAMA

Local fund managers to go for international transactions

2010-05-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Local fund managers will have to look increasingly to international transactions in their search for performance, as Asean is committed to developing cross-border listings and trades, said Securities Industry Development Corp (SIDC) chief executive officer John Zinkin.

He said while international markets undoubtedly offered great opportunities, they also presented great risk and uncertainty.

“Although the dreadful year of 2008 is firmly behind us, there are still reasons for concern when thinking about investing overseas, as has been demonstrated only too clearly by events of the past weeks, which reinforced the importance of working with people who know what is happening and on whom you can rely to represent your best interest,” he said at the fourth Institutional Investors Series 2010 (IIS).

The IIS was first launched in 2007. It is a joint initiative between SIDC and Aberdeen, Asset Management, Amundi Malaysia, BNP Paribas Investment Partners, Franklin Templeton Asset Management and Nomura Asset Management.

Zinkin said the IIS demonstrated the crucial role and commitment of the international asset managers in helping the Malaysian capital market industry to flourish as Malaysia embarked on its New Economic Model.

He said the apparent resolution of the eurozone crisis over the weekend caused by fears on the sovereign debts of Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Spain “may have settled the issue once and for all, or it may merely have bought us some time”.

“What we do know, however, is that the failure of the eurozone would have far-reaching knock-on effects felt in the US, China and in Asean from a trade perspective and there the impact would not just be on bonds, but on currencies and asset prices as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, the glitch last week on the Dow Jones and Nasdaq in the US raised questions about the stability of the trading platforms and how they interacted, while Goldman Sachs' Congressional testimony raised issues of disclosure and symmetrical information, he said.

“All of which means that as you venture into investing abroad, you need reliable guides you can trust in your endeavours,” Zinkin said.

Economist: Debt crisis won't lead to Asian recession

2010-05-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The European debt crisis, which is a looming concern to many nations worldwide, is not expected to drag Asia into recession, according to an economist from a foreign bank.

Standard Chartered Bank regional head of research for South-East Asia Tai Hui said the economic recovery in the region in the past six months was largely driven by domestic demand and intra-regional trade while the US and Europe played a limited role in the recovery.

“Although Europe is among the top three destinations for Asia, nonetheless, due to the above reason, I don't foresee it dragging the regional economies down. Asian economies, including Malaysia, are in a resilient position and the crisis will not derail the economic recovery,” he said at a press briefing.

He added that the crisis at the same time would not affect European banks to reduce its lending to Asian companies as Asian banks, including Malaysian ones, had already stepped up lending and necessary liquidity to businesses.

Furthermore, he added, continental European banks were still quite slow in re-entering the Asian banking market while the Japanese and US banks were already making strong recovery which bodes well for the region.

Tai said the situation in Europe may delay the recovery of European banks lending to emerging markets but would not negatively affect Asian economies.

On Asian investments in Europe, he said they were mostly in developed parts of Europe such as in Germany and France while its exposure to Greece was relatively low.

In addition, he noted Asian investments in Europe was not into complex structured assets but more on plain vanila government bonds or equities and the potential mark to market loss for such investment were insignificant compared with 2008 and 2009 during the financial crisis where toxic assets were involved.

Tai said there were some countries that may be vulnerable to the European crisis, especially those with high level of fiscal deficit/debt and low level of foreign exchange like Vietnam, Pakistan and Sri Lanka but overall, Asia was in good shape and had strong fundamentals.

For Malaysia, the bank is expecting the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth to be 6.5% for the first quarter of this year and 5% for the full year driven mainly by government spending and consumption. He said exports were gradually improving and expected it to further improve in the second half of the year.

Despite the European crisis, it gives plenty of reasons for Bank Negara to hike up the overnight policy rate (OPR) in its announcement today.

Tai said he expected the OPR to increase by another 25 basis points to 2.50% and expect another 25-basis point rise to 2.75% for the full year to reflect the normalisation of rates.

He said the central bank would most likely pause the rate hike after that and only start raising it next year as economic growth started to take on a firmer footing.

On the currency front, due to the risk aversion, he said the ringgit had recently weakened against the greenback but, given the attraction of the Asian markets including Malaysia, he foresaw the ringgit strengthening in the second half.

For the time being, Tai added, the bank was keeping its forecast of the ringgit to 3.02 against the dollar for the year, which was a 7% to 8% appreciation against the dollar.

He forecast the Chinese yuan to appreciate in the near term and this would again provide comfort for other Asian central banks to allow currency appreciation.

Asked on the possibility of a double-dip recession if the European crisis prolongs, he said: “I think in the case of Europe, countries such as Portugal, Greece, Spain and Ireland will need to take firm action on their fiscal policies, which may include reducing spending, raising taxes or both.

However, other parts of Europe, like Germany, France and Northern Europe, the recovery is fairly firm. Although there may be a double-dip recession in the countries mentioned, on the whole we expect a sluggish recovery.”

But if the US economy was included, a double-dip recession may occur if there was a premature tightening of monetary and fiscal policies as well as a spike in energy prices probably from geopolitical shocks, he said.

16 pencarum KWSP disabit kesalahan menipu pengeluaran

2010-05-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

2010/05/12

KUALA LUMPUR: Sejumlah 16 pencarum Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) disabitkan kesalahan dan didenda oleh mahkamah kerana menipu pengeluaran pada suku pertama tahun ini.

Pengurus Besar Perhubungan Awam KWSP, Nik Affendi Jaafar, berkata 12 daripada mereka berdepan dengan hukuman penjara sehingga empat bulan jika gagal membayar denda.

Bagaimanapun, beliau tidak memberi butiran mengenai jumlah denda berkenaan.

"Antara Januari hingga Mac tahun ini, seramai 29 pencarum KWSP telah didakwa di mahkamah mengikut Seksyen 59 Akta KWSP 1991 bagi kesalahan menipu pengeluaran," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Nik Affendi berkata, mereka yang didapati bersalah boleh dikenakan hukuman penjara maksimum tiga tahun atau denda RM10,000, atau kedua-duanya sekali.

Katanya, beberapa kes penipuan membabitkan pengeluaran berkaitan pendidikan, kesihatan dan perumahan menggunakan dokumen palsu dilaporkan sebelum ini.

Beliau menasihatkan pencarum supaya tidak menggunakan khidmat pihak ketiga atau sindiket untuk membuat permohonan pengeluaran sebaliknya berurusan terus dengan KWSP yang tidak mengenakan sebarang caj perkhidmatan.

Orang ramai yang ingin melaporkan sebarang kegiatan penipuan boleh berbuat demikian dengan menghubungi Talin Hotline Fraud KWSP di 03-2616-2121 pada waktu pejabat dari Isnin hingga Jumaat. – Bernama

Ekonomi Asia Dalam Kedudukan Mudah Pulih, Kata Ahli Ekonomi

2010-05-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Mei (Bernama) -- Ekonomi Asia termasuk Malaysia berada pada kedudukan yang mudah pulih, dirangsang oleh perbelanjaan kerajaan dan import yang meningkat.

Ketua Penyelidik Serantau bagi Asia Tenggara Standard Chartered, Tai Hui berkata tahap pelaburan di Greece dan negara lain dalam Kesatuan Eropah yang kini bermasalah, kini rendah.

Negara-negara yang kini mudah terdedah terhadap krisis Eropah ialah negara yang mempunyai hutang fiskal yang tinggi dan kurang rizab mata wang asing, katanya pada taklimat media di sini Rabu.

Banyak pelaburan Asia di Eropah juga dibuat di negara-negara dalam zon Eropah, yang tidak terjejas akibat krisis hutang, katanya.

Mengenai ekonomi Malaysia, beliau mengunjurkan pertumbuhan 6.5 peratus dalam tempoh suku pertama tahun ini dan lima peratus bagi setahun penuh.

Tai juga menjangkakan peningkatan 25 mata asas dalam kadar dasar semalaman (OPR) yang akan diumumkan esok, yang akan menjadikan kadar OPR pada 2.2 peratus.

Beliau juga menjangkakan OPR akan dinaikkan kepada 2.75 peratus untuk setahun penuh.

Mengenai defisit bajet di Malaysia, beliau berkata ia dijangka enam peratus daripada keluaran dalam negara kasar tahun ini.

Beliau berkata Model Ekonomi Baru juga akan menawarkan lebih banyak peluang dari segi aktiviti pelaburan.

"Bagaimanapun, ia juga bergantung terhadap pelaksanaan, dan sama ada kerajaan mendapat sokongan daripada rakyat."

Mengenai ringgit, Tai berkata ia dijangka meningkat kepada 3.02 berbanding dolar Amerika Syarikat menjelang akhir tahun ini, selari dengan pengukuhan mata wang Asia yang lain.

"Keadaan di Eropah tidak akan mengheret Asia ke arah kemelesetan memandangkan Eropah memain peranan yang terhad dalam pemulihan ekonomi Asia. Pemulihan dalam ekonomi Asia enam bulan lepas adalah dipacu oleh permintaan domestik serta perdagangan sesama Asia," kata Tai.

Beliau bagaimanapun berkata penguncupan mungkin berlaku dalam pinjaman daripada bank-bank Eropah untuk pasaran membangun.

Berita baiknya ialah bank-bank di Amerika Syarikat dan Jepun sudahpun mencatatkan pemulihan yang kukuh, kata Tai.

Belia turut menyuarakan keyakinan bahawa harga minyak mentah akan meningkat hasil daripada sokongan pemintaan dari China dan India.

Bagi minyak mentah, beliau berkata ia akan terus turun naik dengan anggaran harga purata AS$88 setong menjelang akhir tahun.

-- BERNAMA

Roubini: Euro Zone May Collapse Within Days

2010-04-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 28 Apr 2010 04:23 PM

Article Font Size

By: Dan Weil

New York University economist Nouriel Roubini says the euro zone’s days may be numbered, and he’s not talking about some day far off in the future.

“In a few days, there might not be a euro zone for us to discuss,” he said at a Los Angeles conference sponsored by the Milken Institute, Reuters reports.

European policy makers may have to fork over 600 billion euros ($794 billion) in aid or buy government bonds to erase the debt crisis, economists tell Bloomberg.

Roubini says Greece can’t come up with the 10 percent spending reduction necessary to prevent its debt from exploding out of control.

And even if it could, its economy would get ruined in the process, he maintains.

Roubini compares Greece to Argentina in 2001, shortly before it defaulted on its debt.

Greece’s budget deficit, at 13.6 percent of GDP, is much higher than Argentina’s back then. Greece’s debt-to-GDP ratio and current account deficit also are much higher, Roubini points out.

The solution, Roubini says: a debt restructuring that reduces interest rates and extends maturities. In addition, Greece should exit the euro, he says.

Roubini’s not the only one calling for drastic measures.

“It may now be time for the euro area to do something much more dramatic in order to prevent the stress from creating another broad-based financial crisis which pushes the region back into recession.”David Mackie, chief European economist at JPMorgan, told Bloomberg.

© Moneynews. All rights reserved.

DONT TIME THE MARKET - ACT NOW WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD

2010-04-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Example: Thinking since March 2009 until today, you already missed the opportunity to make more money by 36.67%.

But once again, our yearly target is only between 8% - 12% over longterm.

STOP THINKING.....

Act now .......call me at 014 2210930 – Azian Hussin MAAKL MUTUAL

Malaysia’s ‘New Economic Model’

2010-04-01T20:38:00.002-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today unveiled a raft of economic measures that he said would propel this Southeast Asian country to developed nation status by 2020.
Following are some of the highlights of what he announced:

• State investor Khazanah to sell 32 percent stake in Pos Malaysia.

• To list stakes in two Petronas units.

• Facilitate foreign direct and domestic direct investments in emerging industries/sectors.

• Remove distortions in regulation and licensing, including replacement of Approved Permit system with a negative list of imports.

• Reduce direct state participation in the economy.

• Divest GLCs in industries where the private sector is operating effectively.

• Strengthen the competitive environment by introducing fair trade legislation.

• Set up an Equal Opportunity Commission to cover discriminatory and unfair practices.

• Review remaining entry restrictions in products and services sectors.

• Phase out price controls and subsidies that distort markets for goods and services

• Apply government savings to a wider social safety net for the bottom 40 per cent of households, prior to subsidy removal.

• Have zero tolerance for corruption

• Create a transformation fund to assist distressed firms during the refom period.

• Easing entry and exit of firms as well as high skilled workers.

• Simplify bankruptcy laws pertaining to companies and individuals to promoteo vibrant entrepreneurship.

• Improve access to specialised skills.

• Use appropriate pricing, regulatory and strategic policies to manage non-renewable resources sustainably.

• Develop a comprehensive energy policy.

• Develop banking capacity to assess credit approvals for green investment using non-collateral based criteria.

• Liberalise entry of foreign experts specialising in financial analysis of viability of green technology projects.

• Reduce wastage and avoid cost overrun by better controlling expenditure.

• Establish open, efficient and transparent government procurement process.

• Adopt international best practices on fiscal transparency. — Reuters

Pelabur rugi lebih RM100 juta sertai pelaburan sejak dua tahun lalu…

2010-04-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Kira-kira 50,000 pelabur kerugian lebih RM100 juta kerana menyertai pelaburan penternakan cacing, lintah, sarang burung layang-layang, lembu dan kafe ala kopitiam di seluruh negara sejak dua tahun lalu.

Menggunakan status syarikat skim berkepentingan, lima syarikat terbabit dipercayai menyalahgunakan lesen perniagaan masing-masing, walaupun berdaftar dengan Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). Pengarah Kanan Penguatkuasaan SSM, Mohammad Redzuan Abdullah, berkata dua daripada syarikat itu sudah didakwa dan beberapa lagi akan dihadapkan ke mahkamah tidak lama lagi.

Katanya, satu daripada lima syarikat berkenaan, Island Red Cafe Franchise Sdn Bhd sudah didakwa di Mahkamah Majistret Ampang atas tiga pertuduhan menipu dan memperdayakan pelabur membabitkan pelaburan RM16 juta.

Baru-baru ini, SSM menyerbu Hadhari Cattle Industry Sdn Bhd dan Hadhari Agro Holding Sdn Bhd kerana dipercayai mempengaruhi orang awam untuk melabur dalam skim ‘Projek Pembangunan Usahawan’. Difahamkan, pelabur skim itu tidak menerima pulangan seperti dijanjikan pengurusan syarikat berkenaan.

Mohammad Redzuan berkata, modus operandi lima syarikat berkenaan ialah menawarkan saham serendah RM1,000 seunit dan menjanjikan pulangan sehingga 10 kali ganda daripada nilai pelaburan, selain insentif lain seperti kupon makanan, pakej pelancongan dan kad diskaun.

Ada syarikat menawarkan pakej pembayaran pelaburan secara ansuran bulanan untuk menarik lebih ramai menyertai skim mereka, malah sesetengah syarikat menggunakan kaedah perniagaan pelbagai peringkat (MLM) dengan pelbagai strategi pemasaran, termasuk menggunakan selebriti dan VIP.

Serentak itu, SSM kini memburu syarikat yang menganjurkan skim pelaburan sedemikian atau menyalahgunakan skim berkepentingan, terutama dalam sektor pertanian dan inovasi baru.

Beliau berkata, sepanjang tahun lalu, SSM menerima 90 aduan membabitkan skim pelaburan berkepentingan dan daripada jumlah itu, 60 adalah syarikat yang tidak tahu mereka melanggar peraturan skim berkepentingan serta diberi notis sebelum mematuhi mengikut peraturan ditetapkan SSM.

“Bagaimanapun, kebanyakan daripada 60 syarikat itu mengambil keputusan menutup operasi dan tidak meneruskan skim berkepentingan, sebaliknya meneruskan perniagaan seperti biasa mengikut Akta Syarikat 1965.

“Selain itu, 10 syarikat dikenal pasti degil dan meneruskan skim berkepentingan. Notis sudah dikeluarkan dan ada yang meminta diberi tempoh untuk mematuhi syarat ditetapkan.

“Bagi yang masih ingkar, kita sudah mengumpulkan bukti dan saksi untuk mendakwa mereka di mahkamah,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) turut menerima aduan kes itu, tetapi sukar bertindak kerana kekurangan bukti sebelum menyalurkan maklumat kepada SSM bagi membolehkan tindakan diambil.

Selain polis, SSM bekerjasama dengan Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan (KPDNKK) serta Bank Negara jika kes membabitkan aktiviti pengambilan deposit haram atau melanggar peraturan Akta Bank dan Institusi Kewangan 1989 (Bafia), Suruhanjaya Sekuriti (SC) dan Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani.

Beliau berkata, ramai pelabur tidak mengetahui skim berkepentingan hanya boleh dijalankan syarikat berstatus berhad (Bhd), bukannya syarikat sendirian berhad (Sdn) atau berstatus syarikat perniagaan tunggal.

“Syarikat yang menganjurkan skim berkenaan perlu mempunyai prospektus, surat ikatan amanah antara pelabur dengan syarikat dan terma serta pemegang amanah syarikat. Jika ketiga-tiga syarat tidak dipenuhi, pelabur tidak wajar menyertai skim kepentingan ini,” katanya.

Beliau mendedahkan kebanyakan syarikat yang menganjurkan skim berkepentingan berdaftar dengan SSM, namun statusnya sebagai syarikat sendirian berhad tidak melayakkannya menganjurkan skim itu.

Justeru, katanya, pengguna perlu menyemak dengan SSM jika ditawarkan mana-mana pelaburan skim berkepentingan untuk mengetahui status syarikat yang menganjurkan skim pelaburan itu.

“SSM memandang berat kes ini kerana mahu melindungi kepentingan pelabur, terutama berpendapatan rendah atau mereka yang melabur menggunakan wang pencen, gratuiti, wang simpanan dan pelaburan dalam Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB),” katanya.

Further upside for FBM KLCI

2010-03-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

KLCI TO TEST 1370pt IN 2010.
Steel- and construction-related stocks like Sino Hua-An, Kinsteel and MRCB may outperform blue chips in the medium term, says a research head. Last week, shares on Bursa Malaysia recouped most of the previous week's fall with financial stocks leading gains for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) after some banks increased mortgage rates to improve profitability.

As a result, the FBM KLCI rose 17.53 points, or 1.4 per cent, for the week to close at 1,260.76, with CIMB (+30 sen), Maybank (+17 sen), Public Bank (+18 sen) and Hong Leong Bank (+61 sen) contributing more than half of the index's gain. Average daily traded volume and value improved to 1.31 billion shares worth RM1.34 billion from 917 million shares worth RM1.2 billion in the previous week. Daily average volume surged to the highest since the last week of June.

Market movement this week will continue to be news driven. On the economic data front, industrial production and manufacturing sales figures are due tomorrow. They are expected to mirror September trade numbers, which fell 0.9 per cent month-on-month and 22.4 per cent year-on-year.

China now ranks second in the list of our top 10 export destinations and is the largest source of imports. The fact that China has overtaken the US as the second most important market for our exports underscores its importance to trade-oriented nations like Malaysia. Thus, the Chinese president's visit to Malaysia this week is an important milestone. This could lead to vital bilateral trade and investment agreements. This in turn could trigger market speculation on companies that can benefit from agreements at government-to-government level.

There are many Malaysian players that have exposure there through their own manufacturing facilities or joint-venture agreements with local Chinese companies. Some of the listed players are MPI, Unisem, UMW, Sino Hua-An, Top Glove, Proton and Goldis.

Stocks like Sime Darby may also come to investors' minds due to talk that a Chinese state-owned company would be taking a 10 per cent stake in the plantations giant that could open up huge growth opportunities in the downstream palm oil industries in China. Little-followed Lityan Holdings, which became an instant hit on speculative interest at its relisting after freeing itself from PN17 status, may draw some interest again due to its tie-up with China's leading telco Huawei Technologies to bid for contracts under Telekom's high-speed broadband project.

Externally, the 0.5 per cent fall in US consumer spending for September, the first fall in five months, has rekindled worries about a double-dip in the economy. A 3.1-point fall in the Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment to 70.6 reflected the current mood of US consumers, who are becoming increasingly thrifty on the back of a poor job market, no pay increase and potential pullback in government emergency relief measures.

While this is a temporary setback, manufacturing numbers are still pointing towards a healthy recovery and the expected continued weakening in the US dollar could lead to sustained expansion in the sector that would be vital for job creation and a recovery in consumption.

Maintain a bullish view on the local market and expect the FBM KLCI to hold up well ahead of the Maxis listing next week. A healthy consolidation around current levels can prepare the index to test new highs real soon as local institutions seize the opportunity to dress up their books. More positive news flows from the private financial initiative front, infrastructure contracts, and oil and gas projects are expected to sustain the positive momentum for the next six months that will give the FBM KLCI more clout to test 2010 index target of 1,370.

Technical outlook

Shares on Bursa Malaysia recovered from early losses on Monday triggered by the 250-point drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average the previous Friday, encouraged by regional rebounds due to keen buying interest from retailers. The domestic stock market ended mixed the next day, tracking the showing on the external front.

The market ended significantly higher last Wednesday, shored up by strong gains in banks on reports of better margins after they raised mortgage rates, causing the FBM KLCI to gain 11.5 points or 0.9 per cent for the day. The market again ended mixed the next day as blue chips consolidated gains while rotational plays switched to spark strong gains in the ACE market. Stocks gained further last Friday, lifted by the overnight 200-point rally in the Dow average to close above 10,000 due to improving economic data from lower jobless claims and higher productivity numbers.

The FBM KLCI rose from an intra-week low of 1,233.45 Monday morning to peak at a high of 1,263.03 by mid-morning trade last Friday, contracting mildly to a 29.6-point trading range last week, against the 31.2-point trading range the previous week.

A buy signal was triggered on the daily slow stochastics indicator for the FBM KLCI late last week, paving the way for further short-term upside bias. However, the weekly indicator stayed flat at the highly overbought region. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator has rehooked upwards for an improved reading of 65.03, but the 14-week RSI rehooked up for an overbought reading of 72.45.

On trend indicators, the daily Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has levelled off to indicate lessening downward momentum after the previous week's sell signal, but the weekly MACD signal line is still declining to suggest further consolidation ahead. Meantime, the ADX line on the 14-day Directional Movement Index trend indicator has levelled for a reading of 33.95 as of last Friday, but the +DI and -DI lines have expanded outwards, signalling an uptrend resumption.

Conclusion

The marked improvement in momentum and trend indicators for the FBM KLCI suggests further upside room for the local stock market this week. Nevertheless, investors should look for profit-taking and selling opportunities as market conditions could quickly turn overbought if sharp rallies sustain.

For this week, the October 21 pivot high of 1,270.44, which matches the significant pivot low on May 5 2008, will be the critical level to break to improve upside chances towards the next significant resistance coming in at 1,305, the April 29 2008 pivot high. The next higher hurdle will be at 1,340. On the downside, immediate support is upgraded to 1,243, the 38.2 per cent Fibonacci Retracement of the breakout rally from 1,200.65 low of September 30 to the recent pivot high of 1,270.44.

Stronger retracement supports are available at 1,235, 1,227, and 1,217, the respective 50 per cent, 61.8 per cent, and 76.4 per cent retracement levels, which provide stronger support platforms.

As for stock picks, chart wise, continue to favour blue chips such as AMMB, Axiata, CIMB, Gamuda, Public Bank, Sime Darby and Tenaga as the recent market correction has fully neutralised overbought technical conditions. Meantime, steel and construction related stocks like Sino Hua-An, Kinsteel and MRCB may outperform blue chips in the medium term. As for the ACE market, IRCB, Vastalux, Malaysia Steel, Notion VTEC and Carotech are expected to attract buyers looking for medium-term gains.

