Auto-enrolment Misses its Mark


Automatic EnrolmentA recent YouGov poll, commissioned by Aon Hewitt, revealed that only one in five members of the British public have any idea auto-enrolment to company pension schemes is to be introduced widely in 2013. The lowest level of awareness (16%) was, worryingly, amongst campaign’s target demographic: those not already enrolled in a workplace pension scheme.

The YouGov research was followed by a later report by Scottish Widows which found 52% of its workers were also unaware of the changes to their pension plan. The figure amounts to 9.9 million people in the UK and seemingly bucks data suggesting an upwards trend in the average number of people wanting to save for retirement.

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ASN Unitholders Get 6.3 sen Dividend for 2012


ASN

Amanah Saham Nasional will receive a of 6.30 sen per unit for Sekim Amanah Nasional (ASN) for the financial year ending 31st December 2012. The figure is 0.25 sen higher when compared with 6.05 sen per declared in 2011. It is also the highest in 12 years.

Kindly refer to “Historical Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) Dividend Rate” page, for previous year dividend.

The dividend will involve a payment of RM92.18 million and will benefit 1.23 million unit holders who currently hold a total of 1.46 billion ASN units.

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Malaysia’s Private Retirement Scheme (PRS)

Retirement & PensionThe government has been concerned about the inadequacy of EPF savings for the retirees. The statistics show that 50% of contributors exhaust all of their EPF savings within five years of retirement and only 18% of active members aged 54 have adequate savings of at least RM173,000. To overcome this problem, Private Retirement Scheme (Scheme) was introduced in the 2012 budget in October 2011.

PRS is being administer by Private Pension Administrator (PPA).  After more than a year, the government has approved 8 funds & they will be ready to accept fund soon.

The main features of PRS, is a voluntary long-term investment scheme designed to help individuals accumulate savings for retirement. It complements the mandatory contributions made to EPF and contributor will be entitled for tax relief up to RM3,000 per annum until 2021.

Below are the full description of PRS.

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ASB Unitholders Get 8.9% Dividend & Bonus for 2012

ASB

Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) unitholders will receive a dividend of 7.75 sen and a bonus 1.15 sen per unit for the financial year ending 31st December 2012. This brings a total of 8.9 sen distribution income for year 2012.

This dividend is 0.1 sen higher compared to 7.65 sen declared in 2011 while there is no change in bonus.

Kindly refer to “Historical Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) Dividend Rate” page