200,000 pesara kerajaan berdepan tekanan hidup...

2010-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Berita Harian 22 Feb 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Kira-kira 200,000 pesara kerajaan yang menerima pencen RM250 sebulan didakwa berhadapan dengan tekanan hidup sehingga ada antara mereka terpaksa bekerja sebagai pengawal keselamatan untuk menyara keluarga masing-masing.

Kebanyakan mereka pesara syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) sebelum diswastakan sudah menjangkau usia lebih 60 tahun, tetapi terpaksa bekerja sebagai pengawal keselamatan untuk tempoh masa yang panjang dengan gaji bulanan yang rendah iaitu sekitar RM600 hingga RM700 sebulan.

Presiden Kesatuan Sekerja Dalam GLC, Mohamed Shafie BP Mamal yang mendedahkan perkara itu, mendakwa sebahagian lagi bekerja sebagai pemandu teksi, berniaga secara kecil-kecilan selain terbabit dalam aktiviti pertanian.

“Pihak kesatuan melihat jumlah pencen (RM250) itu berada di bawah garis kemiskinan dan terlalu kecil berbanding kos sara hidup masa kini.

“Pesara GLC ini terpaksa bekerja keras walaupun sudah berusia kerana perlu menyara hidup keluarga masing-masing selain menanggung perbelanjaan pengajian anak-anak sama ada di institusi pengajian tinggi swasta atau awam.

“Kita amat sedih melihat segelintir mereka yang bekerja sebagai pengawal keselamatan dari pagi hingga malam manakala ada yang terpaksa berdiri lama tetapi menerima jumlah gaji di bawah RM800.

“Pihak kesatuan juga dimaklumkan bahawa ada pesara yang sakit serta tidak mampu bekerja sehingga memohon bantuan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) dan baitulmal. Ini semua adalah kisah benar dan bukannya retorik,” katanya kepada Berita Harian, semalam.

Mohamed Shafie merayu kerajaan di bawah pimpinan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, supaya memberi perhatian serius kepada perkara ini bagi membantu golongan terbabit.

“Kita amat berharap jumlah pencen RM250 itu akan dikaji semula kerajaan bagi mengatasi kesusahan yang dihadapi pesara kerajaan dalam GLC. Kumpulan ini juga pernah membantu kepada pembangunan negara sewaktu mereka berkhidmat dulu,” katanya.

“Pihak kesatuan merasakan golongan ini juga perlu diberikan pencen minimum RM720 sebulan seperti mana dinikmati kakitangan kerajaan pada masa kini.

HOW TO CALCULATE FOR EPF INVESTMENT?

2010-02-24T01:44:00.000-08:00

Effective 1 February 2008, members can invest not more than 20% of their credit in excess of Basic Savings in Account 1 in products through approved external fund managers.

The minimum amount of savings that can be withdrawn is RM 1,000 and can be made at intervals of three months from the date of the last transfer, subject to the availability of the Basic Savings required in Account 1.

Risks Fuel China's Resolve On Yuan

2010-02-18T01:18:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Batson
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Provided by THE STREET JOURNAL

Economists and politicians from Brussels to Washington say that the Chinese Yuan is undervalued. For China's own good and that of the global economy, they say, the currency needs to move up in a big way, and soon.

So why hasn't China revalued? Part of the answer is Japan.

The last time the U.S. was faced with a rising Asian export power, the currency also became a big political issue. And in September 1985 the major economies of the time met at the Plaza Hotel in New York to ease those tensions. The accord they reached caused the dollar to fall from roughly 240 Japanese yen to about 160 over two years.

Today, China's critics are demanding a similarly sweeping move. But Japan soon regretted agreeing to a big surge in the yen: Growth slowed abruptly, which pushed the government to boost spending and lower interest rates. A real-estate bubble and a years-long slump followed. And the issue the Plaza Accord was intended to fix -- Japan's sizable trade surplus -- remains to this day.

From Japan's example, Chinese thinkers learned that a big exchange-rate move could damage their economy, and won't necessarily help the trade balance.

Most Chinese economists say they think their nation's large trade surplus is best addressed with domestic policies to lower high savings rates. "To only focus on the exchange rate is the wrong approach. You have to look at fundamentals," said Yao Yang, an economist at the China Center for Economic Research in Beijing. "It will kill China's economy if you appreciate the renminbi by 20% in one month."

The costs to China of a big exchange-rate move would be immediate and concrete: export factories whose goods suddenly got too expensive would close, idling workers. Yet the benefits that proponents say come from Yuan appreciation are diffuse and abstract: chiefly, a more "balanced" global economy.

So what could persuade China to revalue? The most likely factor is inflation.

China's leaders have bristled at rising foreign pressure on the Yuan, also known as the renminbi, with Japan's unhappy example giving them few reasons to heed Western advice.

"Accusations and pressure clearly do not help solve the problem," foreign-ministry spokesman Ma Zhao Xu said recently. But the leadership's fears of an inflationary cycle that could spark social unrest may prove a stronger motivator.

Thanks to its government stimulus, China's economy has recovered well ahead of the rest of the world. The problems of rapid growth also have arrived early: Consumer prices were up 1.5% from a year earlier in January, and are expected to accelerate in coming months. The central bank has already raised banks' reserve requirements twice this year, most recently on Friday, aiming to contain a boom in credit as housing prices soar.

China's government tried to counter the last surge in inflation, which began in 2007, with currency appreciation. The Yuan gained about 15% against the dollar until authorities returned to a de facto peg in mid-2008. A similar response now is plausible.

So how might China go about revaluing its currency? There is no perfect solution. The textbook answer is to revalue in one fell swoop. But a fast move would be harder on the real economy, because exporters wouldn't have time to adjust.

Gradual appreciation creates its own problems, as China found out during the Yuan's rise in 2007 and 2008. Investors could easily anticipate gains in the currency, and the money that flowed into China as a result probably fed a surge in inflation and asset prices that was only interrupted by the onset of the global financial crisis.

Today's dilemma is familiar to China. That means Beijing may opt for a familiar solution: a variation of the compromise approach it took in July 2005 when it moved off a de facto peg to the dollar. That involved making a small appreciation, then setting the currency on a path of gradual gains. Authorities also widened the Yuan's daily trading band, in a mostly unsuccessful attempt to convince markets that the Yuan could go down as well as up.

Foreigners Dropping Treasury Securities at Record Rate

2010-02-18T01:17:00.000-08:00

A record drop in foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury bills in December sent a reminder that the government might have to pay higher interest rates on its debt to continue to attract investors.

China reduced its stake and lost the position it's held for more than a year as the largest foreign holder of Treasury debt. Japan retook the top spot as it boosted its Treasury holdings.

The Treasury Department said foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury bills fell by a record $53 billion in December. That topped the previous record drop of $44.5 billion in April 2009.

Private analysts, though, were split over the significance of the decline. Some doubted that the drop in foreign holdings of short-term Treasuries signified growing unease about holding U.S. debt. They noted that net purchases of longer-term Treasury debt rose in December by $70 billion.

But other economists saw the decline as a warning signal. They fear that foreigners, especially the Chinese, have begun to worry about record-high U.S. budget deficits and are looking to diversify their holdings.

A sustained drop in foreign demand for dollar-denominated assets could lead to higher U.S. interest rates and falling stock prices. Those trends could threaten the U.S. recovery. But economists said they see no such evidence yet.

The Treasury report showed that China reduced its holdings of Treasury securities by $34.2 billion in December.

Alan Meltzer, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, said China's shift should be a wake-up call for Washington.

"The Chinese are worried that we have unsustainable debt levels, and we do not have a policy for dealing with it," Meltzer said.

He said the Chinese worry that confidence in the U.S. government's ability to repay its debt could erode. That would cause the value of Treasurys and the dollar to fall — and lead to losses on Beijing's' U.S. debt holdings.

The Obama administration on Feb. 1 released a budget plan that projects the deficit for this year will total a record $1.56 trillion. That would surpass last year's record of $1.4 trillion deficit.

The recession helped drive up the deficits. Tax revenue fell as the economy slowed. And spending undertaken to support the economy and stabilize the financial system worsened the budget gaps.

The administration has pledged to address the budget gaps. President Barack Obama has said he will appoint a commission to recommend ways to trim future deficits. But China and others have expressed doubts about the commitment of the United States to reduce the red ink.

Moody's Investors Service has warned that the U.S. government's top credit rating could be jeopardized if the nation's finances don't improve. Asked about this report, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said this month he was confident the United States "will never" loose its sterling credit rating. He predicted foreigners would keep buying U.S. Treasurys as a safe investment.

Some private economists warned against reading too much into December's drop in foreign purchases of short-term Treasury debt. They noted that the figures are volatile from month to month. They also pointed out that Europe's debt crisis has put pressure on the euro and boosted demand for U.S. Treasurys and the U.S. dollar.

"China may not be too happy with us right now, but you have to ask, what else are they going to do with their money?" said David Wyss, chief economist at Standard & Poor's in New York.

The Treasury International Capital report showed that net foreign demand for long-term securities totaled $63.3 billion in December. This figure includes Treasury debt, debt of government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as the bonds sold by private corporations and private company stock.

John Taylor, chairman of hedge fund FX Concepts, predicted that the drop in short-term Treasury holdings would likely be reversed in coming months. In part, he thinks that's because the euro, the main alternative to the dollar, has fallen about 10 percent against the U.S. currency since mid-January.

For December, Japan boosted its holdings of Treasurys by $11.5 billion to $768.8 billion. That figure exceeded China's December total of $755.4 billion and restored Japan's position as the largest foreign owner of Treasurys.

The $53 billion decline in holdings of Treasury bills came primarily from a drop in official government holdings. They fell by $52.3 billion. Holdings of foreign private investors dropped by $700 million in December.

For all of 2009, foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury bills dipped by $500 million. In 2008, foreigners had increased their holdings of short-term U.S. Treasuries by $456 billion. That occurred as a global financial crisis triggered a flight to the safety of U.S. government debt. As a result, the rates the government was paying on its debt fell to record lows. Rates on some short-term securities sank into negative territory for brief periods.

China's holdings are a result of the huge trade deficits the United States runs with China. The Chinese take the dollars Americans pay for Chinese products and invest them in Treasury securities and other dollar-denominated assets.

American manufacturers argue that China's huge dollar reserve reflect Beijing's efforts to keep its currency artificially low against the dollar. That can help boost Chinese exports and dampen demand in China for American products.

2010 could be challenging year for M'sian stock market

2010-02-09T00:01:00.003-08:00

Bursa may see 10% correction

KUALA LUMPUR: The local stock market can expect a 10% correction in the first half-year amid concern that global economic growth is faltering, said Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd chief investment officer Richard Lin.

Lin said 2010 would be a challenging year for the stock market.

“For first quarter, the market is expected to be volatile,” he said at a luncheon meeting on Saturday.

“It is all a confidence issue now but you will see a single-digit positive performance, if any, this year,” he said.

On Friday, share prices on Bursa Malaysia ended the week lower, with the key barometer falling to its lowest point since Nov 4 last year.

It was dragged down by losses in heavyweights, with sentiment affected by sharp losses on Wall Street and regional bourses.

For the week just ended, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index dropped 11.2 points to 1,247.9 from 1,259.16.

Lin said the expected correction should not cause too much concern as it would provide an opportunity for investors.

“Investors remain cautious over China’s monetary tightening and escalating sovereign issue,” he said.

“Although the United States, with mixed economic data, is not a prime factor, it provides secondary nervousness as its corporate sector is measuring up to expectation.”

Lin said for China, monetary tightening was considered necessary.

“As for its long term, China needs to pull back some of this bubble. However, they are not attacking the whole economy,” he said.

He added that China was only attacking certain sectors and this was a good strategy for long-term growth.

“But this is not a new crisis for China’s economy. We consider this a technical correction.”

According to Lin, the Asian market can expect to be stable if China is able to implement a good policy.

“When all these problems are resolved, you will see confidence in the market,” he said. — Bernama

Is China headed toward collapse?

2010-02-09T00:01:00.001-08:00

The conventional wisdom in Washington and in most of the rest of the world is that the roaring Chinese economy is going to pull the global economy out of recession and back into growth. It’s China’s turn, the theory goes, as American consumers — who propelled the last global boom with their borrowing and spending ways — have begun to tighten their belts and increase savings rates.

The Chinese, with their unbridled capitalistic expansion propelled by a system they still refer to as “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” are still thriving, though, with annual gross domestic product growth of 8.9 percent in the third quarter and a domestic consumer market just starting to flex its enormous muscles.

That’s prompted some cheerleading from U.S. officials, who want to see those Chinese consumers begin to pick up the slack in the global economy — a theme President Barack Obama and his delegation are certain to bring up during next week’s visit to China.

“Purchases of U.S. consumers cannot be as dominant a driver of growth as they have been in the past,” Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said during a trip to Beijing this spring. “In China, ... growth that is sustainable will require a very substantial shift from external to domestic demand, from an investment and export-intensive growth to growth led by consumption.”

That’s one vision of the future.

But there’s a growing group of market professionals who see a different picture altogether. These self-styled China bears take the less popular view: that the much-vaunted Chinese economic miracle is nothing but a paper dragon. In fact, they argue that the Chinese have dangerously overheated their economy, building malls, luxury stores and infrastructure for which there is almost no demand, and that the entire system is teetering toward collapse.

A Chinese collapse, of course, would have profound effects on the United States, limiting China’s ability to buy U.S. debt and provoking unknown political changes inside the Chinese regime.

The China bears could be dismissed as a bunch of cranks and grumps except for one member of the group: hedge fund investor Jim Chanos.

Chanos, a billionaire, is the founder of the investment firm Kynikos Associates and a famous short seller — an investor who scrutinizes companies looking for hidden flaws and then bets against those firms in the market.

His most famous call came in 2001, when Chanos was one of the first to figure out that the accounting numbers presented to the public by Enron were pure fiction. Chanos began contacting

Wall Street investment houses that were touting Enron’s stock. “We were struck by how many of them conceded that there was no way to analyze Enron but that investing in Enron was, instead, a ‘trust me’ story,” Chanos told a congressional committee in 2002.

Now, Chanos says he has found another “trust me” story: China. And he is moving to short the entire nation’s economy. Washington policymakers would do well to understand his argument, because if he’s right, the consequences will be felt here.

Chanos and the other bears point to several key pieces of evidence that China is heading for a crash.

First, they point to the enormous Chinese economic stimulus effort — with the government spending $900 billion to prop up a $4.3 trillion economy. “Yet China’s economy, for all the stimulus it has received in 11 months, is underperforming,” Gordon Chang, author of “The

Coming Collapse of China,” wrote in Forbes at the end of October. “More important, it is unlikely that [third-quarter] expansion was anywhere near the claimed 8.9 percent.”

Chang argues that inconsistencies in Chinese official statistics — like the surging numbers for car sales but flat statistics for gasoline consumption — indicate that the Chinese are simply cooking their books. He speculates that Chinese state-run companies are buying fleets of cars and simply storing them in giant parking lots in order to generate apparent growth.

Another data point cited by the bears: overcapacity. For example, the Chinese already consume more cement than the rest of the world combined, at 1.4 billion tons per year. But they have dramatically ramped up their ability to produce even more in recent years, leading to an estimated spare capacity of about 340 million tons, which, according to a report prepared earlier this year by

Pivot Capital Management, is more than the consumption in the U.S., India and Japan combined.

This, Chanos and others argue, is happening in sector after sector in the Chinese economy. And that means the Chinese are in danger of producing huge quantities of goods and products that they will be unable to sell.

The Pivot Capital report was extremely popular in Chanos’s office and concluded, “We believe the coming slowdown in China has the potential to be a similar watershed event for world markets as the reversal of the U.S. subprime and housing boom.”

And the bears also keep a close eye on anecdotal reports from the ground level in China, like a recent posting on a blog called The Peking Duck about shopping at Beijing’s “stunningly dysfunctional, catastrophic mall, called The Place.”

“I was shocked at what I saw,” the blogger wrote. “Fifty percent of the eateries in the basement were boarded up. The cheap food court, too, was gone, covered up with ugly blue boarding, making the basement especially grim and dreary. ... There is simply too much stuff, too many stores and no buyers.”

Soros Says Chinese Stocks Are ‘Overheating,’ Should Be Slowed

2010-02-02T00:28:00.001-08:00

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Billionaire investor George Soros said China’s stock market is “overheating” and policy makers should seek to temper its gains.
“Right now, the Chinese market is overheating and they have to slow it down,” Soros said in an interview with Bloomberg Television today at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. “It remains to be seen how successful they are.”

After surging 80 percent in 2009, China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index has fallen this year as the government reins in credit growth to avoid asset bubbles and slow the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

The founder of the $25 billion hedge-fund firm Soros Fund Management LLC said there is “no attractive alternative” to the dollar, noting the U.K. is in “worse shape” than the U.S. and the euro has its “own problems.”

Soros repeated that the yuan is undervalued and allowing it to strengthen would be a “very appropriate thing” for the Chinese government to do. “If they don’t do it, there will be increasing pressure from the United States,” he said.

His concern about the value of Chinese stocks reflects the results of this month’s poll of investors and analysts who are Bloomberg subscribers, which showed 62 percent of respondents view China as a bubble. Three out of 10 investors said the country posed the greatest downside risk, ranking it the second- riskiest market behind the European Union.

Greek Deficit Woes

Greece will tackle the EU’s largest budget deficit without leaving the 16-nation euro area, Soros said. “I’m actually confident they will make it,” he said, adding that the alternative of quitting the single-currency bloc would be more painful than paring the debt.

Soros said the world economy remains at risk of a double- dip recession, citing any premature reversal of economic stimulus by policy makers as a trigger for a renewed slump. “It might dip again if you withdraw the stimulus too soon,” he said.

The investor who made $1 billion selling the British pound in 1992 urged policy makers to coordinate their regulation of finance or risk a splintering of markets.

“If we fail to do that, the global markets are going to break up,” Soros said. “Unless you have these common rules, each country is going to protect itself.”

ELAK TERJEBAK MASALAH WANG - RANCANG KEWANGAN ANDA DENGAN BIJAK

2010-02-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Elak terjebak masalah wang...
Kajian pendapat mengenai Kesan Inflasi Terhadap Institusi Keluarga yang dijalankan oleh Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) pada 2008 mendapati, 95 peratus daripada keluarga menghadapi kesukaran untuk menangani dan berhadapan dengan kenaikan harga barangan.

Kajian turut menunjukkan bahawa 44 peratus daripada wanita menyatakan bahawa berlaku perselisihan faham di dalam keluarga terutama di kalangan keluarga yang berpendapatan rendah sejak krisis ekonomi melanda dan menyebabkan harga barang mahupun makanan meningkat.

Sungguhpun kajian itu dilaksanakan ketika negara dilanda inflasi yang tinggi, impak daripada senario itu masih dirasai oleh sebilangan keluarga kini. Apatah lagi dalam keadaan ekonomi yang tidak begitu memberangsangkan pada masa kini.

Kaunselor Kredit Agensi Kaunseling dan Perkhidmatan Kredit, Mohd Nasir Mustafa, berkata untuk itulah pengurusan kewangan keluarga penting untuk mencapai matlamat hidup lebih baik, di samping melindungi diri dan orang disayangi.

Mohd Nasir berkata, mengamalkan pengurusan kewangan yang baik juga dapat mengelakkan diri daripada terjebak dengan masalah kewangan kerana pengurusan kewangan baik seharusnya berasaskan hidup dalam kemampuan yang sebenarnya.

“Matlamat pengurusan kewangan keluarga perlulah merangkumi jangka pendek dan jangka sederhana iaitu antara lima hingga 10 tahun. Malah, perlu ada jangka panjang yakni dalam menuju persaraan. Bagi memastikan perancangan kewangan itu memenuhi objektif pula, lima langkah utama perlu dijadikan panduan. Pertama, semak atau menilai terlebih dulu kedudukan kewangan dan kedua, tetapkan matlamat anda.

“Yang ketiga, anda perlu merangka rancangan kewangan dan seterusnya barulah melaksanakan perancangan itu. Akhir sekali, pengurusan kewangan itu perlulah dipantau dan dikemas kini supaya anda dapat meneliti serta mengesan apa yang tidak kena,” katanya ketika menyampaikan ceramah bertajuk Pengurusan Kewangan Berhemat pada program Smart Belanja@LKKPN yang diadakan di Sungai Besi, baru-baru ini.

Mohd Nasir berkata, pengurusan kewangan keluarga bukan hanya membabitkan seorang individu, tetapi semua ahli dalam keluarga berkenaan kerana jika suami saja berusaha bersungguh-sungguh untuk menabung sedangkan isteri buat ‘kebocoran’ pasti tidak akan menjadi.

Katanya, selain mempunyai pendapatan tetap setiap bulan tidak salah jika individu itu ingin menambah pendapatan cara lain atau membina kekayaan termasuk bekerja sambilan atau pun membuat pelaburan bagi mendapatkan keuntungan. Lebih-lebih lagi, kini terdapat pelbagai bentuk pelaburan yang diperkenalkan termasuklah membeli bon dan hartanah atau skim cepat kaya melalui Internet.

Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata dalam keghairahan mendapatkan keuntungan yang berlipat ganda dan pantas, individu seharusnya berhati-hati dan perlu siasat serta membuat penyelidikan terlebih dulu. Begitu juga apabila membuat keputusan dalam memiliki sesuatu aset untuk pelaburan demi masa depan.

“ Kita juga kena ada pengetahuan sebelum membuat pelaburan atau mengumpul aset. Misalnya, untuk membuat pelaburan hartanah anda kena ingat mesti ada wang tunai yang banyak. Kadang-kadang itu ada juga individu silap beli, akhirnya keuntungan yang diidamkan tidak kesampaian dan terpaksa menanggung kerugian.

“Sama juga apabila hendak membeli hartanah, anda seharusnya memikirkan beberapa aspek. Antaranya ialah lokasi, sama ada ia jauh atau pun dekat dengan tempat kerja. Rumah yang dibeli mungkin besar dan murah, tetapi anda harus ambil kira faktor lain seperti tol, duit minyak dan sebagainya,” katanya.

Mohd Nasir berkata, mengenai pembayaran pinjaman khususnya hartanah pula, hendaklah dibayar tepat pada waktunya supaya tidak tertunggak dan terpaksa menanggung bayaran jumlah dua kali untuk bulan berikutnya.

Jika berkemampuan, bayaran ansuran bulanan sebaik-baiknya dilebihkan supaya tempoh pinjaman dapat dipendekkan daripada yang sepatutnya, sekali gus dapat mengurangkan bayaran faedah dikenakan.

“Wang bukanlah segala-galanya, tetapi setiap benda memerlukan wang. Malah, dalam sebuah rumah tangga kehidupan tidak boleh bergantung kepada kata-kata ‘Saya cintakan awak’ saja, tetapi juga perlukan wang untuk membina kehidupan baik untuk masa sekarang dan juga masa hadapan,” katanya.

Berbicara mengenai boros belanja pula, Mohd Nasir, berkata lazimnya sikap seperti itu dikaitkan dengan wanita, tetapi hakikatnya tidak semua wanita, sebaliknya lelaki juga mempunyai bersikap demikian.

Antara punca individu boros berbelanja ialah belanja atau beli secara mendadak. Jika tiada perancangan itulah padahnya dan lebih teruk jika anda tidak mempunyai wang tambahan untuk membeli apa yang tidak dirancang. Faktor lain ialah membeli ikut kehendak dan perasaan sehingga terbeli barang-barang yang tidak munasabah mahupun diperlukan..

Katanya, adalah lebih baik jika individu tahu membezakan antara keperluan dan kehendak. Kehidupan juga lebih baik jika individu menjalani hidup mengikut kemampuan dan menangguhkan kehendak untuk tempoh tertentu jika belum ada keupayaan memilikinya.

Jika berdepan dengan masalah kewangan pula beberapa langkah boleh diambil seperti berbincang bersama ahli keluarga, mengurangkan perbelanjaan dan mencari alternatif untuk menambahkan pendapatan serta mengambil tindakan mengurangkan hutang yang tidak diperlukan...

Clarification on Individuals Undertaking the Activities of Distributing and Marketing of Unit Trust

2010-01-29T00:44:00.001-08:00

Introduction
This FAQ provides clarification and guidance to Question of the current FAQ on the Single Licensing Regime (In Reference to the Licensing Handbook). The Question prescribes that a registered person dealing in unit trust and attached to a UTMC cannot be attached to another principal.

Following the FAQ with regard to the position of unit trust consultants, the SC has received several enquiries requesting for further clarification on the implementation of Question 8 and other issues with regard to individuals licensed for financial planning and interns attached to licensed financial planning firms.

1.Can a Unit Trust Consultant who is attached to a UTMC, CUTA or IUTA, be allowed to distribute unit trust products of other UTMCs, CUTAs or IUTAs?
No. A Unit Trust Consultant (UTC) is not permitted to market and distribute unit trust products other than the products of his principal, to which he is attached to.

A UTC is only allowed to market and distribute the products of its Principal, which may be a UTMC, CUTA or a IUTA. He cannot distribute products of another UTMC at the same time.

This is to ensure that the UTC provides dedicated advice to the investor with respect to his principal’s products.

2.Can a Unit Trust Consultant be attached to more than one UTMC?
No. As mentioned above, a UTC can only be attached to one UTMC and cannot distribute unit trust products directly or indirectly of other UTMCs. He should also not have other arrangements to distribute products of other UTMCs.

3.Are employees of the IUTA, who are registered as UTCs with FIMM allowed to distribute unit trust funds independent of their employers?
No.The employees of a IUTA who are UTCs by virtue of their responsibilities in the IUTA, cannot become a UTC and attach themselves independently with any UTMC, CUTA or IUTA.

4.Can an individual who holds a financial planning license and is a unit trust consultant, attach himself to more than one UTMC?
No. A UTC can only be attached to one UTMC, as its Principal. The individual, who holds a financial planning license, should distribute the unit trust products of his Principal and pursuant to a financial plan. This is consistent with the approach as described in Question 1 and 2 above.

5.Can an individual who holds a financial planning license, who intends to become a CUTA continue to be attached to a UTMC?
No. The Financial Planning license holder must detach himself or herself from the UTMC prior to the CUTA seeking registration with FIMM. The CUTA can be attached to several UTMCs. As mentioned in Question 1 above, the CUTA and its representatives can only distribute unit trust products pursuant to a financial plan and with respect to the products of the UTMCs that the CUTA has arrangements with.

6. Are interns of a CUTA allowed to be registered as UTCs with FIMM either to distribute unit trust products on behalf of the CUTA or to distribute unit trust products independent of the CUTA?
No. An intern is not allowed to become a UTC, regardless of whether it is in his or her capacity as an intern of the CUTA or independent of the CUTA. This requirement is consistent with the framework for CUTAs, which does not allow the individual licensed financial planning representative to have an arrangement with UTMCs. This also follows the principle of interns assisting the financial planners of a CUTA and must not operate to avoid the requirement for FPs of CUTAs to be detached from UTMCs

HSBC remains bullish on Asian economic growth

2010-01-24T23:29:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

ASIAN economies have the momentum to carry through with growth, even if their fiscal stimuli start to wane this year, says HSBC Bank.

The economies in the Asian region have already entered a self-sustaining expansion cycle.

"Growing intra-regional trade should also insulate the region against a double dip in the West and the inevitable fading of an impending restocking bounce," said the bank's economists, Frederic Neumann and Robert Prior-Wandesforde, in their projection for the first quarter of 2010.

The region had recouped all of its losses in the third quarter of 2009.

"But it is wrong to see Asia's recovery as being entirely policy-driven. Already over the course of last year, the private sector began to respond swiftly to public initiatives.

"With its banking systems unaffected by Western calamity, this turned out to be a cyclical, not a structural recession for Asia," they said in a report.

HSBC Bank still stands by its bullish view for the region, including an above consensus view of a 6.8 per cent growth for Malaysia this year.

Asia, excluding Japan, is expected to grow by 7.8 per cent, with China and India leading the way, followed by 7.4 per cent growth in 2011.

Inflation will remain a key risk in 2010 although it stays bottled-up for now, Neumann and Prior-Wandesforde warned.

It may soar over the first half only to temper later in the year.

"The risk for Asia, in short, is not lack of growth, but the inability of policymakers to anticipate the implications of its strength," they said.

Already, signs are popping up all over the region that price pressures are gaining momentum. In places like India and Vietnam, the cost of staples such as rice has surged in recent months.

In the case of Malaysia, Neumann and Prior-Wandesforde said since the first quarter, the level of gross domestic product (GDP) is over 7 per cent and has "recovered all but 1.2 per cent of the loss in output" during the recession.

"We remain optimistic and are sticking with our 6.8 per cent GDP growth forecast for 2010, well above the government's ultra-conservative 2 to 3 per cent range."

Export growth is also expected to trend higher as the regional or global trade cycle continues to gather momentum.

HSBC Bank expects Bank Negara Malaysia to deliver its first interest rate hike around the middle of next year.

The China Bubble Debate

2010-01-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

Stock Valuations and Growth Projections
By Adam Sharp

Monday, January 18th, 2010

China is still a growth machine, averaging around 9% GDP lately. But a growing chorus of bears thinks they're cooking the books, and that the whole thing is a huge bubble waiting to pop.

I think Shanghai stocks are a bit pricey here, trading at a P/E of around 30x. So while I consider myself a long-term China bull, it's always good to examine the other side of the argument...

China: Bear Case

Jim Chanos is probably the best-known China Bear out there. He's one of the few guys who saw the Enron collapse coming, so people tend to listen to his warnings.

He thinks China's economy is only being propped up by massive stimulus spending. He points out that their $900b program represents nearly 1/4 of their $4.3t GDP.

It's also not clear how wisely the money is being spent. In some cases, it looks like it's being flushed down the toilet. The empty city in Inner Mongolia is a good example...

China spent billions to build a huge city in the middle of nowhere. It has a huge luxury mall, Venice-like canals, and thousands of empty houses. You can watch an amazing video about the project here. Some see this type of project as a clear sell signal. Questions are also being raised about how real China's growth is. For example, official numbers show excellent growth in auto sales. But sales of gas are anemic. Are they fudging the numbers? Chanos suspects they are, and plans to short auto and infrastructure stocks.

A government-controlled economy will always be full of waste and inefficiency — that's the nature of socialist markets. Bureaucrats generally make awful businessmen. With hardly any stake in the outcome, workers inevitably get careless and make bad decisions. Corruption also tends to creep in.

But there are some promising projects taking place in China. And compared to the prospects of developed markets, China is one of the better long-term bets.

The Bull Case

Jim Rogers is probably the most well-known China Bull. He dismisses talk that China is a bubble. He recently made a not-so subtle dig at Chanos, saying, "I find it interesting that people who couldn't spell China 10 years ago are now experts on China."

Rogers thinks that selling Chinese stocks today would be like selling American stocks in 1905. I agree. It might be a bumpy ride, but if I had to put money somewhere for the next 10 years, China'd be near the top of the list.

And while some stimulus money is clearly being wasted, some projects look good. One of the more impressive is a $200b high-speed rail network, scheduled to be complete in 10 years.

Efficient public transportation is a no-brainer for China. Combine rising energy costs with 1.3 billion citizens in need of transportation, and you have a socialist's dream-project. If well-executed, it'll provide superior transportation and a lower cost of living for hundreds of millions.

Now consider the fact that the U.S. has spent around $180b bailing out AIG. For about the same price, China will have a huge high-speed rail network in 10 years. I doubt our investment in AIG will look so good.

The China bull case comes down to growth. Even if they're cooking the books a little to hit their goals, it's still growing faster than 90% of the world.

Time to Invest?

Chinese stocks have historically traded at a premium due to their growth. However, I would probably wait for a pullback to pull the trigger. With the near 100% run Chinese stocks had in 2009, it's prudent to wait at this point.

At 30x trailing earnings, Shanghai stocks are priced for extremely strong growth going forward. And the China bears do have some good points, especially the dependence on stimulus spending.

That said, if we do get a big pullback, I'll be looking to add to my Chinese ETFs — PGJ in particular.

There are a few stocks that are worth a look, but I'm steering clear of the broad-based index funds for now. I recently found a small-cap stock that looks great here. It's China Security & Surveillance Tech, and trades under CSR. It's dirt cheap, trading at a 10x P/E with strong growth prospects.

Until next time,

Adam Sharp

Analyst, Wealth Daily

P.S:- As I said, China has seen stellar growth in its auto industry. And that growth will continue as a massive middle class grows hungrier for personal automobiles. Amid the fray, one tiny company has made a huge impact on the auto market in the Middle Kingdom. This report has all the details about the Chinese growth company some analysts think could grow into the world's largest carmaker.

Mobius: U.S. Market at Risk of 20 Percent Drop

2010-01-18T01:44:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010 02:41 PM
By: Ellen Chang

Although the stock market is on a rebound, investors should remain cautious, Mark Mobius, executive chairman at Templeton Asset Management, told CNBC.

The market will likely correct itself soon with a steep adjustment, noting that a 20 percent correction would be par for the course, he said.

“In a secular bull market, where we are now, you will see corrections can be as much as 15-20 percent, but we shouldn't be concerned that this represents a bear market," he said.

"A 20 percent correction is not unusual, we've seen it in China already last year … so you will see that on an individual market basis,” Mobius said.

Since the markets have recovered, investors won’t see the large gains that occurred in 2009, he said.

However, the market will stay it course and the impetus will continue.

“I'm telling my clients, don't expect the 50 percent or 60 percent that we saw last year,” Mobius said.

The U.S. is likely to maintain its current monetary policy because of a large number of people remain without jobs, Mobius said.

“I don't see tightening until the end of this year and maybe the beginning of next year and there's one very simple reason: unemployment,” he said.

The two largest problems for the economy worldwide are a decreasing money supply and the derivatives market, he said.

“If money supply starts heading down, that would be a bad sign for markets generally," he said.

The market is still reacting to the high unemployment figures, Bloomberg reported.

“People are still losing some jobs here, even in the fourth quarter,” said Jason Cooper, who manages $2.5 billion at 1st Source Investment Advisors in South Bend, Ind.

“The economy, it’s not as good as what people were anticipating. And I think that’s reflected in what the markets are doing.”

© Newsmax. All rights reserved

Bullish views on unit trust in H1

2010-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

INVESTORS may want to put their money in unit trusts this year especially in equity-linked funds, given its strong performance in 2009 and expectations that it will continue to perform well.

MAAKL Mutual Bhd chief executive officer Wong Boon Choy believes that following last year’s performance, fully invested equity funds will outperform in the first half of 2010, due to the continued improving macro economic indicators, positive corporate earnings momentum and ample liquidity supporting robust capital inflows.

As for the second half of 2010, more defensive equity funds such as those with stable dividend payouts or with flexible asset allocation are likely to fare better, Wong opines.

“This is because, we believe that the second half of 2010 will be a more challenging period with possible withdrawal of fiscal and monetary support worldwide, hence putting downside risks to corporate earnings especially those in cyclical sectors,” Wong says.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific funds are expected to outperform pure Malaysian-centric funds this year given the more visible earnings growth drivers favouring the former, Wong adds.

In terms of themes, Pacific Mutual Fund Bhd general manager (business development and marketing) Gary Gan says that funds investing in commodities, agriculture, technology, metals with linkage to emerging markets led by the BRIC nations with China at the forefront are expected to do well.

“We are also seeing signs of US stocks gaining interest again as many expect the United States to lead the developed world out of its slump,” Gan adds.

Morningstar Asia Ltd senior research analyst Y.T. Kum concurs, saying that investors prefer the strong recovery theme in Asia, namely Singapore and China and this trend is not expected to reverse.

Kum adds that the Malaysian economy has not been as resilient as other Asian countries over the past year.

“The speed of loan growth and capital market pickup in Malaysia is not as fast as other Asian countries such as China and Singapore. The pick-up of property market in Malaysia is also quite slow – the mediocre occupancy rate of offices does not point to a strong recovery. As a result, although the equity market gained on the back of improving corporate earnings, it failed to outperform other Asian markets over the year,” Kum adds.

However, MyFP Services Sdn Bhd financial planner and managing director Robert Foo advises against thematic unit trust funds because they may be trying to capitalise on a trend which may not be sustainable throughout the course of one’s investment time horizon which should be at least five years or more.

“Thematic funds appeal to investors who are affected by the herd instinct, which is not the wisest way to invest,” Foo opines.

Equity funds in Malaysia provided 36.36% in average returns last year (versus -33.16% in 2008) while mixed asset balanced funds registered 23.61% (-22.33% in 2008).

Meanwhile, bond and money market funds in Malaysia recorded 6.84% (-0.15% in 2008) and 2.09% (2.96% in 2008) respectively for 2009.

However, HwangDBS Investment Management Bhd head of equities Gan Eng Peng cautions that it would be a tougher year in 2010 to reap windfall returns.

Gan says that while growth prospects is expected to improve this year, implying higher corporate earnings and better stock market performance, the withdrawal of stimulus tools by governments as the economic conditions improve, will have a negative counter-balancing effect.

“This basically means, the natural upward bias of the markets will continue, but the upside will be limited on the back of less money chasing it,” Gan adds.

Gan shares that there will be a rise in demand for unit trusts this year from the public given the strong overall performance last year.

“This could prompt more equity funds being launched, especially in the first half of this year as the consensus outlook is weaker for the second half of 2010,” Gan says.

Meanwhile, last year’s best sellers like fixed income structures and protected funds are expected to continue to do well into at least the first half of 2010 for risk averse investors and institutions looking for better than fixed deposit returns.

Jeremy Tan, a licensed financial adviser with Standard Financial Planner Sdn Bhd says that although outlook for unit trusts were bright this year, it is not possible to match last year’s exceptional returns.

“At best, the returns on equity-linked funds would be a lower tiered double-digit percentage of over 10%. However, we should always look at unit trust investment on a longer horizon of at least three years and above, instead of on a year-to-year basis,” Tan adds.

Maybank - KLCI 1,410 level by end-2010

2010-01-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Foreign funds are back but politics still a concern
KUALA LUMPUR: Although foreign funds are back in the country’s equities market amid the strengthening global and domestic economy, concerns over the political and social situation still exist, a forum was told on Saturday.

Maybank Investment Bank chief economist Suhaimi Ilias said foreign investors’ participation in Malaysia’s capital market was only 40% previously.

“(But) it is now increasing steadily,” he said at the Market Chat 2009/2010 Road Show.

Asia Alternative Asset Partners Ltd chief executive officer Paul Smith, however, cautioned that there were still concerns, especially about the political and social situation in the country.

He said increasing crime rate was one of them.

“Malaysia is competing with the rest of Asia. So, it has to make itself as attractive as possible as the draw for most international investors is currently North Asia rather than South-East Asia,” he said.

Smith said South-East Asia had become somewhat a backwater and the capital controls, imposed for many years now, had made it harder for international players to get back into the market in a substantial manner.

Geomatrix Group chief executive officer Robert Howe said in terms of hedging, there was a need for a futures market that has more than 5,000 contracts traded a day.

However, there had been a “slight improvement” in the KLCI futures market, he said.

Suhaimi said Maybank Investment expected the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index to touch 1,410 level by end-2010.

Meanwhile, Suhaimi, in a research paper, said Malaysia’s real gross domestic product was expected to rebound by 4.5% in 2010.

“(This growth) is expected to be driven by the pick-up in consumer spending, recovery in exports and gross fixed-capital formation, as well as positive inventory adjustment, resulting in a broad-based growth in all economic sectors,” he said. — Bernama

Contrarian Investor Sees Economic Crash in China

2010-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

By David Barboza

Friday, January 8, 2010

Provided by The New York Times

James S. Chanos built one of the largest fortunes on Wall Street by foreseeing the collapse of Enron and other highflying companies whose stories were too good to be true.

Now Mr. Chanos, a wealthy hedge fund investor, is working to bust the myth of the biggest conglomerate of all: China Inc.

As most of the world bets on China to help lift the global economy out of recession, Mr. Chanos is warning that China's hyperstimulated economy is headed for a crash, rather than the sustained boom that most economists predict. Its surging real estate sector, buoyed by a flood of speculative capital, looks like "Dubai times 1,000 -- or worse," he frets. He even suspects that Beijing is cooking its books, faking, among other things, its eye-popping growth rates of more than 8 percent.

Bubbles are best identified by credit excesses, not valuation excesses," he said in a recent appearance on CNBC. "And there's no bigger credit excess than in China." He is planning a speech later this month at the University of Oxford to drive home his point.

As America's pre-eminent short-seller -- he bets big money that companies' strategies will fail -- Mr. Chanos's narrative runs counter to the prevailing wisdom on China. Most economists and governments expect Chinese growth momentum to continue this year, buoyed by what remains of a $586 billion government stimulus program that began last year, meant to lift exports and consumption among Chinese consumers.

Still, betting against China will not be easy. Because foreigners are restricted from investing in stocks listed inside China, Mr. Chanos has said he is searching for other ways to make his bets, including focusing on construction- and infrastructure-related companies that sell cement, coal, steel and iron ore.

Mr. Chanos, 51, whose hedge fund, Kynikos Associates, based in New York, has $6 billion under management, is hardly the only skeptic on China. But he is certainly the most prominent and vocal.

For all his record of prescience -- in addition to predicting Enron's demise, he also spotted the looming problems of Tyco International, the Boston Market restaurant chain and, more recently, home builders and some of the world's biggest banks -- his detractors say that he knows little or nothing about China or its economy and that his bearish calls should be ignored.

"I find it interesting that people who couldn't spell China 10 years ago are now experts on China," said Jim Rogers, who co-founded the Quantum Fund with George Soros and now lives in Singapore. "China is not in a bubble."

Colleagues acknowledge that Mr. Chanos began studying China's economy in earnest only last summer and sent out e-mail messages seeking expert opinion.

But he is tagging along with the bears, who see mounting evidence that China's stimulus package and aggressive bank lending are creating artificial demand, raising the risk of a wave of nonperforming loans.

"In China, he seems to see the excesses, to the third and fourth power, that he's been tilting against all these decades," said Jim Grant, a longtime friend and the editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer, who is also bearish on China. "He homes in on the excesses of the markets and profits from them. That's been his stock and trade."

Mr. Chanos declined to be interviewed, citing his continuing research on China. But he has already been spreading the view that the China miracle is blinding investors to the risk that the country is producing far too much.

"The Chinese," he warned in an interview in November with Politico.com, "are in danger of producing huge quantities of goods and products that they will be unable to sell."

In December, he appeared on CNBC to discuss how he had already begun taking short positions, hoping to profit from a China collapse.

In recent months, a growing number of analysts, and some Chinese officials, have also warned that asset bubbles might emerge in China.

The nation's huge stimulus program and record bank lending, estimated to have doubled last year from 2008, pumped billions of dollars into the economy, reigniting growth.

But many analysts now say that money, along with huge foreign inflows of "speculative capital," has been funneled into the stock and real estate markets.

A result, they say, has been soaring prices and a resumption of the building boom that was under way in early 2008 -- one that Mr. Chanos and others have called wasteful and overdone.

"It's going to be a bust," said Gordon G. Chang, whose book, "The Coming Collapse of China" (Random House), warned in 2001 of such a crash.

Friends and colleagues say Mr. Chanos is comfortable betting against the crowd -- even if that crowd includes the likes of Warren E. Buffett and Wilbur L. Ross Jr., two other towering figures of the investment world.

A contrarian by nature, Mr. Chanos researches companies, pores over public filings to sift out clues to fraud and deceptive accounting, and then decides whether a stock is overvalued and ready for a fall. He has a staff of 26 in the firm's offices in New York and London, searching for other China-related information.

"His record is impressive," said Byron R. Wien, vice chairman of Blackstone Advisory Services. "He's no fly-by-night charlatan. And I'm bullish on China."

Mr. Chanos grew up in Milwaukee, one of three sons born to the owners of a chain of dry cleaners. At Yale, he was a pre-med student before switching to economics because of what he described as a passionate interest in the way markets operate.

His guiding philosophy was discovered in a book called "The Contrarian Investor," according to an account of his life in "The Smartest Guys in the Room," a book that chronicled Enron's rise and downfall.

After college, he went to Wall Street, where he worked at a series of brokerage houses before starting his own firm in 1985, out of what he later said was frustration with the way Wall Street brokers promoted stocks.

At Kynikos Associates, he created a firm focused on betting on falling stock prices. His theories are summed up in testimony he gave to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in 2002, after the Enron debacle. His firm, he said, looks for companies that appear to have overstated earnings, like Enron; were victims of a flawed business plan, like many Internet firms; or have been engaged in "outright fraud."

That short-sellers are held in low regard by some on Wall Street, as well as Main Street, has long troubled him.

Short-sellers were blamed for intensifying market sell-offs in the fall 2008, before the practice was temporarily banned. Regulators are now trying to decide whether to restrict the practice.

Mr. Chanos often responds to critics of short-selling by pointing to the critical role they played in identifying problems at Enron, Boston Market and other "financial disasters" over the years.

"They are often the ones wearing the white hats when it comes to looking for and identifying the bad guys," he has said.

Bank Negara warns of online currency trading scheme

2010-01-06T21:13:00.001-08:00

Bank Negara Malaysia has advised the public to not participate in any illegal investment or training programmed on foreign currency trading offered by individuals or companies.
In a statement today, the central bank said members of the public are usually enticed to attend such investment or training programmed with promises of quick and good returns.

It said the modus operandi of such programmed has been to offer free training, seminars or workshops to lure investors, prior to inviting them to set-up an online foreign currency trading account with a principal company.

The company has purportedly a valid license to trade in foreign currency overseas.

It also includes providing convenient access to the principal company's website and facilitates online foreign currency trading by investors as well as the recruitment of fresh graduates as marketing executives.

The graduates are also encouraged to get their family and friends to trade in foreign currency.

Such programmed also require investors to deposit an amount of money into a bank account to begin the trading in foreign currency and subsequently, requesting for a top up on their initial investment (margin call) to avoid losing the capital.

Under the Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECA), it is an offence for a person in Malaysia to buy or sell foreign currency or engage in any act which involves, is in association with, or is preparatory to, the buying or selling of foreign currency with any person, other than an authorized dealer.

It is also an offence for a person to aid or abet another to buy or sell foreign currency with anyone, unless the individual is an authorized dealer.

The list of authorized dealers and financial institutions permitted by the Controller of Foreign Exchange to buy or sell foreign currency can be obtained from Bank Negara Malaysia's website.

- Bernama

UNIT TRUST INVESTMENT WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD: Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

2009-12-23T02:04:00.000-08:00

UNIT TRUST INVESTMENT WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD: Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

2009-12-23T02:01:00.000-08:00

Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

2009-12-23T02:00:00.002-08:00

Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

2009-12-23T02:00:00.001-08:00

Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

2009-12-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers

Tips On How To Choose Unit Trust Funds

2009-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Personal Investments - By Ooi Kok Hwa

UNIT trust funds offer an attractive alternative to retail investors, especially those looking for the benefit of diversification with a small pool of capital while enjoying the possibility of earning higher returns compared with conventional savings.

However, a lot of people have the misconception that the diversification nature of these funds means that the risk of investing in unit trust is low and they can just close their eyes and simply pick any of the funds that come along.

This misconception has led to many paying high prices in learning that as in any type of investments, investing in unit trust funds requires some basic understanding and research before we commit our hard earned money to it.

In general, we can classify the unit trust funds in the market into two major categories: income funds and growth funds.

~ Income funds usually are characterised as providing consistent income to the investors. These funds invest in income-producing stocks or bonds or a combination of both. Bond funds, equity income funds and money market funds are included in this category.

~ Growth funds generally are more aggressive than income funds but have the possibility of earning higher returns by focusing on the objective of long-term capital appreciation rather than income producing or short-term gain. Examples of growth funds are small-cap funds, commodity funds, index funds and gold funds.

Before we start evaluating the funds to invest in, there are two main considerations which are our investment objectives and risk tolerance level.

Every investor invests for his own purpose. If you are investing for your retirement and are already close to retirement age, you should look for income funds that are more predictable.

However, if you are still young and want to save for your children’s higher education, which will be 10 or 15 more years, you may want to look for growth funds that generate higher return but with higher level of risk.

Once we are clear on what we are looking for in the investment, we can narrow down our selection to either income or growth category and move to the next step of identifying the most suitable funds within the selected category.

Here are a few key factors to look into when evaluating unit trust funds:

~ Investment strategy, policy and holdings: Every fund has its own investment profile. Investors should have a clear understanding of the investment strategy taken in each fund that they are considering to ensure it is consistent with their personal investment objective and risk tolerance level.

Even the funds within the same category may have significant differences in risk exposure due to the difference in the investment holdings.

For example, the risk exposure in large-cap growth companies is definitely much lower than for penny stock funds.

~ Past performance: Investors may look into the past performance trend of the fund to gauge its future performance.

However, do bear in mind that good past performance may not be repeated in the future and we should not be overly excited to see one year of good results if the fund is only newly established.

A good fund should be the one that has been consistently out-performing its peers, be it during good or bad times.

~ Cost: Investors must be aware that when they buy or sell the funds, there are fees and expenses embedded in every transaction.

For example, the expense ratio of a small fund tends to be higher than a large fund while a regional or global fund usually will carry higher costs compared with a domestic fund.

~ Fund management: The fund management is very important to ensure continuity and consistent performance.

If a fund changes management too frequently, it will be very difficult for us to gauge the performance of the fund as different managers will have different styles which may affect the performance of the fund.

For example, if the manager tends to have higher portfolio turnover, then the expense ratio of the fund may increase even though the nature of the fund holdings remains the same.

By having good understanding of the above factors, we may be able to make meaningful comparisons among funds that we are interested in to identify the ones that suit us most.

Times Of London Censored Again In Dubai After Ruling Sheikh Is Called A "Benign Dictator"

2009-12-14T01:21:00.000-08:00

Once again, News Corp.-owned Times of London is being censored in Dubai for daring to criticize the royals who turned the country into such a gigantic mess.

WSJ: The Times of London available in the United Arab Emirates was censored Saturday for an article that appeared to criticize Dubai's ruler.

Reference to Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as a "benign dictator" in a page 14 article titled: "Confidence will never return," was blanked out in the print copy of the paper in Dubai. The full article, which also criticized the Crown Prince, written by The Times' Jim MacLean remained online.

Here's the article, titled "Confidence Will Never Return in Dubai" in question.

Sheikh Mohammed, 60, who took over in 2006, has presided over Dubai’s final growth spurt. His image appears in every marble hotel lobby and public building. He is, in effect, a benign dictator, a man not to be crossed but who wants to be liked.

His grand vision for Dubai, however, is over. Even if its richer neighbour Abu Dhabi helps it out again financially, it will not be with the blank cheque Sheikh Mohammed had hoped for. He may have surrounded himself with “yes men” who sugar-coated worsening news, but Sheikh Mohammed cast himself as Dubai’s chief executive and if this were a company he would be on his way.

The crisis in Dubai has gone beyond debt and become one surrounding the credibility of its leadership. Dubai World’s failure to honour its obligations has shaken faith among the international investment community in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emirate’s normally ebullient leader.

The price of restoring it is likely to be much more than just more prudent borrowing and greater transparency. It is likely to be a demand for a restructuring at the top: this means a much clearer distinction between the Royal Family, the Dubai Government and the businesses of the glittering Emirate.

“It has absolutely destroyed confidence. Who will do business with Dubai now?” said Christopher Davidson, an expert on Gulf economics at the University of Durham. “Sheikh Mohammed was hinting for years about a full sovereign guarantee behind these developers.

“The international financial community, and I know this to be the case in London, won’t do business with Dubai again,” he said. It’s a really devastating scenario.”

Sheikh Mohammed has blamed the negative coverage of Dubai’s recent woes on the media and unnamed conspirators determined to see an Arab success story fail. That may play well with the Emirati audience but it is less persuasive to professional investors who feel they were misled. The timing of the Dubai World announcement, on the eve of a series of public holidays, created particular opprobrium. Government officials have turned off their phones.

Experienced analysts no longer trust the Government’s statistics, claiming they do not fully reflect the amount Dubai owes its foreign creditors. EFG Hermes, a regional investment bank, thinks Dubai could owe as much as $150 billion (£91 billion), twice the size of the economy and two and half times its officially declared debt. Dubai World alone owes British banks $5 billion. The extent of Sheikh Mohammed’s personal holdings in the big state-owned companies is often unclear. “We are probably talking many many years before we see a resolution,” said Fahd Iqbal, Gulf strategist at EFG.

Sheikh Mohammed, 60, who took over in 2006, has presided over Dubai’s final growth spurt. His image appears in every marble hotel lobby and public building. He is, in effect, a benign dictator, a man not to be crossed but who wants to be liked.

His grand vision for Dubai, however, is over. Even if its richer neighbour Abu Dhabi helps it out again financially, it will not be with the blank cheque Sheikh Mohammed had hoped for. He may have surrounded himself with “yes men” who sugar-coated worsening news, but Sheikh Mohammed cast himself as Dubai’s chief executive and if this were a company he would be on his way.

Such an outcome may not displease Abu Dhabi nor the United States. Dubai and Iran are trading partners, and arms shipments have been intercepted sailing from Dubai’s ports bound for the Islamic Republic.

Sheikh Mohammed’s anointed successor is Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 27, but he recently made a gaffe by telling the World Economic Forum that the economy was “humming again” just days before the Dubai World crisis. Sheikh Mohammed’s older brother and official deputy, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is largely unassociated with the boom and a more experienced possibility.

2009-12-08T18:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Valued Business Partners,

Recent developments in the global financial market, particularly those involving stocks and shares, have been certainly unsettling. Such market conditions have of course witnessed both individual and institutional investors exercising extra caution in all their investment decisions.

Speaking of this, a recent quote by Warren Buffett, the Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway in an opinion piece published by The New York Times on 16 October 2008 explaining why he was investing heavily in the U.S. stocks at this point in time, comes to mind..

In part, he wrote, “I haven't the faintest idea as to whether stocks will be higher or lower a month - or a year - from now...What is likely, however, is that the market will move higher, perhaps substantially so, well before either sentiment or the economy turns up. So if you wait for the robins, spring will be over..”

Since stocks began to dive last month, Buffett has bought huge stakes in Goldman Sachs and General Electric Co, although some argue that his deals are on special terms which most investors would not enjoy. However, in general, his investment principles still apply.

What is the reason behind Buffett’s investment strategy? According to him..

if we wait for signs of market improvement prior to investing, then chances are you would have missed out on great investment opportunities available at a bargain price!

This simply means that we should invest more when people are afraid to do so, because we are the ones who will benefit the most from the market lows when it eventually rises - which is usually the case!

True to his words, stock market volatility will always be part and parcel of any investment cycle but successful investors are those who focus on the big picture will be able to ride out the short term market turmoil in a matter of time.

Among the key messages in a speech delivered by Tunku Dato’ Ya’acob Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah, President of Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers, reminding us of the two golden principles when investing in unit trusts which have withstood the test of time: investing long-term and investing regularly.

Point #1 : Stay invested through volatile periods to achieve long term investment goals.

Time has proven over and over again that market disasters, though extreme, are always temporary and that markets will always recover. He noted that some of the sharpest declines in the past have often been followed by the strongest rebounds.

Point #2 : The importance of the practice of “Dollar-Cost-Averaging”.

Investing regularly, he reminded, is a proven method to smooth the ups and downs of the market and is able to produce better returns whether markets are choppy or not.

He stressed that investors will be rewarded if they have a long enough time horizon to enjoy the next market upswing. As markets can recover very quickly, getting out of the market now would mean investors will miss the rebound and the significant returns that come along with the rebound.

So, Grab the Opportunity and invest NOW in MAAKL Mutual's proven funds! Ride on with the success wave, call me 014-2210930 (Azian)

Economy will grow next year, says DPM

2009-11-30T18:45:00.000-08:00

Monday, 23 November 2009

BANDUNG: Malaysia’s economy is recovering following measures taken by the Government and is expected to register a growth of three to four percent next year, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He added that the Government had implemented various initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s economy from a low- and medium-income economy into a high-income one.

Muhyiddin urged the people, including Malaysian students overseas, to help ensure that the economic transformation progressed smoothly.

Muhyiddin also spoke of the Government’s efforts to enhance its delivery service through the introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs) for ministers.

On overseas students, Muhyiddin said the Government believed they would strive to protect the good name of the country.

Apart from focusing on their studies, students should also make efforts to promote Malaysia overseas.

“Good relations with the local people will go a long way in projecting a positive image of Malaysia internationally,” he said in a dinner with about 600 Malaysians here on Friday night.

He added that Malaysian students in Indonesia could also play their role in further streng-thening ties between both countries.

ECONOMY WILL GROW NEXT YEAR

2009-11-22T23:58:00.000-08:00

Economy will grow next year, says DPM
Monday, 23 November 2009

BANDUNG: Malaysia’s economy is recovering following measures taken by the Government and is expected to register a growth of three to four percent next year, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He added that the Government had implemented various initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s economy from a low- and medium-income economy into a high-income one.

Muhyiddin urged the people, including Malaysian students overseas, to help ensure that the economic transformation progressed smoothly.

Muhyiddin also spoke of the Government’s efforts to enhance its delivery service through the introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs) for ministers.

On overseas students, Muhyiddin said the Government believed they would strive to protect the good name of the country.

Apart from focusing on their studies, students should also make efforts to promote Malaysia overseas.

“Good relations with the local people will go a long way in projecting a positive image of Malaysia internationally,” he said in a dinner with about 600 Malaysians here on Friday night.

He added that Malaysian students in Indonesia could also play their role in further streng-thening ties between both countries.

World Bank projects 5.6 GDP growth for Malaysia in 2011

2009-11-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) - The World Bank has projected a 5.6% gross domestic product (GDP) growth for Malaysia in 2011 and 5.9% growth in 2012.

Its projections were based on a sustained economic recovery in the US and other countries as well as the government's structural reform agenda.

Its chief economist East Asia and Pacific Region, Vikram Nehru, said the country would also benefit from the greater optimism by exporters as restocking inventory activities was at faster pace.

"Exports will likely gain momentum on the back of strong demand from emerging East Asian economies, particularly China," he told reporters at the launch of a new bi-annual report on "Malaysia: the Malaysia Economic Monitor" by the bank here Wednesday.

Malaysia Economic Monitor November 2009, a bi-annual review of the Malaysian economy by the bank has included Malaysia's policy recommendations to address the medium-term economic challenges.

The World Bank's report is part of a wider effort to promote sharing of knowledge among internal and external stakeholders-a requisite for the innovation and knowledge driven economy and a key pillar of the World Bank's partnership with Malaysia government, the bank said in a statement.

For Malaysia to reach its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2020, the World Bank proposed a four pillar strategy, efforts to specilise the economy further, improve the skills of its workforce, make growth more inclusive and strengthen public finances.

"Strengthening public finances will help generate the resources for the high-income model, address concerns about the fiscal deficit and reduce the crowding-out of private initiative," it said.

The Malaysia Economic Monitor is available at www.worldbank.org/my.

KLCI HIT 1280 points n testing 1370 pt soon in 2010

2009-11-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Salam,

Grab the opportunity to invest in unit trust now n ride on the uptrend market with relisting of MAXIS, Upcoming BUMI ARMADA,Ekuinas, Malaysian Saudi JV Corp and MP10 soon.

KLCI will hit new record high till next General Election.

INVEST WITH PROVEN MAAKL MUTUAL FUND'S NOW or your better future.

Call/SMS me 014-2210930 for appointment...Tq :)

-AZIAN-

Malaysia less affected by economic downturn, survey reveals

2009-11-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, 6 November 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is less affected by the economic downturn, a survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales reveals.

The Annual Global Enterprise Survey 2009 also showed businesses in Asia were " less negatively affected " by the economic downturn compared to businesses in other regions

It shows businesses in three Asian markets experienced the downturn in different degrees; one in three ( 33 per cent) Singapore businesses report a very negative effect on their business compared to 21 per cent in Hong Kong and only nine per cent in Malaysia.

Institute Regional Director for Southeast Asia Mark Billington said: " Despite the impact of the economic downturn being felt around the world, the Asian countries, including Malaysia, appear to have been less exposed than businesses in other regions."

"However, many of the Asian businesses surveyed have moderated their growth expectations for the next two years, with one in five forecasting no growth.

"The recent Malaysian Budget, coupled with fragile signs of economic recovery in several countries across the world, should hopefully allow us to expect even more positive Malaysian responses and optimism in our next Global Enterprise Survey,? said Billington

Specific challenges experienced by businesses in Asia impacted by the crisis include difficulty in planning ahead and reduced revenue growth, the survey stated.

The survey explained the downturn is expected to have a greater impact than other economic influences such as changes in consumer demand, changes in exchange rates and changes in global commodity prices.

Asian businesses are also the most positive about the impact of globalisation compared to businesses in other regions.

Seventy per cent of businesses in Malaysia, 81 per cent of Hong Kong businesses and 86 per cent of Singapore businesses believe further globalisation will be beneficial, the survey revealed.

However, Asian businesses generally see more barriers to international expansion than other businesses surveyed.

"A higher proportion of Malaysian businesses than their counterparts in other regions reported that the political environment, availability of internal resources, language issues and cultural differences are barriers to international expansion," the survey said.

A supportive and nurturing business environment are vital to the well-being and growth of enterprises, it said.

It said Singapore and Hong Kong businesses regard their domestic regulatory and taxation environment as very business-friendly.

Overall, businesses in Asia are far more optimistic about an early end to the effects of the global economic downturn than those in other regions, according to the survey.

Globally, most of the people affected by the downturn anticipate the impact to continue for another one to two years, well into 2010 or 2011, it said.

Mengapa melabur di KWSP amat digalakkan??

2009-11-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Mengapa kerajaan Malaysia membenarkan pencarum KWSP mengeluarkan jumlah tertentu untuk dilaburkan ke dalam unit trust sejak tahun 1996 lagi?

Ini adalah kerana kerajaan yakin dengan kemampuan Unit Trust untuk memberikan pulangan yang lebih tinggi berbanding KWSP.

KWSP memberikan dividen yang tertinggi pada tahun 1987 iaitu 8.25% dan paling rendah 2.5% pada tahun 1952. Antara yg terbaru, tahun 2008 – KWSP memberikan dividen setinggi 4.5%.

SEDANGKAN...dalam unit trust, terdapat 3 jenis agihan iaitu:-

1. Dividen - RM$$
2. Bonus - unit
3. Capital gain - buy low, sell high. - seminima 8%.

Dengan adanya semua faktor di atas, ianya akan membantu pelabur / pencarum KWSP untuk menjana lebih keuntungan untuk menggandakan wang caruman untuk persaraan nanti.

Monitoring dan advisoring yang betul..akan membantu pelabur.

InsyaAllah....simpanan jangka panjang dalam unit trust ini memang BERBALOI dan TERBUKTI.

Penama Takaful/Insurans : Jangan Letak Nama Anak!

2009-11-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

Saya menerima satu maklumat yang agak mengejutkan ketika saya menghadiri satu kursus latihan baru-baru ini.

”Kira-kira 80% suami akan meletakkan nama isteri mereka sebagai penama polisi takaful mereka, namun hanya kira-kira 30% isteri meletakkan nama suami mereka sebagai penama”, kata pegawai latihan tersebut kepada para peserta.

Ia disambut dengan hilai tawa para peserta porgram. Baik lelaki mahupun wanita. Ada yang tersenyum-senyum, terutama wanita. Bagi peserta lelaki pula, nampak senyuman sinis di bibir mereka.

Saya pun agak sedikit terkejut dengan pendedahan tersebut. Apabila diimbas sekali polisi-polisi klien-klien saya sebelum ini, memang tidak dapat dinafikan kaum wanita akan cenderung untuk tidak meletakkan nama suami mereka sebagai penama takaful mereka.

Malah, sebenarnya perkara ini bukan saya berlaku di dalam memilih penama polisi takaful, ia juga melibatkan penama di dalam perkara-perkara lain. Sebagai contoh, penama Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Nasional (KWSP), selalunya wanita meletakkan nama ibu atau bapa mereka.

Baca beberapa contoh kes di dalam tulisan: Siapa Penama Polisi Takaful / KWSP Anda?

Berdasarkan maklumat yang saya perolehi, selalunya wanita akan meletakkan nama anak-anak mereka sebagai penama. Dalam kes KWSP pula, nama ibu selalunya diletakkan kerana selalunya mereka bekerja terlebih dahulu dan kemudian baru berkahwin. Selepas berkahwin, penama tersebut tidak diubah.

Isteri “Kurang” Percaya Kepada Suami? SEBAB diorg berfikiran kolot…,cuba berfikiran TERBUKA…

Berdasarkan pengalaman saya berhadapan dengan pelanggan-pelanggan wanita, selalunya alasannya adalah kekhuatiran (baca: ketidakpercayaan) mereka terhadap suami mereka selepas mereka meninggal dunia nanti. Mereka khuatir suami mereka akan berkahwin lain menggunakan duit pampasan takaful mereka!

Kekhuatiran bertambah lagi apabila mereka membayangkan selepas itu suami dengan isteri barunya akan mengabaikan anak-anak kandung mereka. Juga membayangkan yang isteri baru suaminya akan bertindak tidak sewajarnya kepada anak-anak mereka.

Mereka membayangkan isteri baru suami mereka a.k.a ibu tiri anak-anak mereka laksana Rika Sumanto di dalam drama Bawang Merah Bawang Putih! Atau seperti watak Sofia di dalam Puteri Aurora Beradu.

Ya, satu kekhuatiran yang berasas!

Saya tidak nafikan, kekhuatiran kaum hawa tersebut ada asasnya. Demi kasih sayang ibu kepada anak, kadang-kadang mengatasi kasih sayang isteri kepada suami sendiri.

Apabila ditanya kepada isteri saya pun, begitulah juga perasaannya. Apabila ditanyakan kepada ibu saya pun begitulah halnya.

Penama Hanya Pemegang Amanah, Bukan Penerima

Namun, sebenarnya tindakan meletakkan nama anak sebagai penama tidak menyelesaikan masalah. Kerana, penama hanyalah bertindak sebagai wasi atau pemegang amanah. Penama bukanlah pemegang hak tersebut.

Ia sebenarnya telah diputuskan di dalam mesyuarat Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan pada tahun 1978 lagi. Rujuk http://www.e-fatwa.gov.my/jakim/keputusan_view.asp?keyID=103

Fatwa tersebut berbunyi;

1. Melantik penama (Nomination) oleh orang-orang Islam dalam mana-mana badan atau institusi di mana mereka menyimpan sebarang harta adalah tidak sah untuk diterima sebagai waris yang berhak menerima pusaka si mati cuma ia adalah sebagai yang melaksanakan wasiat untuk membahagikan harta pusaka tersebut kepada para waris mengikut hukum syarak.

2. Bahawa orang-orang Islam tidak boleh melantik penama (Nominee) oleh kerana penama mengikut definisi undang-undang awam (sivil) adalah bertentangan dengan hukum syarak dan tidak sah.

3. Oleh itu udang-undang awam (sivil) yang berkenaan hendaklah dipinda supaya sebarang penamaan (Nomination) oleh seseorang Islam menjadi tidak sah. Ini bermakna peruntukan mengenai Nomination atau perlantikan nominee tidak tertakluk kepada orang-orang yang beragama Islam sama ada sesuatu Nomination itu dibuat sebelum atau selepas fatwa ini dipersetujui oleh Raja-raja Melayu.

Secara umumnya, penama hanyalah bertindak sebagai pemegang amanah sahaja.

Penama hanyalah sebagai pemegang amanah bagi harta bagi si mati sama ada pampasan takaful/insurans, wang KWSP dan lain-lain. Penama tadi bertanggung jawab untuk mengagih-agihkan harta-harta tadi kepada pewaris si mati mengikut hukum faraid.

Apabila penama yang diletakkan adalah anak di bawah umur 18 tahun, ini akan menimbulkan masalah, kerana harta tersebut akan dibekukan sehinggalah anak tersebut mencapai usia 18 tahun.

Saya pernah mendengar satu kes, apabila seorang lelaki meninggal dunia dan meninggalkan seorang balu dan beberapa orang anak. Beruntung balu berkenaan kerana suaminya mengambil polisi takaful. Namun apabila dibuat tuntutan, didapati penama yang diletakkan adalah nama anak-anak mereka.

Maka, wang pampasan tersebut terpaksa dibekukan sehingga penama mencapai usia 18 tahun. Lebih malang lagi, anak sulung mereka baru mencecah usia sekolah rendah. Maka, balu tadi terpaksa menunggu kira-kira sepuluh tahun selepas itu untuk membuat tuntutan sepenuhnya terhadap harta peninggalan si mati.

Justeru, berhati-hati sekiranya Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan ingin meletakkan nama anak sebagai penama. Pastikan mereka sudah cukup umurnya 18 tahun.

Sebaiknya, letaklah nama orang yang kita terima ijab dan qabulnya sebagai pemegang amanah harta kita sesudah kita tiada.

Nota: Sekiranya tuan-puan masih mampu membaca tulisan ini, bermakna tuan-puan masih berpeluang untuk menukar nama penama tuan-puan sebelum tuan-puan pergi terlebih dahulu

Bright outlook for positive growth in third quarter, says Najib

2009-11-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 4 November 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Higher spending from the stimulus packages has brightened prospects for the economy to chalk up positive growth in the third quarter of this year after a contraction of 3.9 per cent in the second quarter, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Tuesday.

The more optimistic outlook was based on the much-needed economic activities generated by the stimulus packages which made up for the slowdown in private sector demand, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said.

He said the RM67 billion fiscal stimulus packages implemented by the government, accounting for almost 10 per cent of the gross domestic product, have helped the economy through the stifling global recession.

"Our stimulus packages, opposed by many initially, are now seen as critical to stimulating spending.

"And only a few weeks ago, (we unveiled) a new budget that will cut the deficit next year, invest in priority areas such as infrastructure and services and keep our economy on the recovery path," he said in his keynote address at the Sixth Annual Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum.

Najib said as the economy was regaining its balance, the country needed to look ahead to ways it should adapt to move from simply emerging from recession to becoming a country that is thriving and growing.

"Structural changes in the global balance of consumption and labour markets necessitate Malaysia to review and realign its growth strategies," he said.

He said Malaysia's future growth prospects hinged on the ability to identify and succeed in new areas of economic activities and to take advantage of opportunities in a challenging environment.

The country must also shift its focus from over-reliance on the manufacture and export of physical goods towards a more holistic approach that captures higher value in a knowledge-driven global economy, he added.

MAAKL Declares Gross Distributions for Three Funds

2009-11-04T01:57:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 NOVEMBER 2009 – MAAKL today declared gross distributions for three of its unit trust funds for the financial year ended 31 October 2009.

The gross distributions are as follows:

FundGross                         DistributionGross                   Distribution Yield
MAAKL Bond Fund                     3.50 sen                                  4.18 %
MAAKL As-Saad                         3.50 sen                                  3.21 %
MAAKL Money Market Fund       2.50 sen                                  2.42 %

*Based on average net asset value per unit from 1 November 2008 to 22 October 2009.

All unit holders who maintained their units in MAAKL Bond Fund, MAAKL As-Saad and MAAKL Money Market Fund as at 31 October 2009 are entitled to the distributions.

According to Mr. Wong Boon Choy, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MAAKL Mutual, “We are very pleased to declare gross distributions of 3.50 sen per unit for both MAAKL Bond Fund and MAAKL As-Saad and 2.50 sen per unit for MAAKL Money Market Fund.”

The distributions declared translate into distribution yields of 4.18%, 3.21% and 2.42% for MAAKL Bond Fund, MAAKL As-Saad and MAAKL Money Market Fund respectively.

Mr. Wong added, “For the 1-year period ended 23 October 2009, MAAKL Bond Fund, MAAKL As-Saad and MAAKL Money Market Fund achieved a total return of 5.19%, 6.14% and 2.41%** respectively. Each Fund has managed to achieve its investment objective.”

MAAKL Bond Fund seeks to provide unit holders with higher than average returns compared to fixed deposits in medium-to long-term periods by investing in bonds and other fixed income securities with minimum risk to capital invested. The Fund is designed for investors who prefer a lower level of risk and is suitable for investors who are less concerned on capital appreciation but seek consistent, reasonable and stable income distribution from their investments.

MAAKL As-Saad is an Islamic bond fund that aims to provide unit holders with higher than average returns compared to fixed deposits in medium- to long-term periods by investing in bonds and other fixed income securities which are Shariah-compliant. The fund is designed for investors who prefer to invest in sukuk with a lower level of risk and is suitable for investors who are less concerned on capital appreciation but seek consistent, reasonable and stable income distribution from their investments that comply with Shariah requirements.

MAAKL Money Market Fund is designed for investors who are conservative in nature and are temperament towards risk-reward trade-off. These investors should have short-term investment horizon of less than 1 to 3 years and wish to temporarily liquidate or reduce exposure in equities. The Fund seeks to provide investors with liquidity and current income while maintaining capital stability.

**Source: Lipper Global Fund Database, 26 October 2009

FIMM expects industry to grow 25% in terms of NAV

2009-11-04T00:52:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM) expects the unit trust industry to grow 25% year-on-year in terms of net asset value (NAV) in anticipation of the global economic revival.

“The NAV of the industry had grown by 18% as of May this year to RM159bil,” president Tunku Datuk Ya’acob Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah told reporters after the launch of FIMM’s new name and logo yesterday. FIMM was previously known as the Federation of Malaysian Unit Trust Managers.

The NAV of the unit trust industry contracted by 20% last year to RM134bil against 2007.

Tunku Ya’acob said the US economy was expected to be positive next year.

“Malaysia too, is foreseen to post a positive gross domestic product in the last quarter of this year and also next year. This is indicated by the rally in the stock market over the last few months which I believed is sustainable.

“It’s a matter of confidence where we have seen quite a significant shift of investment in fixed income funds, such as bonds, to equity funds,” he said.

On future trends, Tunku Ya’acob said equity funds should do very well locally and offshore, especially in China.

“China is the ‘bank’ for the US and it should perform well,” he said,

On investors’ compensation fund that is in the final stage of approval by the Securities Commission, Tunku Ya’acob said FIMM’s initial target for the fund would be RM10mil which would be monitored and managed by a panel.

“FIMM will set aside some money that will be accumulated on an annual basis with the view to protect investors in a worst-case scenario where the unit trust company has gone into liquidation or the amount due to be paid is lost, stolen or gone missing.

“But the investors must exhaust all other avenues before resorting to the fund,” he said…

Penoreh getah kumpul duit 20 tahun untuk ke Mekah

2009-11-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

21/10/2009 3:25pm
PULAU PINANG, 21 Okt — Keinginan untuk menunaikan Rukun Islam kelima membuatkan seorang penoreh getah nekad menyimpan sejumlah wang setiap bulan sejak 20 tahun lepas bagi membolehkan beliau dan isteri menunaikan ibadah haji.

Derani Yaakub, 76, dari Gerik, Perak, bersyukur dalam usianya yang agak lanjut masih berpeluang menunaikan ibadah haji yang selama ini sudah lama dipendamnya.

"Setiap bulan saya tidak pernah gagal untuk menyimpan RM100 duit hasil getah dalam akaun Tabung Haji dan selepas berpuluh tahun sabar menanti, syukur impian saya dan isteri, Siti Zulaikha Abdul Latif, 66, untuk ke Mekah tercapai,” katanya ketika ditemui di Kompleks Tabung Haji Bayan Lepas di sini hari ini. —Bernama

*Contoh ini sangat baik dijadikan iktibar untuk di kongsi bersama dengan tujuan menyimpan dlm Unit Trust bersama MAAKL demi masa depan…

Husband & Wife Joint Account In Malaysia

2009-11-03T23:44:00.000-08:00

Good article !!! I received it from my friend about the Bank Joint Account in Malaysia .

"Just to share with you one recent article I read and shocked me a lot. It happened in west Malaysia , about a husband and wife and one son.

The husband passed away due to accident.

The husband had a RM50,000 joint saving account with wife in a local bank.

What happened is the wife ,like most people think, when husband passes away, she will get the money automatically since it is a joint account .

But to her surprise, She could not withdraw even a single cent from the bank. Joint saving account is meant for convenience when spouse needs it the most.

But most people always assume once the other holder dies, another half will get the money automatically which is very wrong .

I would like to share my opinion with all of you, you may take it as educational thoughts or for you to be aware.

When one person dies, the other joint holder of the saving account will get the money automatically only
if that particular bank practise 'JOINT TENANCY' .

This terms means one party die, the other joint party gets money automatically .

But unfortunately, not all banks practise JOINT TENANCY , some foreign banks practise and most local banks don't practise.

If you want to be sure, just ask your bank whether your joint saving account based on JOINT TENANCY .

If it is yes, get the black and white .

Can you all imagine, when husband passes away, the wife already suffers emotional loss. Now she will have to suffer the problem of having ' NO MONEY' , although it is in joint account.

Because of husband's ignorance, now the wife and the son have to pay for it.

Hope the above can help for you.

Just take note.
Thank You.

REASONS TO INVEST IN UNIT TRUST WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BHD

2009-11-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

INVEST NOW…. WITH MAAKL MUTUAL BHD

1. The Best Managers have moved to MAAKL Mutual and they are equity owner of the company.

2. The funds performance are remarkable as compared to its competitors. Won “Leader” status for Al Faid, Al Fauzan and Syariah Index Fund.

3. The One and only company in Asia Pacific region awarded by Microsoft New York for designing Maakl Home Office Monitoring System.

4. Top 5 Holding Stocks are synchronized with growing domestic economy sectors that will generate better return over the long run.

Stimulus Package will boost up domestic economy ie: Plantation,

Manufacturing, Power Supply, Infrastructure, Telecommunication,

Construction and Consumer Products, Oil and Gas sectors.

5. Foreign Direct Investment will boost up domestic economy with estimation of 20% by 2011. KLCI new target is 1290 pt by 2010 and 1390pt by 2011.

6. Malaysia Saudi Investment JV Co with RM7bil capital, relisting of Maxis and Bumi Armada will boost up local economy beginning 2010.

7. Politics – Najib’s vision, 1Malaysia &13th General Election forecasted to be held in 2011/2012 at the peak of economy.

8. Eligible to invest via EPF Investment Scheme or RIP - Regular Investment Plan or Lump Sum Cash.

Malaysia's economy on track for recovery, says Najib

2009-11-03T22:41:00.001-08:00

Friday, 28 August 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says Malaysia's economy is on track for recovery.

"I think the worst is over. We have turned around the corner," Najib told reporters when asked on the second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figure released by Bank Negara Malaysia Wednesday.

The central bank reported a lower contraction of 3.9 per cent in the country's GDP compared with a 6.2 per cent decline in the first quarter.

This brought the GDP growth for the first half of this year to minus 5.1 per cent.

Bank Negara Malaysia Governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, in announcing the figures attributed the smaller contraction to higher public spending and positive growth in private consumption.

Najib, who was met after visiting the World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation here, said he was pleased with the latest number.

"The two stimulus packages have actually contributed to the performance of the Malaysian economy," Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said.

EKSLUSIF untuk PEMEGANG PEMEGANG UNIT dalam unit amanah yang diuruskan oleh MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD

2009-08-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

RINGKASAN PERLINDUNGAN SEPINTAS LALU.

1. Polisi ini memberi bayaran tunai SEKALI GUS untuk Kematian atau Hilang Upaya Keseluruhan & Kekal untuk SEBARANG PUNCA.
2. Ia membayar pampasan berganda untuk Kematian Kemalangan / Hilang Upaya Keseluruhan - pelan 1,2 3 shj.
3. Ia membayar peratusan jumlah diinsuranskan mengikut Skala Faedah untuk HU Separa Kekal akibat sebrg punca ( pelan 1,2,3 )
4. Ia memberi bayaran TUNAI sekali GUS apabila didiagnosis mana mana 36 Penyakit Kritikal - utk pelan 1 dan 2 shj
5. Perlindungan 24 jamseluruh dunia
6. Menyediakan perlindungan kewangan maksimum pada kadar premium kumpulan yg lebih rendah.
7. Kadar bayaran sumbangan / premium yg sama untuk semua tanpa mengira umur / jantina.
8. MUDAH...Tiada pemeriksaan perubatan diperlukan sehingga usia 45 tahun dengan jumlah diinsuranskan sebyk RM100,000-00
9. Pembaharuan sehingga umur 65 tahun dan diberi pilihan untuk melanjutkan polisi sehingga 70 tahun. ( perakuan kesihatan mungkin diperlukan )
10. Bayaran pampasan akan dibuat bersama sama dengan pelan insurans lain yg anda miliki.
11. Kadar sumbangan / premium berasaskan hayat "standard"12. Pembayaran sumbangan / premium DIKECUALIKAN CUKAI
12. Polisi ini diperbaharui SECARA TAHUNAN.

Sumbangan / premium tertakluk kepada ulangtahun polisi.

Untuk maklumat seterusnya.....eloklah kita bejumpa.MENYIMPAN UNTUK PERSARAAN SAMBIL MENDAPAT PERLINDUNGAN UNTUK KESIHATAN DIRI DAN KELUARGA.

Nor Mohamed: Better economic growth expected in second half

2009-08-17T20:55:00.002-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysian economic growth in the second half of the year is expected to be better than the first half but full recovery will take a much more longer time.

In stating this, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, said the world economy, including Malaysia's, at present will continue to be in "U-shaped recession".

"We believe that the the economy is not going to be a V-shaped recession but U-shaped recession. However, it depends on how long the current situation will stay," he told reporters on the sidelines of the World Capital Markets Symposium here on Monday.

In a V-shaped recession, the economy suffers through a sharp recession but quickly recovers while in a U-shaped recession, the economy takes a much longer time to recover, usually around 12 to 24 months from a recession.

Most economists said the world economy, especially that of the United States, is currently experiencing U-shaped recession.

Nor Mohamed, who heads the Economic Planning Unit, said the worst of the world economic crisis was over as economic and export growth have started to show signs of stabilisation.

Malaysia, he said, was looking to restructure its economic model to move the economy from middle income to high income level.

"Our aim is to be a developed country by 2020 and to achieve this, our income per capita must reach US$12,000 from about US$7,000 now," Nor Mohamed said, adding that the country needed to register a high economic growth of seven percent annually to achieve the target.

Malaysia posted a gross domestic product (GDP) of negative 6.2 percent in the first quarter this year and a growth of between -1.0 percent and 1.0 percent is projected for the whole year.

Malaysian economy in pretty good shape: investment guru

2009-08-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian economy is working out pretty well -- thanks to efforts by the government in initiating a number of measures, said investment guru Dr Mark Mobius on Monday.

Against the backdrop of a current global economic downturn, he said the Malaysian economy was in "pretty good shape" as the government had done well through its stimulus packages and by liberalising the services economy, he told a seminar on "Opportunities in Emerging Markets" organised by Public Bank Bhd here.

The stability of the government was also an important factor in determining this state of affairs, he said.

Dr Mobius, regarded as one of the top 10 investors in the 20th century, commended the government for not banking on exports alone to move the economy forward but embarking on a new economic model of recognising the importance of a high income economy and upgrading of skills, and innovation through education.

He also said it was important to enable small and medium scale industries ease of entry into the economy in order for them to contribute positively to economic development.

On investments, Dr Mobius, who had spent more than 30 years working in emerging markets, said emerging markets had outperformed established markets in the last one year when the global economy went into a tailspin.

Developing countries, he said, were also among the first to recover from the current global economic downturn.

Is your EPF money enough for retirement?

2009-08-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

A look at whether a retiree can survive after losing monthly income and with only EPF savings to rely on SOME studies conducted in Malaysia have shown that most retirees spend all their EPF money within three years of their retirement.

Given that the average lifespan for a Malaysian is 75 years, if we retire at 55 and spend all our EPF money within three years, a lot of us will be wondering how to survive from 58 to 75.

The most worrying question that most of us will be asking is how to survive retirement when we lose our steady stream of monthly income to cover our daily expenses.

However, if we have been building an investment portfolio apart from EPF money, we would not be able to generate a source of returns from our own investment portfolio.

In reality, a lot of us have been spending most of our savings, including part of our EPF savings on our children’s education and clearing debts on house and car purchases, which leave us with not much savings for our retirement.

With this general concern in mind, let’s look into how much of our EPF money we can afford to spend to have enough for our retirement based on the our local conditions and some assumptions.

Generally, an average Malaysian starts working at 25 and reaches retirement at 55 (after 30 years of working), thereafter living the remaining 20 years (until 75) relying on the EPF savings.
We will assume a starting pay of RM1,500, growing at the rate of 8% per annum; an average bonus of two months per annum, average EPF returns of 5%, total EPF contribution of 23% (employer: 12%, employee: 11%) and inflation rate of 3%.

Our main objective is to test how much EPF money we can spend until we use it all up.
Our analysis shows that if we are able to live with just one-third (or 33%) of our last drawn salary, the EPF money should be able to support us for 20 years until we pass away at 75.

From the example below, if a person’s last drawn salary is RM13,976 at 55, he can only afford to spend one-third or RM4,612 per month after retirement (1/3 x RM13,976).

However, if his spending exceeds the one-third level, such as 50% or the full amount of his last drawn salary, his EPF money can only last 12 or five years respectively.

Even though our computations are based on a lot of assumptions and hypothetical scenarios, our objective is to bring to your attention that we need to be careful in spending our EPF money and control our expenses once we retire.

We will need to adjust our lifestyle after our retirement, especially for those of us that are used to spending most of our take-home pay when we are still working.

Once we lose the regular income source and are relying just on the savings, we will need to plan carefully in order not to out-live our savings. In this example, we can only afford to spend 33% of our last salary after retirement!
Everyone has different financial situations. However, we need to plan for our retirement. If possible, we need to build our own investment portfolio apart from the EPF savings.

We may need to seek some part-time jobs after retirement if our financial resources do not permit us to stop working. Besides, we need to clear all our outstanding debts before retirement.

We also need to buy enough life and medical insurance for ourselves as well as set up education funds for our children.
Last but not least, one important point to note is that our computation is based on the assumption that we are still able to generate 5% returns after retirement.

Unless we have the skills and knowledge to generate the returns, putting the money back in EPF and letting EPF generate returns may be a good option. For the average person, we feel that it is not easy to generate 5% returns annually over a long period of time.

Global economy back on track next year

2009-08-05T00:27:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Expert: Rates and unemployment will, however, remain high for some time

KUALA LUMPUR: The global economy is expected to be back on track by early next year, said former World Bank economist and bond market expert Ismail Dalla.

“The world economy is in a recovery mode,” he said, adding that his outlook analysis was based primarily on the World Bank’s latest forecast for a positive growth of 2.8% in the world economy by the last quarter of 2010.

But he cautioned that “despite some signs of recovery due largely to the amount of money being pumped into the US economy, interest rates will remain low and unemployment will remain high for some time to come.”

Dalla was speaking at public lecture organized by University Putra Malaysia titled Malaysian Fixed-Income Markets in the Context of Global Bond Markets here yesterday.

Commenting on the development of the domestic bond market, Dalla, now a visiting professor at the School of Business, George Washington University in the US, noted that Malaysia had the largest corporate bond market as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in the world last year, surpassing that of the US and South Korea.

He also applauded Malaysia’s efforts in developing a healthy and robust local currency bond market and the recent proposal to create a private pension fund as an alternative to the Employees Provision Fund (EPF).

“This new private pension scheme is good news. The current EPF scheme reduces disposable income, limiting an individual’s ability to invest in the bond market,” said the author of The Korean Bond Market – Post-Asian Crisis and Beyond.

The Government recently announced that Malaysia would set up a private pension fund by the middle of 2010, aimed at those who remain outside any formal pension system.

According to Dalla, prospects for emerging market debt remain excellent as the asset class had performed much better than high yielding US bonds amid the global financial crisis.

With the increased availability of risk management tools, local currency bond markets had the potential and room to grow in depth and sophistication, he said.

The challenge was for market regulators to be proactive and avoid excessive counter-productive innovation and risk-taking, Dalla said.

Perbincangan Hukum Pelaburan ASB

2009-08-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hukum Pelaburan Amanah Saham Bumiputra telah diperdebatkan sejak sekian lama dan ia juga mendapat respond berbeza dari majlis Fatwa negeri-negeri di Malaysia.

Apa yang akan saya nyatakan di sini adalah semata-mata pandangan peribadi dan ia bukannya fatwa dan hukum yang putus bagi orang ramai. Ia merupakan satu pandangan yang dilihat dari sudut akademik dan fakta yang ada disekeliling kita.

1. Fatwa Yang Mengharamkan
Antara fatwa yang mengharamkan adalah Majlis Fatwa Selangor. Teks mereka adalah seperti berikut [3] :-
1. Ahli Jawatankuasa Perunding Hukum Syara' (Fatwa) telah membincangkan perkara di atas dengan penuh teliti dan panjang lebar dan mengambil keputusan seperti berikut :

1.1. Zakat Daripada Wang Bonus Dan Dividen ASB
Keputusannya :
" Wang bonus dan dividen yang diterima daripada hasil pelaburan ASB adalah tidak diwajibkan zakat kerana pelaburan bercanggah dengan hukum syara' "

1.2. Bolehkah wang digunakan pergi menunaikan Haji ke Tanah Suci Mekah
Keputusannya

" Ahli Jawatankuasa yang hadir bersetuju memberi pandangan bahawa oleh kerana pelaburan ASB pada masa ini, terdapat pelaburan di tempat-tempat yang bercanggah dengan hukum syara', maka ia tidak diharuskan sehingga pihak ASB membersihkan dan tempat-tempat tersebut.

Ahli Jawatankuasa Perundingan Hukum Syara'(Fatwa) yang hadir bersetuju memberi pandangan bahawa. oleh kerana pelaburan ASB pada masa ini terdapat pelaburan di tempat-tempat yang bercanggah dengan hukum syara'. maka ia tidak diharuskan sehingga pihak ASB membersihkan dari tempat-tempat tersebut.

Demikianlah dua aliran pendapat dan fatwa berkenaan Amanh Saham Bumiputra, namun dengan hormat kepada kesemua badan fatwa, secara ringkasnya, saya menyokong pendapat yang mengharamkan di atas asas berikut :-

1) Aqad Pelaburannya Tidak Jelas

Aqad pelaburannya tidak jelas dan tidak jelas samda menuruti ‘Qirad' atau ‘Mudarabah' atau Musharakah. Jika ia menggunakan mudarabah sebagai yang didakwa oleh Majlis Fatwa Perak pelaburan ini disyaratkan menentukan kadar nisbah pembahagian keuntungan seperti 80 : 20 dan sebagainya di awal pelaburan. Namun hal ini tiada dinyatakan langsung di dalam pelaburan ASB.
Perlu disedari bahawa jika sesebuah aqad itu tidak sah dari sudut syara' maka seluruh pelaburan adalah batal tanpa mengira pelaburannya diletakkan di dalam industri halal atau haram.

2) Jaminan modal atau ‘capital' juga menyebabkan aqad pelaburannya bermasalah dari sudut Shariah.

Termaktub bahawa capital (modal) pelaburan ASB adalah di jamin oleh PNB. ini bermakna syarat dalam aqad pelaburan ini telah bercanggah dengan syarat pelaburan Mudarabah dalam Islam yang tidak membenarkan pengusaha ‘Mudarib" (dalam hal ini adalah PNB) menjamin selamatnya modal para pelabur.

Malah menurut mazhab As-Syafie, aqad pelaburan tadi dikira batal. Modal pelaburan sememangnya tidak boleh dijamin oleh pihak yang menguruskan pelaburan juga difatwa kan oleh Kesatuan Ulama Fiqh Sedunia (Majma' Fiqh Islami) atau OIC Islamic Fiqh Academy dalam konvensyen mereka yang kesembilan dimana mereka telah memutuskan bahawa jaminan modal hanya dibenarkan jika ia datang dari pihak ketiga (dalam hal ASB, yang menjamin bukan datang dari pihak ketiga) malah jika ia jaminan dari pihak ketiga sekalipun Majlis Fiqh Dunia bersepakat mensyaratkan ia tidak dimasukkan di dalam kontrak pelaburan. Malangnya, klausa ini dimasukkan di dalam aqad pelaburan ASB yang diwakili oleh borangnya.

Keistimewaan jaminan modal ini adalah tidak sah menurut SELURUH ULAMA EMPAT mazhab juga. Ini kerana dalam konsep Pelaburan Islam yang dikenali sebagai Mudarabah dan Musyarakah, tiada sebarang jaminan dari pengusaha bahawa modalnya terjamin.

Menurut Mazhab Maliki dan Syafie menganggap kiranya terdapat dalam kontrak mana-mana pelaburan mudarabah yang mana pihak pengurus menjamin bahawa modal tidak akan lupus walau apapun keadaan berlaku (samada akibat kelalaian atau tidak), maka aqad atau kontrak itu terBATAL. (Hashiyah Ad-Dusuqi, 5/284 ; Mughni al-Muhtaj, As-Syarbini, 3/419 ).
Manakala menurut Mazhab Hanafi dan Hanbali, syarat seperti ini terbatal dan kontrak adalah sah (Bada' as-Sanai, al-Kasani, 5/115 ; Al-Insaf, Al-Mardawi, 5/313)

Menurut Shariah, hanya dua jenis jaminan modal di izinkan dalam aqad Mudarabah iaitu:-

a- Jaminan modal dikembalikan jika pihak ‘mudarib' ( pengurus pelaburan) mengkhinati mana-mana isi kontrak, kecuaian yang jelas dalam pengurusan dan yang sepertinya.
b- Jaminan dari pihak ketiga dan bukannya pihak pengurus pelaburan (mudarib)

3) Dana terkumpul dilabur secara bercampur di dalam industri halal dan haram.
Pelaburannya bercampur dengan yang haram lebih daripada 30 peratus. ASB juga TIDAK PERNAH DIBINCANGKAN OLEH Majlis Penasihat Shariah Suruhanjaya Sekuriti DAN OLEH KERANA ITU, ia tidak termasuk di dalam senarai kaunter yang jelas statusnya.

Ia bermasalah dari sudut Shariah kerana menurut statistic tahun 2005, dana ASB telah dilaburkan di beberapa tempat yang haram seperti :-

1- Sebanyak 37.30 % ke sebuah bank konvensional terbesar.
2- Commerce Asset Holdings Berhad (Konvensional) - 1.11 %
3- British American Tobacco berhad 1.07 %

Majlis Shariah Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia yang bertanggung jawab dalam mengenalpasti dan meletakkan fatwa berwibawa untuk menentukan sesebuah kaunter atau dana pelaburan itu halal disertai oleh umat Islam atau tidak, pernah meletakkan kadar 33 peratus industri haram sebagai had larangan melabur dalam syarikat atau pengurus dan bercampur halal haram.

Saya tidak bermaksud Pelaburan ASB telah dibincang dan ditolak oleh Majlis tersebut, tetapi ianya belum lagi iktiraf oleh Majlis Penasihat Shariah, Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia yang bertanggung jawab mengesahkan sesuatu pelaburan itu halal atau tidak. Iaitu, ia belum dibincangkan dan tidak pula di ‘table' untuk perbincangan mereka.

Namun, Majlis Penasihat Shariah ini pernah mengeluarkan keputusan garis panduan atau ukur rujuk berkenaan pelaburan dalam syarikat (secara beli sahamnya atau lainnya) yang mana perniagaannya bercampur seperti berikut ( agak panjang dan saya terpaksa menyertakan yang berkaitan sahaja):

" The SAC (Shariah Advisory Council) at its second meeting on 21st August 1996, discussed the status of companies running a mix of permissible and prohibited activities. The SAC resolved that such companies with some prohibited elements which do not exceed the benchmark determined by SAC. ...............

..... iii. The core activiies of the company have importance and maslahah ( benefit in general) to the Muslim ummah and the country, and the haram element is very small and involves matters such as 'umum balwa ( common plight ), 'urf and the right of the non-muslim community which are accepted by Islam..

Based on the Prophet SAW word 1/3 or 33.33 % "is enough" and can be used as a guideline for the basis of formulating a benchmark. The question is whether this benchmark is suitable to be used for mixed companies, because it relates to the bequest of property and giving of alms. Even so, it cannot be denied that it can be used as a benchmark to set the upper limit of a mixture because an amount exceeding the percentage will be considered excessive"

Justeru, jika kita melihat jumlah peratusan pel;aburan ASB di bank konvensional iaitu 37 peratus, ia telah melebihi ‘benchmark' 1/3 yang ditetapkan badan berwibawa ini.

Hakikatnya, masih banyak lagi kaunter atau syarikat yang halal untuk dilabur oleh dana ASB walaupun mungkin tidak mampu memberikan keuntungan setinggi bank konvensional ini, yang terpenting biar halal walaupun sedikit, daripada banyak tapi haram
Ada sesetengah pihak berkata ianya dibenarkan di atas dasar maslahat kerajaan untuk beri kekuataan ekonomi dan sebahagian kekayaan negara kepada bumiputra secara mudah.

Namun bagi saya ia ternyata hujjah yang longgar. Ini kerana maslahat yang dicanagkan adalah merupakan kepentingan yang boleh diperolehi dengan cara halal. Masih banyak tempat yang halal untuk dilaburkan.
Imam Abu Ishak As-Syatibi (790 H), pakar ilmu maqasid Islam silam meletakkan panduan dan syarat berikut jika ingin mendakwa sesuatu itu sebagai maslahat:-

1- Mestilah tidak hanya memandang maslahat duniawi sahaja, bahkan mesti meneliti maslahat ukhrawi juga.
2- Maslahat hanya diterima pakai dalam hal kebaikan untuk Deenul Islam.
3- Maslahat untuk menjaga hak ramai didahulukan dari menjaga hak sekelompok.
4- Maslahat mestilah bersandarkan dalil-dalil yang jelas.

Justeru amat jelas tiada maslahah dalam menggunakan suatu kontrak dan kaunter pelaburan yang haram, sedangkan ianya boleh menggunakan kontrak Islam Mudarabah, dan boleh memilih kanter halal sahaja, seperti yang di lakukan oleh Unit Trust Islam, dan banyak lagi. Ia juga memberi pulangan yang boleh tahan, dan yang lebih penting ianya HALAL.

Ini bukanlah fatwa tetapi hanya pendapat peribadi atas kajian peribadi, bagi sesiapa yang menyakini fatwa yang mengharuskan, ia terpulang kepada anda, dan bagi sesiapa yang menyakini fatwa Selangor dan tulisan ini, anda juga bebas.

PINJAM DUIT DARI BANK UNTUK SERTAI ASB
Walaupun isu di atas masih diperdebatkan oleh mereka yang berkenaan, namun jika anda meminjam dari Bank Konvensional untuk tujuan menyertai pelaburan ASB, ia telah disepakati haram oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan dan semua mufti-mufti Malaysia. Ini kerana pinjaman wang dari bank konvensional tersebut adalah riba. Tatkala itu, isu ASB tidak perlu diambil kira lagi kerana asal cara dapat duit untuk melabur itu pun sudah haram.
Sekian, Wassalam

Malaysia market set to test 1,200-point level

2009-08-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The current liquidity run may push the benchmark index beyond the 1,200-point level “soon” but concerns are mounting that the market may have become too expensive.

“It (the index testing 1,200) could be as early as August.

“There’s a lot of money out there in search of returns in the current low-interest rate environment,” said Pong Teng Siew, head of research at Jupiter Securities.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KL Composite Index (FBM KLCI) raced on for the fifth day yesterday to finish at a fresh one-year high, up 15.95 points to 1,172.38.

Nineteen stocks in the 30-stock index ended higher. Around 1.1 billion shares changed hands in trades valued at RM1.63bil.

At current levels, the market was priced at 17 times price-earnings to 2009 earnings, which was the level reached during the bull run in 2007. “Valuations are looking a bit too rich,” Pong said.

Since the start of July, the index has risen some 9%, extending the rally which started in April. Year-to-date, it has surged more than 30%.

Chris Eng, head of research at OSK Research, has advised traders to “sell into strength”.

“It (the index reaching 1,200) could be sooner than we earlier expected,” said AmResearch managing director and regional head of equity research Benny Chew.

He said the current rally could also be fuelled by high hopes that corporate earnings would be positive in August.

AmResearch has said the FBM KLCI would achieve 1,190 points by the first quarter of next year. Corporate earnings were expected to post a 17% growth next year from a contraction of 8% this year, the house said.

“I think the liquidity run will carry into the next month or so; (and) any correction should be ‘gentle’,” Pong said.

At Bursa Malaysia, major gainers yesterday were mainly blue chips which make up the index. Among the gainers were Sime Darby Bhd which added 25 sen to RM8.15, British American Tobacco Bhd which ended up 25 sen to RM45.25 and IOI Corp Bhd which finished 22 sen higher at RM5.

Major losers included PPB Group Bhd and Petronas Gas Bhd, which lost 20 sen and 10 sen to RM14.30 and RM10.20 respectively.

Among the more actively traded stocks were KNM Group Bhd, TA Enterprise Bhd and Lion Corp Bhd.

Stock markets across the globe have rallied in recent weeks bolstered by strong gains on Wall Street which were fuelled by better-than-expected corporate earnings.

Regionally, markets were mainly up yesterday. Singapore’s Straits Times Index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index finished up 1.84% each.

Separately, at a function yesterday, Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Yusli Mohamed Yusoff said the merger of the main and second boards was on track for the launch on Aug 3.

“We’ve tested it, all systems are ready,” he said.

He said he hoped the new structure would be more facilitative of new listings.

“We would like to see some of the small and medium companies merge. Based on feedback, we believe foreign investors would like to see much bigger companies in the market,” he said.

KENAPA MEMILIH MAAKL MUTUAL? / WHY CHOOSE MAAKL MUTUAL?

2009-07-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

Saya menjemput anda utk membuat simpanan pelaburan dalam Unit Trust bersama Maakl Mutual Bhd...

Berikut adalah alasan utk anda berbuat demikian secepat mungkin:
1. Kadar simpanan hari pencen semakin berkurang nilainya akibat inflasi yg meningkat.
2. Skim pelaburan KWSP adalah mudah kerana tidak melibatkan duit tunai. Dibenarkan oleh kerajaan sejak 1996.
3. Simpanan bulanan juga adalah serendah RM100 sebulan dgn permulaan RM1000 tunai.
4. Cara simpanan bijak sbg tabung pencen ke 2, atau utk tujuan tertentu yg melebihi 5 tahun.

Kelebihan melabur dgn Maakl Mutual Bhd:
1. Pengurus Dana Terbaik dari Public Mutual telah berpindah ke Maakl Mutual Bhd sbg pemegang sahamnya.
2. Dananya terbukti lebih mantap dgn mendapat pengiktirafan “Leader” oleh Morning Stars.
3. Pengalaman terkumpul 88 tahun Pengurusan yg berpengalaman luas.
4. Pelaburan Dana adalah selari dgn sektor ekonomi negara.
5. Dipantau oleh Penasihat Dana yg komited.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I take this opportunity to invite you to invest with Maakl Mutual Berhad.

Reason to invest as soon as possible:
1. Inflation rate decrease our value of money in our retirement fund.
2. EPF Investment Scheme made easy as NO CASH involved. Approved by Government since 1996.
3. Monthly saving as low as RM100 per month with initial of RM1,000 cash.
4. Smart savings for 2nd retirement fund or for specific reason after 5 years.

Advantages investing with Maakl Mutual Bhd:
1. The Best Managers from Public Mutual have moved to Maakl Mutual Bhd as equity owner.
2. Its fund performed better and marked as “Leader” by Morning Stars.
3. Manage by experienced fund managers with 88 years of exposure.
4. Funds are invested in country’s economic sectors.
5. Monitored by committed adviser.

Growth expected to be positive in most economies in 2010

2009-07-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 14 May 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Growth is expected to be positive in most economies in 2010 but still well below historical averages, said Moody's Economy.com in its Asia Pacific Outlook report.

The senior economist of Moody's Economy.com, Daniel Melser said in the report, that growth would start to gain a foothold in the Asia Pacific region in early 2010, following an upturn in the United States in the fourth quarter of this year.

"In the Asia Pacific region, the next few quarters would primarily be a waiting game as most of the economies would only recover after the world's larger ones renewed their growth path.
"Weakness in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of this year was, and will be, primarily driven by a collapse in export revenue and capital expenditure.

"As this effect flows through to employment and consumption, nil and negative growth will persist throughout much of 2009," he added.

According to Melser, the only bright spot will be public spending which would grow well above the average in most economies as a result of the respective government stimulus packages.

"China provides the most encouraging signs that the Asia-Pacific region, and the global economy more broadly, may be on the verge of a modest recovery.

"However, it remains far too early to pop the champagne corks.While the bottom of the cycle may be in sight, there is likely to be a prolonged period of weakness as Asia's exporters wait for a revival of demand in overseas markets," he explained.

Mesler also said that given that the Asian region's growth model rests on producing goods for developed-world consumers, a substantial recovery must wait for recovery in the United States and Europe.

"Consumers in the world's largest economy, the United States, are in the process of actively repairing their damaged balance sheets by ramping up household savings.

"This much needed rise in the household savings rate in the United States is the fundamental driver of the pullback in demand for Asia's exports," he highlighted.

Soalan Lazim Pengeluaran Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli KWSP…

2009-06-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

Adakah KWSP bertanggungjawab ke atas kerugian pelaburan di Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD)?
Ahli bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya ke atas pelaburan dengan IPD. Ini bermakna jika berlaku kerugian, KWSP tidak akan bertanggungjawab untuk memberi sebarang ganti rugi kepada ahli.

Apakah Pengeluaran Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli dan siapakah yang layak membuat pengeluaran ini?Pengeluaran ini membolehkan ahli KWSP yang belum mencapai umur 55 tahun dan mempunyai simpanan yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 untuk melabur sebahagian dari jumlah simpanan tersebut melalui IPD yang diluluskan oleh Kementerian Kewangan.

Apakah maksud Simpanan Asas?
Simpanan Asas adalah satu jumlah simpanan dalam Akaun 1 yang ditetapkan mengikut umur bagi membolehkan ahli memperoleh simpanan minimum sekurang-kurangnya RM120,000.00 ketika berumur 55 tahun dan ianya tidak boleh dikeluarkan sebelum umur ahli mencapai 55 tahun. Bagi maksud pelaburan, ahli dibenarkan membuat pengeluaran pelaburan sebanyak 20% daripada amaun yang melebihi Simpanan Asas dalam Akaun 1. Kuantum Simpanan Asas akan dikaji semula setiap 5 tahun.

Bilakah Simpanan Asas ini terpakai?
Simpanan Asas ini terpakai dalam dua keadaan iaitu:
(i) Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli (Akaun 1)
(ii) Pengeluaran Umur 50 Tahun mulai 1 Januari 2013.

Bilakah tarikh kuatkuasa Simpanan Asas ini?
Simpanan Asas berkuatkuasa mulai 1 Februari 2008 bagi Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli dan 1 Januari 2013 bagi Pengeluaran Umur 50 tahun.

Apakah tujuan Simpanan Asas? Adakah ini satu lagi diskriminasi untuk golongan berpendapatan rendah?
Simpanan Asas bertujuan untuk memastikan ahli mempunyai simpanan sekurang-kurangnya RM120,000.00 pada umur 55 tahun untuk membiayai keperluan persaraan. Jumlah ini membolehkan ahli menggunakan simpanan mereka sebanyak RM500.00 sebulan selama 20 tahun bermula daripada umur 55 tahun sehingga ahli berumur 75 tahun. Jumlah RM500.00 sebulan diandaikan boleh membiayai keperluan asas ahli setelah bersara. Ini bukanlah satu diskriminasi, sebaliknya untuk memastikan golongan berpendapatan rendah mempunyai simpanan persaraan asas yang mencukupi apabila mereka bersara kelak.

Apakah formula yang digunakan untuk mengira Simpanan Asas ini?
Pengiraan Simpanan Asas adalah berdasarkan jumlah amaun minimum yang diperlukan oleh seseorang ahli untuk membiayai keperluan asas ketika mereka bersara. Kajian KWSP telah mendapati seorang ahli yang telah bersara memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya RM500.00 sebulan untuk membiayai keperluan asas mereka. Tempoh 20 tahun iaitu 55 tahun hingga 75 tahun adalah berdasarkan jangka hayat ahli. Bagaimanapun, jumlah Simpanan Asas ini akan dikaji setiap lima tahun.

Adakah Simpanan Asas di dalam Akaun 1 boleh dipindahkan ke Akaun 2 bagi membolehkan ahli membuat pengeluaran pra-persaraan?
Tidak. Simpanan dalam Akaun 1 tidak boleh dipindahkan ke Akaun 2. Bagaimanapun, simpanan di dalam Akaun 2 boleh dipindahkan ke dalam Akaun 1 pada bila-bila masa bagi menambah simpanan persaraan ahli.

Bolehkan ahli menambah simpanan mereka dengan menggunakan kaedah caruman sukarela untuk mencukupkan Simpanan Asas?
Ya. Ahli boleh menambah simpanan mereka dengan membuat pilihan mencarum secara sukarela atau mencarum melebihi kadar berkanun. Bagaimanapun, caruman tersebut akan dimasukkan ke dalam Akaun 1 sebanyak 70% dan Akaun 2 sebanyak 30%.

Apakah syarat-syarat yang melayakkan ahli untuk mengeluarkan kredit di bawah Pengeluaran Pelaburan Ahli KWSP daripada segi kelayakan di dalam Akaun 1?
Ahli hendaklah mempunyai simpanan melebihi jumlah ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 pada tarikh permohonan dibuat bagi membolehkan amaun minima pelaburan sebanyak RM1,000 atau tidak melebihi 20% daripada jumlah yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dipindahkan ke Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD) yang dilantik.

Bagaimanakah kaedah pengiraan untuk mengetahui kelayakan amaun pelaburan ahli?
Kaedah pengiraan amaun kelayakan pelaburan ahli adalah seperti berikut:
(Jumlah Baki Akaun 1 – Jumlah Simpanan Asas) x 20%
Contoh Pengiraan Kelayakan Pelaburan Ahli :
: Baki Akaun 1 pada 01.02.2008 adalah RM 55,000.00
danUmur ahli adalah 30 Tahun di mana jumlah Simpanan Asas ahli adalah sebanyak RM 18,000.00.: (RM 55,000 – RM 18,000.00 ) x 20%: RM 7,400.0012.

Berapa kerapkah ahli boleh mengemukakan permohonan untuk skim ini?
Ahli boleh mengemukakan permohonan setiap 3 bulan selepas tarikh terakhir pemindahan dibuat dengan syarat baki dalam akaun 1 ahli memenuhi syarat kelayakan Simpanan Asas.13.

Adakah ahli yang berumur lebih daripada 55 tahun perlu mendapatkan surat pelepasan kawalan daripada KWSP untuk mengeluarkan simpanan mereka yang telah dilaburkan melalui Pengeluaran Pelaburan Ahli di Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD)?
Ahli hendaklah mempunyai simpanan melebihi jumlah ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 pada tarikh permohonan dibuat bagi membolehkan amaun minima pelaburan sebanyak RM1,000 atau tidak melebihi 20% daripada jumlah yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dipindahkan ke Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD) yang dilantik.

7 Kesilapan Menguruskan Kewangan

2009-06-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

JIKA sdr bercadang mengukuhkan kedudukan kewangan, anda mesti mengenal pasti terlebih dulu kesilapan pengurusan kewangan yang lazim dilakukan supaya anda dapat belajar daripadanya.
1.Gagal Merancang
Alasan yang selalu diberikan oleh mereka yang tidak merancang kewangan ialah "Saya sibuk dengan kerja dan keluarga hingga tidak sempat untuk menguruskan kewangan saya". Sebenarnya, walaupun anda hanya tergolong dalam golongan berpendapatan sederhana, tabiat `merancang kewangan' akan membolehkan anda menjadi seorang berjaya mengumpul kekayaan di kemudian hari kelak.
2.Berbelanja Melebihi Kemampuan
Dewasa ini, kita sering berbelanja melebihi kemampuan akibat desakan rakan dan juga iklan di sekeliling kita. Ramai yang sanggup menghabiskan wang semata-mata untuk mengikut arus peredaran masa dan tidak mahu dianggap ketinggalan zaman. Akibatnya, ramai yang hanya mempunyai baki yang amat sedikit dalam akaun bank di hujung bulan selepas ditolak bayaran pelbagai pinjaman, kad kredit, bil dan sebagainya.
3.Berbelanja Menggunakan Kad Kredit
Tabiat beli dulu dan bayar kemudian adalah perkara biasa dewasa ini. Hampir setiap orang mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya satu kad kredit. Malah, ramai yang memiliki lebih daripada satu kad. Dengan bayaran minimum setiap bulan, ramai yang akan berpotensi untuk terus berbelanja. Mereka tersalah anggap mengenai bayaran minimum terbabit, dan tidak menyedari bahawa lama kelamaan ia akan menjadi hutang yang menggunung di kemudian hari.Jika tersilap langkah, tidak mustahil anda juga boleh menjadi muflis akibat tabiat sedemikian. Justeru, pastikan anda menggunakan kad kredit secara berhemat.
4.Lewat Menabung Untuk Hari Tua
Untuk memulakan persaraan, kita mesti memastikan yang kita mempunyai wang mencukupi bagi menampung gaya hidup yang diinginkan selepas bersara. Bagaimanapun, masih ramai terutama mereka yang sudah hampir bersara, masih bergelut untuk mencapai jumlah simpanan diperlukan. Sepatutnya, setiap kali gaji naik, simpanan kita turut naik. Sebaliknya, apa yang berlaku adalah setiap kali gaji naik, perbelanjaan pula yang bertambah.
5.Melabur dalam Produk yang Tidak Bersesuaian
Terdapat pelbagai produk pelaburan di pasaran. Untuk memastikan kita melabur dalam produk pelaburan yang menepati profil risiko dan ganjaran yang diinginkan, kita memerlukan ilmu pengetahuan mengenai selok-belok pelaburan. Justeru, pastikan anda meneliti ciri sesuatu produk pelaburan berkenaan dan mengkaji kumpulan pengurusannya sebelum melabur.
6.Tidak Menabung untuk Waktu Kecemasan
Sesetengah orang beranggapan yang membeli insurans adalah perbuatan membazir wang. Tetapi tahukah anda bahawa tanpa insurans, kedudukan kewangan kita akan tergugat terutama jika kita hilang pendapatan/pekerjaan. Tanpa insurans atau wang simpanan, seluruh keluarga akan merana dan ketika itu juga agak terlambat untuk memikirkan bagaimana ingin mencari sumber pendapatan yang lain dengan kadar segera.
7.Terlampau Memikirkan Pasal Wang
Dalam usaha memupuk tabiat merancang kewangan, janganlah pula terlampau taksub mengumpul kekayaan sehingga lupa akan perkara lain yang amat bermakna dalam hidup kita seperti keluarga, kesihatan, kepuasan berkarier serta rakan dan taulan.
Akhir sekali, kita perlu sentiasa mengingatkan diri mengenai kepentingan merancang kewangan. Jika kita tidak bersungguh-sungguh dalam membina kekayaan dan menguruskan kewangan, besar kemungkinan kekayaan tidak akan berpihak kepada kita.Tahukah sdr jika kita tahu teknik-teknik tertentu...kita buat duit dengan boleh sistem kewangan yang ada di Malaysia ni.--

SYARIAH COMPLIANT FUND WITH MAAKL MUTUAL FUND

2009-06-26T02:11:00.000-07:00

Saham amanah / unit trust adalah satu pelaburan yang mengumpul wang daripada sejumlah besar pelabur berkongsi matlamat kewangan yang sama. Dana yang dikumpulkan itu kemudian diuruskan sekumpulan pengurus professional yang melabur wang berkenaan ke dalam instrumen pelabur terutama di pasaran saham atau lain-lain sekuriti yang dibenarkan bagi mencapai pelaburan dana berkenaan.
Memandangkan pasaran saham semasa kurang cergas, sudah tentu pulangan daripada pelabur saham amanah yang dilaburkan dalam instrumen itu tidak memberikan pulangan seperti yang diharapkan. Namun, adakah berdasarkan keadaan itu kita harus berhenti melabur dalam saham amanah? Dalam soal ini, Pengurus dana menasihatkan pelabur supaya tidak melihat kepada factor itu kerana pada pandangan mereka, tidak kira sama ada keadaan pasaran saham cergas atau tidak, peluang melabur dalam saham amanah sentiasa terbuka kerana ia adalah suatu pelaburan bermatlamat jangka panjang.
Sudah tentu ia adalah sesuatu yang perlu diberikan perhatian oleh pelabur kerana peluang sentiasa terbuka di pasaran saham amanah.Pelabur perlu sentiasa ingat bahawa pelaburan dalam saham amanah adalah untuk jangka panjang. Justeru itu, para pelabur tidak boleh mengharapkan pulangan serta merta iaitu sebaik sahaja pasaran pulih.
Jika anda mengharapkan pulangan dalam masa enam bulan, jawapannya TIDAK!. Ia mesti lama daripada itu. Tetapi jika jangka masa pelaburan anda adalah untuk jangka panjang misalnya lima tahun, sekarang adalah masa yang paling sesuai untuk membeli unit amanah kerana harga unit adalah sangat murah.
Tiada siapa yang dapat menjangkakan pergerakan saham...samada akan naik atau turun.Oleh yang demikian, masa sekarang adalah masa yang paling TERBAIK untuk membeli, dan peluang ini berlaku hanya sekali dalam masa lingkugan 7 tahun.Oleh itu, strategic “beli dan tunggu” adalah lebih bertepatan dengan keadaan semasa dan sesuai untuk kebanyakkan orang. Keuntungan yang baik secara umumnya dimiliki oleh mereka yang mampunyai portfolio pelaburan dengan pelaburan pula adalah untuk jangka panjang. Meskipun, sekarang adalah masa yang terbaik untuk membeli amanah saham, namun sumber kewangan yang terhad berikutan keadaan ekonomi yang merudm, namum bukan penghalang kepada mereka untuk melupak hasrat ini. Mereka boleh mengatasi masalah ini, pelabur boleh mengeluarkan wang caruman KWSP untuk dilaburkan dalam saham amanah yana mana pulanganya adalah lebih baik daripada pulangan yang diberikan oleh KWSP.
Dimana, orang ramai boleh menggunakan caruman KWSP untuk tujuan pelaburan. Bagusnya skim ini kerana wang hanya boleh digunakan semata-mata bagi tujuan pelaburan dan tidak boleh digunakan untuk tujuan membeli perkara lain. Selain daripada skim KWSP, pelabur juga boleh membuat pelaburan menerusi simpanan berkala secara tetap daripada potongan gaji ataupun potongan melalui akaun.
Di mana anda boleh membuat potongan tetap beberapa ratus ringgit daripada gaji bulanan anda untuk dimasukkan kedalam program saham amanah. Perkara ini memerlukan disiplin, jika tidak mempunyai banyak wang. Cukuplah dengan mulakan hanya RM100 sebulan atau untuk mendapatkan pulangan yang tinggi laburkan RM 500 sebulan untuk membeli unit saham amanah yang baik mengikut kemampuan masing-masing.( Initial RM1000 ) .
Perkara yang perlu anda ambil perhatian juga, orang ramai seharusnya memulakan pelaburan saham amanah seawal yang mungkin, sebaiknya ketika baru memasuki alam pekerjaan. Sebagai kesimpulannya, jangan biarkan diri anda menyesal di kemudian hari nanti berikutan kekangan masalah kewangan sekiranya tidak memulakan dari sekarang. Perancangan Kewangan boleh membantu anda mencapai matlamat kewangan yang anda inginkan. ANDA masih belum terlambat.
Sekian..

Saving early for retirement

2009-06-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 23 June 2009
A RECENT study done by the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in the United States found that only 13% of Americans said they were confident of a comfortable retirement – drastically reduced from the figure of 27% in 2007.
Figures in Malaysia show a similar sentiment. The AXA Life Outlook Index findings for 2009 indicate that Malaysians’ satisfaction with their preparation for retirement has dropped. In 2007, 23% were confident of their retirement, but this has since dropped to 14%.
It also shows that Malaysians are starting to plan for retirement at the age of 34, three years earlier than the age of 37 indicated in the 2007 survey. The AXA Life Outlook Index is a survey covering 2,707 Asians across key markets in Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Another important indicator of the retirement trend is from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). In its first quarter report of 2009, 9,731 applications were approved for the Flexible Age 55 Withdrawal scheme (where members have an option of withdrawing their savings on a periodical basis instead of a lump sum) up 85.5% from the 5,247 approvals made in the corresponding period in 2008.
“It signifies increased awareness among members that lump sum withdrawal will likely lead to income inadequacy during retirement. Despite the current economic climate, it is heartening to note that members are still attentive towards their retirement well-being,” says Datuk Azlan Zainol, EPF chief executive officer (CEO).
Entrepreneur Dick Tan, 56, says that it is harder to retire at age 55 now than it was in the not too distant past.
“About 15 years ago, someone with RM250,000 would feel secure enough to retire. But today, the money is not worth the same,” he says, adding that he believes spending power has decreased by 30% to 40%.
Tan, who is still working, says that he feels more secure knowing that there is a constant source of income, a privilege enjoyed by civil servants who qualify for a monthly pension.
AXA Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd chief marketing officer Nicholas Kua believes Malaysians are now more attentive to retirement. He says the survey shows Malaysians have been shaken by the economic downturn, and this has made them more attentive to financial matters compared to when the economy was better.
Retirees are generally more prudent with their spending now, and the younger generation are starting to plan for their retirement earlier. According to the survey, Malaysians are starting to plan for retirement at the average age of 34 compared to 37 in 2007.
Rajen Devadason, a Securities Commission-licensed financial planner with MAAKL Mutual Bhd, says the downturn has adversely affected most people’s plans – and some devastatingly so.
“Those hurt the most are the ones who kept the bulk of their retirement funds in equities even when their retirement was looming. Sound financial planning guidelines dictate a reduction of a portfolio’s risk as retirement draws near. This is to ensure the prospect of a golden retirement isn’t sacrificed at the altar of excessive greed, ignorance or naiveté.
“For those who plan to retire soon, it might be best to delay it if possible,” he says, adding that if that is not possible, they should cut back on expenses.
He also says retirees, with their vast experience, could start a business of their own or seek other means to generate an income.
Devadason, who is also CEO of corporate mentoring consultancy RD WealthCreation Sdn Bhd, says those whose retirement is more than five years away have less to worry about.
He advises those who wish to accumulate wealth over the years ahead to dramatically increase their quantum of savings and investments.
To prepare for the future, he promotes the ideal of living well below one’s means.
“Work towards a long-term stable net savings and investment rate of 40% to 50% of net income,” Devadason says, but adds that many consider his views radical.
According to Kua, Malaysians have awakened to the need to increase one’s savings for retirement.
“Our survey reveals that 23% say they will increase their savings for retirement, while 43% say they will not cut back on savings despite the difficult economic situation,” he says.
Kua believes that it is important to save, but it is also wise to be protected from uncertainties.
“A major hospitalisation can wipe out your hard-earned savings. Therefore, retirement planning should include a comprehensive financial protection programme to ensure you have contingency funds,” he says.
Ultimately, Devadason advises that one should start planning for retirement as early as possible.
A good avenue for people to seek advice to prepare for their future is the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). Its website (www.fpam.org.my) features a directory that people can use for shortlisting potential financial planners to work with.
“Anyone who wants to enjoy a truly golden retirement should take personal responsibility to educate himself or herself on the essentials of investing, such as the risk-reward relationship and dynamic asset allocation techniques,” he says.

SAHAM AMANAH

2009-05-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

Saham amanah / unit trust adalah satu pelaburan yang mengumpul wang daripada sejumlah besar pelabur berkongsi matlamat kewangan yang sama.

Dana yang dikumpulkan itu kemudian diuruskan sekumpulan pengurus professional yang melabur wang berkenaan ke dalam instrumen pelabur terutama di pasaran saham atau lain-lain sekuriti yang dibenarkan bagi mencapai pelaburan dana berkenaan.

Memandangkan pasaran saham semasa kurang cergas, sudah tentu pulangan daripada pelabur saham amanah yang dilaburkan dalam instrumen itu tidak memberikan pulangan seperti yang diharapkan. Namun, adakah berdasarkan keadaan itu kita harus berhenti melabur dalam saham amanah?

Dalam soal ini, Pengurus dana menasihatkan pelabur supaya tidak melihat kepada factor itu kerana pada pandangan mereka, tidak kira sama ada keadaan pasaran saham cergas atau tidak, peluang melabur dalam saham amanah sentiasa terbuka kerana ia adalah suatu pelaburan bermatlamat jangka panjang. Sudah tentu ia adalah sesuatu yang perlu diberikan perhatian oleh pelabur kerana peluang sentiasa terbuka di pasaran saham amanah.

Pelabur perlu sentiasa ingat bahawa pelaburan dalam saham amanah adalah untuk jangka panjang. Justeru itu, para pelabur tidak boleh mengharapkan pulangan serta merta iaitu sebaik sahaja pasaran pulih. Jika anda mengharapkan pulangan dalam masa enam bulan, jawapannya TIDAK!. Ia mesti lama daripada itu. Tetapi jika jangka masa pelaburan anda adalah untuk jangka panjang misalnya lima tahun, sekarang adalah masa yang paling sesuai untuk membeli unit amanah kerana harga unit adalah sangat murah. Tiada siapa yang dapat menjangkakan pergerakan saham...samada akan naik atau turun.

Oleh yang demikian, masa sekarang adalah masa yang paling TERBAIK untuk membeli, dan peluang ini berlaku hanya sekali dalam masa lingkugan 7 tahun.

Oleh itu, strategi “beli dan tunggu” adalah lebih bertepatan dengan keadaan semasa dan sesuai untuk kebanyakkan orang. Keuntungan yang baik secara umumnya dimiliki oleh mereka yang mampunyai portfolio pelaburan dengan pelaburan pula adalah untuk jangka panjang. Meskipun, sekarang adalah masa yang terbaik untuk membeli amanah saham, namun sumber kewangan yang terhad berikutan keadaan ekonomi yang merudm, namum bukan penghalang kepada mereka untuk melupak hasrat ini. Mereka boleh mengatasi masalah ini, pelabur boleh mengeluarkan wang caruman KWSP untuk dilaburkan dalam saham amanah yana mana pulanganya adalah lebih baik daripada pulangan yang diberikan oleh KWSP.

Dimana, orang ramai boleh menggunakan caruman KWSP untuk tujuan pelaburan. Bagusnya skim ini kerana wang hanya boleh digunakan semata-mata bagi tujuan pelaburan dan tidak boleh digunakan untuk tujuan membeli perkara lain.

Selain daripada skim KWSP, pelabur juga boleh membuat pelaburan menerusi simpanan berkala secara tetap daripada potongan gaji ataupun potongan melalui akaun. Di mana anada boleh membuat potongan tetap beberapa ratus ringgit daripada gaji bulanan anda untuk dimasukkan kedalam program saham amanah.

Perkara ini memerlukan disiplin, jika tidak mempunyai banyak wang. Cukuplah dengan mulakan hanya RM100 sebulan atau untuk mendapatkan pulangan yang tinggi laburkan RM 500 sebulan untuk membeli unit saham amanah yang baik mengikut kemampuan masing-masing.( Initial RM1000 ) .

Perkara yang perlu anda ambil perhatian juga, orang ramai seharusnya memulakan pelaburan saham amanah seawal yang mungkin, sebaiknya ketika baru memasuki alam pekerjaan.

Sebagai kesimpulannya, jangan biarkan diri anda menyesal di kemudian hari nanti berikutan kekangan masalah kewangan sekiranya tidak memulakan dari sekarang. Perancangan Kewangan boleh membantu anda mencapai matlamat kewangan yang anda inginkan.

ANDA masih belum terlambat.

Sekian..

Nor’Azian Hussin
Islamic Financial Consultant
MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD
MAA TAKAFUL
HP# 6014-2210930

Persistensi

2009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Persistensi (persistency) adalah suatu sikap tidak mudah mengalah terhadap sebarang halangan, dugaan, cabaran dan masalah dalam merealisasikan sesuatu matlamat. Kejayaan sememangnya bukan sesuatu yang mudah untuk dicapai. Kalau ia sesuatu yang mudah maka pastilah tiada manusia gagal. Sedangkan kajian menunjukkan 95% daripada manusia, selepas usia 55 tahun hanya hidup bergantung kepada duit pencen. Itu bagi yang bekerja kerajaan. Jauh sekali mereka ketika itu mencapai tahap yang boleh dikatakan "financially independent". Begitu juga dengan pelajar, kajian menunjukkan setiap tahun hanya 13% - 14% pelajar yang mampu melanjutkan pelajaran ke institusi pengajian tinggi. Bagi yang kini berada di institusi pengajian tinggi pula, 80% daripada mereka menamatkan pengajian setakat ijazah kelas kedua atau ketiga.

Fenomena di atas jelas menunjukkan ramai manusia gagal mencapai yang terbaik kerana cepat berpuashati dengan pencapaian mereka. Ada sesetengahnya cuba melakukan lebih jauh tetapi akhirnya merasa kecewa hanya setelah beberapa kali sahaja mencuba. Saya teringat baris kata-kata yang pernah saya terbaca dahulu, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going", dan satu lagi, "Quitters never win and winners never quit". Kata-kata ini telah sekian lama saya sematkan dalam hati saya dan dijadikan azimat bagi meraih kekuatan setiap kali berhadapan dengan cabaran atau ketika berada diambang kegagalan. Dengan sikap persistensi yang tinggi sesiapa sahaja boleh berjaya. Hanya faktor masa sahaja menjadi penentu kejayaan itu.

Cuba kita lihat bagaimana persistennya Nabi Muhammad s.a.w dalam mengembangkan agama Allah dizaman jahiliyah dahulu hingga terbentuknya sebuah negara Islam yang digeruni lawan dan dihormati. Tidak seperti rasul-rasul sebelumnya, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w mengembangkan Islam tanpa bergantung kepada mukjizat yang mencarik adat selain daripada Al-Quran. Baginda memulakan syiarnya ketika berusia 40 tahun setelah menerima wahyu pertama. Hanya kerana mahu membawa masyarakatnya beriman kepada Allah, baginda telah diejek, dicemuh, dilontar dengan batu. Pengikut-pengikutnya diseksa. Keluarga mereka didera dan dihina. Semuanya ini sedikitpun tidak menjejaskan kemahuan baginda untuk melihat Islam tegak dibumi Allah ini. 13 tahun di Mekah dan 10 tahun di Madinah adalah satu masa yang bukan pendek. Sikap persistensi sebeginilah yang perlu ada sekiranya seseorang itu mahukan kejayaan. Nabi Muhammad s.a.w dan para sahabatnya membuktikan bahawa kebolehan seorang manusia cukup luar biasa dan mampu menggoncang dunia selagi tidak lari dari matlamat perjuangan, rela berkorban dan sanggup melakukan apa sahaja untuk berjaya. Kenapa mesti berjuang 23 tahun sedangkan Allah boleh sahaja memberikan kemenangan mudah kepada rasulnya? Sebabnya untuk manusia selepas itu menjadikan kehidupan dan perjuangan itu suatu tauladan. Salah satu darinya ialah sikap gigih dan tidak putus asa dari mengharap kemenangan dari Allah.

Seorang jurujual berjaya cukup faham dengan teori persistensi ini. Fikiran mereka telah diprogramkan bahawa untuk melakukan satu jualan yang berjaya mereka perlu menemui 10 orang pelanggan berpotensi. Dengan fahaman matematik yang cukup mudah ini mereka berusaha tanpa kenal erti jemu. Setelah satu kegagalan mereka merasa lebih gembira kerana mereka cuma tinggal 9 orang lagi sebelum mendapat kejayaan. Mereka terus berusaha dan kejayaan jualan pertama itu mungkin terletak pada cubaan yang ke-5, ke-7 atau ke-10. Meski pun mereka gagal membuat jualan dalam 10 cubaaan pertama, mereka tetap tidak putus asa. Sebab kemungkinan pula dalam cubaan ke-11 atau ke-12 kejayaan mula menjelma.

Sejarah memang membuktikan bahawa hampir semua nama-nama besar dan terkenal adalah mereka yang mencipta sejarah setelah mencuba ribuan kali. Edison mencipta lampu setelah berusaha lebih 10,000 kali. Kolonel Sanders cipta kejayaan dengan resepi ayam gorengnya setelah mencuba 1009 kali. Nelson Mandela menjadi presiden Afrika Selatan setelah dipenjarakan hampir sesuku abad. Goodyear mencuba hampir 10 tahun sebelum menemui kaedah untuk mengkomersilkan getah. Boon Siew, walau pun tidak tahu membaca dan menulis mampu menjadi jutawan dan memberikan peluang pekerjaan kepada ribuan pekerja hanya kerana persistensinya.

Kalau telah jelas, dari kisah-kisah di atas, bahawa persistensi adalah senjata utama menuju kemenangan maka kenapa pula anda perlu cepat putus asa? Dalam kehidupan ini kegagalan adalah pengalaman bagi mereka yang persisten tetapi sebaliknya adalah kematian bagi mereka yang putus asa. Kalau anda seorang pelajar, kini soal lah diri anda sendiri, adakah anda telah mencuba ribuan kali untuk menyelesaikan satu soalan matematik atau sains yang mencabar? Ratusan kali? Puluhan kali? Jawapannya pastinya tidakk... anda cuma mencuba beberapa kali dan akhirnya putus asa. Kalau inilah cara anda bagaimana mampu anda letakkan nama anda sebaris dengan mereka yang telah berjaya? Bagaimana pula jika anda seorang dewasa? Pekerja ? Ibu/Bapa ? sudah pasti cabaran yang dihadapan anda amat mengerunkan bukan? Air yang menitik secara berterusan itu mampu menghakis batu. Parang yang diasah secara berterusan itu akan tajam. Begitulah juga dengan diri manusia. Oleh itu jangan putus asa dalam usaha. Anda tidak boleh gagal walau atas alasan apa sekalipun. Jadikan setiap kegagalan itu satu pengajaran untuk memperbaiki diri, untuk mengubah perancangan, untuk lebih fleksibel dan lambat laun kejayaan itu milik anda kerana kuasa persistensi yang ada dalam diri.

Sekian.

ADAKAH ANDA MENCARUM DI KWSP?

2009-05-04T21:31:00.001-07:00

Salam,

Mulai 1 Februari 2008, ahli boleh membuat pengeluaran Akaun 1 KWSP untuk pelaburan sehingga maksimum 20% daripada baki simpanan asas dalam Akaun 1.Apakah pilihan persaraan anda ? Sebelum membuat pilihan, fikirkan sejenak, Kos bagi 3 hidangan sehari dengan andaian kadar inflasi 4% setahun.

20 tahun lalu = RM10
Sekarang = RM25
20 tahun akan datang = RM54

Pilihan 1
Dengan caruman KWSP sebanyak RM1,000 sebulan dan purata pulangan konvensional 4.5% setahun, anda akan memperolehi RM388,124 dalam jangka masa 20 tahun.

Pilihan 2
Dengan caruman KWSP sebanyak RM1,000 sebulan dan anda membuat pengeluaran RM5,000 setiap suku tahun untuk melabur di unit amanah Islamik dengan purata pulangan 8% setahun, pada penghujung tahun ke 20 anda akan mempunyai sebanyak RM1,357,000.

Yang mana satu pilihan anda ?

YA! Saya memilih pilihan ke-2 untuk memastikan wang persaraan saya mencukupi !

Konsultan Untuk Dihubungi: Nor’Azian Hussin (014-2210 930)

*Mulai 1 Februari 2008, ahli boleh membuat pengeluaran Akaun 1 KWSP untuk pelaburan sehingga maksimum 20% daripada baki simpanan asas dalam Akaun 1.
p/s: Terdapat juga plan pelaburan secara tunai dan simpanan bulanan.

Wassalam

Islamic Financial Consultant
MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD
Plan Islamik untuk Persaraan, Pendidikan Anak, Simpanan dan Pelaburan

Nor’ Azian Binti Hussin
Islamic Financial Consultant
MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD
MAA TAKAFUL
HP# 6014-2210 930

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF FINANCIAL PLANNING

2009-03-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

When discussing about financial planning, there are 3 important elements that we should comply with, which is accumulation, protection and distribution.

Accumulation is what we are doing rite now such as working, savings, buying property etc.

Protection is a plan how to protect our income & property when we fall disability or die.

Distribution is how we plan ahead to distribute our wealth to our beloved ones when we die.

Accumulation:

We have being working hard/smart for money. Its time for money working hard/smart for us in return. There are many places where we can place/invest our money so that it will grow overtime to meet our long term goal or to fund us during our retirement day. Most ordinary people might think that normal savings account is their "saving account" at bank. Before we place our money, the return comparison against inflation rate which is currently stood at 8.5% pa is a "must see" matter. If savings account can give you 2% pa, its mean, you are getting negative grow of -6.5% pa. Savings account is only meant for parking your money before you withdraw to use it daily. Investing in unit trust is a proven system which gave a steady return in average of 12% pa - 15% pa for a period of 20 years. Lets see the comparison below:

Savings & Current account = max return 2% pa.
Fixed Deposit = 4%pa (before tax)
ASB = 7%pa
Tbg Haji = 5%pa
Unit Trust = 12%pa – 15%pa (net)

Buying property is encouraging, perhaps we are "investing" in accumulating our assets but buying a car is a nessecity but we are building a liability.

In short I would recommend 20% or your income to be allocated to buy a property (25yrs), 20% to invest in unit trust (20yrs) and 10% to buy a vehicle (7yrs).

Protection

Takaful is meant for income protection. If we are planning to have $500,000-00 protection sum for the next 20 years, we can project the protection amount by paying monthly, half yearly or yearly. If we can plan to protect our house & motor or car by having takaful paln, why don't we plan to protect our income, rite?

I would recommend that you put a side at least 20% or minimum of $200 per month of your income to join takaful plan.

The rest of your income or 30% is to be channelled into your monthly expenses.

Distribution

Most Malay people think that if they write "wasiat", they will die tomorrow but they never learnt from the past. We write wasiat earlier is to protect and to distribute our wealth to our beloved ones and not judged by other people/court. Yes, there is Faraid system in Islam but only a few know that Faraid only take place at the end of the whole process.There many process that we should know such as Harta Sepencarian & Hibbah before these take place:

1.Mengkebumikan
2.Membayar segala hutang: hutang Ugama (Umrah & Haji) dan hutang sesama manusia
3.Pre-Hibbah
4.Sedeqah & Waqaf
5.Wasiat
6.Faraid

I would recommend you to write a wasiat paper at least to appoint the trustee so that your beloved one will know what to do after you left her.

MENGETAHUI SKOP JANGKAMASA PELABURAN

2009-03-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

Mengetahui bila anda bercadang untuk mengeluarkan pelaburan anda memainkan peranan penting di dalam memilih tabung unit amanah yang betul. JANGKAMASANYA HARUSLAH JELAS dalam membuat keputusan pelaburan.

JANGKAMASA ADALAH TEMPOH DI ANTARA PERMULAAN PELABURAN DAN PENJUALAN PELABURAN UNTUK TUNAI

Setiap matlamat pelaburan mempunyai jangkamasanya sendiri. Pelabur pelabur yang berjaya akan memastikan jangkamasa pelaburannya sesuai dengan tabung unit amanah yang dipilih demi mencapai matlamat mereka. Jika matlamat, mereka adalah untuk mengumpul tabung yang bersamaan dengan 6 bulan gaji terkumpul untuk kegunaan di waktu kecemasan maka jangkamasanya adalah serta merta. Jangkamasa untuk tabung persediaan pendidiakn bagi anak yang berusia 11 tahun walaupun matlamatnya adalah sama.

Secara amnya; pemilihan tabung unit amanah adalah dipengaruhi oleh matlamat dan jangkamasa pelaburan anda sendiri. Kebiasaannya, jangkamasa pelaburan anda sendiri. Kebiasaannya, jangkamasa yang singkat memerlukan pelaburan yang KONSERVATIF; LEBIH STABIL ATAU UNIT AMANAH YANG KURANG BERUBAH UBAH seperti PASARAN WANG, TABUNG BON ATAU TABUNG TABUNG TERIMBANG ( BALANCES FUND )

Jangkamasa yang lebih panjang pula membenarkan pelaburan di dalam tabung unit amanah yang lebih agresif seperti tabung pertumbuhan ekuiti ( EQUITY GROWTH FUNDS ).

Akhir sekali...jika anda ingin mewariskan sesuatu kepada cucu cucu anda, jangkamasanya boleh dipanjangkan sehingga selepas ketiadaan anda.

10 Tips Pengurusan Kewangan Terbaik

2009-03-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

1. Menerima gaji sepatutnya dan berbelanja kurang daripada pendapatan

Peraturan asas ini nampak mudah tetapi hakikatnya sukar untuk dilaksanakan. Anda perlu tahu sama ada anda menerima gaji yang sepatutnya berbanding kepakaran, keupayaan, produktiviti dan tugas yang dipertanggungjawabkan kepada anda. Menerima gaji rendah daripada yang sepatutnya, walaupun RM1,000 setahun akan memberi kesan yang besar dalam jangka panjang. Tidak kira berapa gaji anda, janga sesekali berbelanja melebihi pendapatan. Adalah lebih mudah untuk menyekat perbelanjaan daripada memperoleh pendapatan lebih. Berjimat walaupun sedikit boleh memberi kesan yang besar pada tabungan.

2. Rancang dan patuhi jadual perbelanjaan (bajet)

Rancang perbelanjaan anda. Anda tidak akan mampu berbelanja dan menyimpan pada masa yang sama tanpa perancangan kewangan yang betul. Anda perlu bajet walaupun pendapatan anda adalah beberapa ribu atau beratus ribu setahun.

3. Lunaskan hutang kad kredit secepat mungkin

Berterus-terusan mempunyai hutang kad kredit adalah satu kesilapan paling besar. Memang terlalu mudah untuk menggunakan kad kredit tetapi amat payah untuk melunaskan hutang dan akhirnya anda akan terus dibeban hutang yang … BESAR! Setiausaha Parlimen Kementerian Kewangan Datuk Dr Hilmi Yahaya – Tahun 2004 - 1,397 pemegang kad kredit di isytihar muflis, 1,152 dalam 2003 dan 1,117 dalam 2002. Angka setiap tahun kian meningkat. Terdapat 150,000 bankrap setakat Februari 2005 .

4. Mencarum dalam pelan persaraan

Jika syarikat anda menyediakan pelan persaraan, jangan lepaskan peluang untuk mencarum. Jika tiada, pertimbangkan pelan atau skim lain yang disediakan untuk pekerja. Buka akaun dengan KWSP hari ini jika anda masih berbuat demikian.

5. Menabung

Pastikan anda menyimpan sekurang-kurangnya 5 peratus ke 10 peratus daripada gaji sebelum menyelesaikan segala bil. Cara paling baik, buat potongan secara automatik untuk akaun berbeza.

6. Melabur

Pastikan anda membuat pelaburan – jika masih ada wang lebih selepas mencarum untuk skim pesaraan atau skim simpanan pekerja dan menabung dalam akaun simpanan dan saham amanah .

7. Tingkatkan caruman skim kemudahan untuk pekerja

Tambah nilai caruman anda pada skim kemudahan yang disediakan untuk pekerja seperti KWSP. Ia akan membantu anda mengurangkan pembayaran cukai dan membataskan perbelanjaan yang tidak perlu.

8. Semak liputan insurans

Ramai orang membeli insurans dengan bayaran premium yang tinggi tanpa terlebih dulu menyelidik sama ada ia perlu atau tidak. Pastikan anda mempunyai insurans secukupnya tetapi pada masa yang sama tidak membebankan kedudukan kewangan.

9. Kemas kini wasiat

Lindungi orang yang disayangi. Pastikan anda membuat wasiat tidak kira berapa sedikit pun harta anda. Kira-kira 90 peratus warga Malaysia tidak mempunyai wasiat. Masalah besar ialah tahap pemikiran yang beranggapan jika tulis wasiat hari ini, esok akan mati. Sebab itu masih ramai yang tidak membuat wasiat.

10. Simpan rekod kewangan dengan baik

Jika anda tidak menyimpan semua rekod perbelanjaan, anda mungkin terlepas pandang untuk mendapatkan pengecualian cukai untuk perbelanjaan tertentu. Contoh yang baik adalah resit untuk pembelian buku-buku dimana pemotongan cukai dibenarkan.

EPF move good for market

2009-03-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 29 January 2008PETALING JAYA:

The Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) move to lower the Account 1 investment withdrawal threshold beginning Feb 1 would result in a significant flow of capital into the equity market, analysts said.

The move would release a bit more money into the market with the unit trust sector likely to benefit the most, said Kenny Yee, head of OSK Research.

"The actual impact is yet to be seen, but relaxing the ruling is good for the market," he said.

An analyst at a local bank-backed research house said the move would mean more money for people to invest. "There will be more funds available out there." he said.
EPF on Friday introduced its "Beyond Savings" initiative that links the threshold for Account 1 withdrawals for investment through approved institutions to the member's age, compared with a minimum savings of RM50,000 for all ages previously.

Under the scheme, a 30-year-old member, for instance, may withdraw 20% of the amount in excess of a lower threshold of RM18,000, for investment through approved institutions. A younger member would have a lower threshold and, conversely, an older member a higher threshold.

EPF deputy chief executive officer (operation) Ibrahim Taib said the new initiative was expected to double members' withdrawals for alternative investment from a monthly average of RM270 million to RM300 million.

He said the EPF move would give members the advantage of investing at a younger age. The change in policy would enable 1.76 million members to withdraw from Account 1 for investment elsewhere, compared with 850,000 eligible members previously.

An analyst at an investment bank said this would encourage people to diversify their investment portfolio.

"It allows them to make decisions with regards to their savings," he said, agreeing that the unit trust sector has the most to benefit from the EPF move.

MARKET OUTLOOK

2009-03-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

Global Market Outlook
1. USA Financial Institiution melt down.
2. Sub-prime issue in US worsen.
3. Currency crisis in US & Europe.
4. USA under recession.
5. Europe under financial presure & inflation.
6. Unemployment numbers increased.

Asia Market Outlook
1. China stop pumping US$ to USA.
2. China building 40 new mega cities projects.
3. China - stimulus package worth USD500 billion.
4. China - steady reserve worth USD5 trillion.
5. Business between Asia region will keep the economy bloom for long term.

Malaysia Market Outlook
1. Fundamental intack with ongoing mega project on slow speed.
2. Government stimulus package worth RM5 billion plus RM2 billion additional
injection.
3. Economy slow down due to international business dealing - import export.
4. Inflation ease due to oil price down but consumer price hike.
5. Panick selling and cashing out factor drag down the equity market price.
6. Financial Institiution strong and well monitored.
7. Construction will remain ongoing for the next 5 years.
8. Mega projects ie: Bakun, Iskandar, Double Track will remain ongoing.

Performance:

As for KLCI performance, the value was dropped to -44%.
As for local equity performance, the value was slumped to -70%.
As for unit trust industry performance, the value was downed by -55%.
As for global equity, the value was under performed by -80%.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN UNIT TRUST THRU EPF IN ACCOUNT 1

2009-03-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Enhancing retirement financial security: EPF introduces changes in contribution rates and basic savings

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will introduce two new changes under its "Beyond Savings" initiative to help improve the employment prospects of members above the age of 55 and to enhance financial security of all members upon retirement.

Effective 1 February 2008, the liability period to contribute to the EPF for employers and employees will be extended from age 55 to age 75. In addition, members should have a minimum amount of Basic Savings at various age levels to help them accumulate savings of at least RM120,000 by the time they reach age 55.

"The EPF's primary concern has always been the adequacy of savings for our members when they retire. We hope that these improvements will help to provide a higher level of savings for our members and improve their financial security upon retirement," said Encik Ibrahim Taib, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) of the EPF.

For employees in the age 55 and above group, contributions will now be mandatory but the statutory contribution rates have been halved to promote employability for this group. Nevertheless, this group of members and their employers can choose to contribute more than the statutory rate if they so wish.

The lower rates of contribution, however, do not apply to employees who are already above 55 and are currently working, and who have not made any Age 55 Withdrawal. These workers and their employers will continue to make contributions at the existing rates (23 per cent) until an Age 55 Withdrawal is made.

Another key change under the "Beyond Savings" initiative is the implementation of Basic Savings which is an amount of savings to be put aside in Account 1 progressively at various pre-determined age levels so as to enable members to accumulate a minimum savings of RM120,000 upon reaching age 55. (See Appendix)
In relation to this change, members are allowed to invest not more than 20 per cent of savings in excess of the Basic Savings amount in Account 1 in products through approved investment institutions. Investment can be made once every three months at a minimum sum of RM1,000.

"The objective of this new change is to help EPF members build up the basic savings in their accounts gradually over the years so that they will have a minimum amount of RM120,000 at age 55. This will enable members to have a monthly payment of at least RM500 over a 20-year period until the member is 75 years, the average life expectancy of Malaysians," Encik Ibrahim said.

He added that at the same time, this change will also offer members the advantage of investing at an earlier age such as reduced risk of capital loss from a longer investment time frame.

"The quantum of Basic Savings for each age group will be reviewed every five years to take into account changes in social, economic and retirement needs of our members," he concluded.

About the Employees Provident Fund (EPF)

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a national savings scheme, providing basic financial security for retirement. The Fund is committed to preserving and growing the savings of its members in accordance with best practices in investment and corporate governance. It will always be guided by prudence in its investment decisions.

As a customer-focused organisation, the EPF delivers efficient and reliable services for the convenience of its members and registered employers.

The EPF continues to play a catalytic role in the nation's socio-economic growth, consistent with its position as a leading savings institution in Malaysia.

Retire With RM1 million

2009-03-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

According to research, Malaysian are required to have at least RM1,000,000-00 for their retirement day. This is because our living cost standard has gone up rapidly, inflation rate eating our value of money, life spend for Malaysian are 76 years old for man and 80 years for woman (medical modern technology). Source from KWSP said, out of 5.5 million members, only 4,700 contributors are qualified to retire with savings more than RM1.0 million.

In order to assist you to save your money for your future, to make them grow faster in the next 20 years, I really encouraged you to save your money in unitrust for long term. Never timing the market, but time yourself investing for long term in unit trust.

Always think & imagine, how much do you have when you reach your 1st day of your retirement!!!

HOW TO DOUBLE UP YOUR EPF MONEY?

2009-03-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

Finally, by 1st February 2008, you will be able to invest part of Account 1 in your EPF into an approved Unit Trust of your choice. Finally, we'll be able to earn more than the 5.8% p.a by EPF (in 2007), stuff it away in a Unit Trust which can earn up to or more than 15% p.a.

There is a Basic Savings or Simpanan Asas from Account 1 based on your age. (e.g. for a 25 year old, you have to have a base Simpanan Asas of RM 9000). You can invest 20% of your EPF savings over the Basic Savings or Simpanan Asas. As described in the EPF site: "members are allowed to invest not more than 20 per cent of savings in excess of the Basic Savings amount in Account 1 in products through approved investment institutions. Investment can be made once every three months at a minimum sum of RM1,000."
Examples are as below:
Mr A is a 25 year old and has RM 19K in his Account 1. His Basic Savings amount is RM 9K (refer the Appendix). Therefore, his excess savings is RM 10K (RM19K - RM9K). 20% of the excess amount can be invested into Unit Trust, which is RM 2K (RM10K*20%). Therefore Mr A is qualified to make the Unit Trust investment. His next withdrawal/investment will be in 3 months, with a minimum of RM 1K.

Mrs B is a 30 year old and has RM 22K in her Account 1. Her Basic Savings amount is RM 18K (refer the Appendix). Therefore, her excess savings is RM 4K (RM22K - RM18K). 20% of the excess amount can be invested into Unit Trust. In her case, it's RM 800 (RM 4K * 20%). This amount is less than the minimum amount of RM 1K, therefore Mrs B is not qualified yet to make the Unit Trust investment.

I can't wait to start. How about you?

5 Ways to know if the bull is over.

2009-03-16T00:32:00.002-07:00

Since Money Magazine last examined the health of the bull market (and pronounced it sound), consumer spending began slowing, several prominent buyout deals unraveled, and oh yeah - concerns about subprime mortgage loans going bad caused stocks to fall off a cliff.
After closing above 14,000 for the first time in late July, the Dow has since plunged nearly 1400 points, or 9.8 percent, close to an official correction. The S&P 500 has given up all of its gains for the year.
All this has added a certain cogency to the view that the five-year-old bull could be closer to the end of its road. So while you know better than to try to time the market - and you do, don't you? - now is a good moment to check that your portfolio truly matches your appetite for risk.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for five signs that often precede a sharp turn ahead.

Oil prices Before a bear:
Oil prices often surgeHappened yet? Yes
Anyone who remembers the 1970s knows that rapidly rising oil prices can be poison to stocks. The quadrupling of those prices in the months following October 1973 (due to the OPEC embargo) helped send a market that was already reeling into brutal bear territory almost immediately. Rising energy costs just before the 1990-91 Gulf War were bad news for the market too. That's because when oil becomes much more expensive, one of two things generally happens: stagflation or recession. Those higher prices act like a tax on the economy, slowing growth. And because higher prices make the Federal Reserve think "inflation!" the Fed typically responds by raising short-term interest rates - something the stock market likes about as much as Nicole Richie likes dessert. Fast-forward to today: Oil prices are up 20 percent year to date, approaching the record high of $78.40 a barrel. "You have to expect that these rising oil prices will catch up to businesses and consumers," says Timothy Fidler, a portfolio manager with Ariel Capital.

Treasury yields Before a bear: Treasury yields often run up
Happened yet? Not really
Big market pullbacks tend to take place after jumps in the yield of the 10-year Treasury note. Bear markets in the mid-'70s, early and late '80s, early '90s and 2000 all followed significant rises in bond yields. For example, the yield on the 10-year surged from 7 percent in January 1987 to 10.2 percent just before the October crash. What about now? The 10-year yield rose from about 4.5 percent in mid-March to 5.2 percent in June but dropped back to around 4.7 percent in mid August. "If the yield on the 10-year went up to 6 percent," says Jeffrey Saut, chief investment strategist for Raymond James Financial, "that could change investor psychology" - and help send the bull packing. The state of the dollar affects Treasury yields too. A weakening dollar makes foreign investors nervous about holding Treasuries; when they sell, Treasury prices fall and yields rise. "That would hit stocks, just like in 1987," says Subodh Kumar, an independent market strategist. The dollar has sagged - from $1.29 to the euro at the beginning of the year to $1.34 to the euro in mid August. If it slips further, that's a warning sign, Kumar says.

Number of rising stocks Before a bear: The number of rising stocks starts to shrink
Happened yet? Has it ever
Before the market crashed in 2000, something fundamental changed. Though the overall indexes (like the Dow and the S&P 500) kept going up, those rises were being fueled by only a handful of companies, mostly Internet-related ones. The lesson: Sizable increases in just a few stocks can mask what's going on in the broader market and signal that a bull is nearing a top, says Larry Haverty, a portfolio manager with Gamco Investors, an institutional investment firm. So keep an eye on market breadth - that is, how many stocks are rising compared with how many are falling. If more stocks on the New York Stock Exchange are hitting new 52-week lows than new 52-week highs, that's a bad sign. In mid-July nearly twice as many stocks were hitting new highs as new lows - a comforting sign - but by month's end this stat had turned downright ugly.

Consumer spending Before a bear: Consumer spending sometimes slows
Happened yet? Starting
It stands to reason that when people stop buying stuff, the stock market - populated with companies that sell stuff - heads south. All the major dips in consumer spending over the past 30-plus years have taken place as stocks were just beginning to slide or during prolonged declines. The tricky part: Measurable drops in consumer spending often occur after the market has already started falling - making it a less than perfect indicator. It's still important to watch, though, because experts say that slumping consumer spending could help turn what otherwise might have been a mere correction into a true bear. So far this decade, consumers have been spending away happily - until recently. Retail sales fell 0.9% in June, bad news for companies like Home Depot, Macy's and Sears. And if housing prices continue to drop in many parts of the country, consumers will clutch their pocketbooks still tighter. Brian Stine, an investment strategist with Allegiant Asset Management Co., a firm that oversees about $30 billion in assets, says, "It could dramatically curb spending and even employment growth." Neither would be good.

Corporate earnings growth Before a bear: Corporate earnings growth often slows
Happened yet? Just wait for the '07 numbers
During the bull market of the mid- to late '90s, average earnings for the S&P 500 rose more than 12% a year. When companies began warning of slowing profit growth in 2000, stocks started to nosedive. Now for the current bull. From 2003 to 2006, the S&P's annual earnings rose more than 17%, on average. But the consensus estimate of the market strategists tracked by Thomson Financial is that earnings will grow by only 7% in 2007 - a huge change. It's not hard to see why. Productivity growth is down. Wage pressures are rising. And remember those soaring energy prices we just talked about? On top of all that, long-term rates in the first half of the year were sneaking up. If that trend resumes, it will discourage companies from borrowing in order to make big investments. "If liquidity should dry up," says John Fox, co-manager of the FAM Value fund, "that would be a negative." Translation: It could make this bull look like hamburger.

REGULAR INVESTMENT PLAN DENGAN MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD

2009-03-16T00:32:00.001-07:00

SALAM...SILA CLICK PADA LINK DIBAWAH SEKIRANYA SAUDARA INGIN DAPATKAN MAKLUMAT LANJUT MENGENAI KEPENTINGAN MELABUR/MENYIMPAN WANG DI UNIT AMANAH DENGAN MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD
Lebih lanjut, sila layari;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N445bHl_GJk
http://www.youtube.com/user/MAAKLCorporate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjIqbeWkgaU
http://www.maatakaful.com.my/pdf/SMART%20MEDIC%20100%20FINAL.pdf
http://www.maaklmutual.com.my/Pages/PnS/RIP/RIP.aspx
http://www.yanmaakl.blogspot.com
http://yanzhus.fotopages.com
http://www.maaklmutual.com.my
http://www.maatakaful.com.my

Nor’ Azian Binti Hussin
Unit Trust Advisor
MAAKL MUTUAL BERHAD
MAA TAKAFUL
HP# 6014-2210 930

*Bila orang awam menyedari ekonomi telah pulih dan mula ingin melabur, sebenarnya mereka sudah ketinggalan 6 bulan dibelakang.

WHY INVEST IN MAAKL MUTUAL?
WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST EXPERIENCE SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAMS IN THE INDUSTRY, WITH A TOTAL OF 88 YEARS COMBINED MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE WILL HELP YOU INVEST SUCCESSFULLY.

Kemelesetan ekonomi: Malaysia dalam zon bahaya

2009-03-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Kesan kegawatan ekonomi yang melanda dunia dijangka dirasai oleh Malaysiasehingga tahun 2010, Bernama melaporkan Menteri Kewangan Kedua Tan Sri NorMohamed Yakcop berkata.

"Tiap-tiap hari kita dengar jumlah pemberhentian pekerja semakin meningkat,syarikat yang mengalami aliran tunai dan bankrap juga meningkat seolah-olahkegawatan yang melanda dunia ini tiada penghujungnya.
"Kegawatan dunia sudah semakin mencabar dan kita nampak daripetunjuk-petunjuk itu kemungkinan kegawatan berkenaan tidak akan berakhirtahun ini serta dijangka berlarutan sehingga tahun 2010," katanya.
Beliau juga berkata: "Kita kena terima realiti, negara kini berada dalam zontidak selesa serta bahaya dan kita (rakyat Malaysia) terdedah kepada krisisitu jadi kita perlu bersatu menghadapinya kerana cabaran yang sedang melandaini bukan cabaran biasa".Bernama.

Apa saya nak kata? Kalau saya ni orang kaya tak pa jugak. Kurang-kurang punada simpanan. Aku ni simpan apa? Gaji tetap tak dak, simpanan pun tak dak.Saya tak tau nak buat apa. Di samping berusaha, saya hanya bolehmengingatkan diri saya sendiri melakukan amalan-amalan berikut:

Rasulullah s.'a.w.w. bersabda: Mulai pagi harimu dengan sedekah, barangsiapa yang memulai pagiharinya dengan sedekah ia tidak akan terkena sasaran bala'. (Al-Wasail 6:257)

Imam Ja'far Ash-Shadiq 'a.s. berkata: Awali pagi harimu dengan sedekah, gemarlah bersedekah. Tidak adaseorang mukmin pun yang bersedekah karena mengharapkan apa yang ada di sisiAllah untuk menolak keburukan yang akan turun dari langi ke bumi pada hariitu, kecuali Allah menjaganya dari keburukan apa yang akan turun dari langitke bumi pada hari itu. (Al-Wasail 6: 267)

Imam Ja'far sh-Shadiq 'a.s. berkata: Ubati penyakitmu dengan sedekah, tolaklah bala' dengan doa, danmohon datangkan rizkimu dengan sedekah, karena sesungguhnya sedekah dapatmengusir tujuh ratus setan dari depan dagu. (Al-Wasail 6: 260)

Rasulullah s.'a.w.w. bersabda: Wahai Ali, sedekah itu dapat menolak takdir mubram (yang telahditetapkan). Wahai Ali, silaturahim dapat menambah umur. Wahai Ali, tidakada sedekah ketika keluarga dekatnya membutuhkan. Wahai Ali, tidak adakebaikan dalam ucapan kecuali disertai perbuatan, dan tidak ada sedekahkecuali dengan niat (karena Allah)." (Al-Wasail 6: 267)

Imam Ja'far Ash-Shadiq 'a.s. berkata: Sesungguhnya sedekah di malam hari dapat memadamkan murka Allah,menghapus dosa besar dan mempermudah perhitungan amal; sedekah di siang haridapat menumbuhkan harta dan menambah umur. (Al-Wasail 6:273)

Rasulullah saw bersabda: Tidaklah ada sedekah seorang mukmin kecuali tangannya bersentuhandengan tangan Allah sebelum bersentuhan dengan tangan pemintanya. Kemudianbaginda membacakan firman Allah s.w.t.: "Tidakkah mereka mengetahuibahwasanya Allah menerima taubat hamba-hamba- Nya dan menerima sedekah."(At-Taubah: 104). (Al-Wasail 6: 303)

Rasulullah s.'a.w.w. bersabda: "Setiap kebajikan itu sedekah." (Al-Wasail 6: 321)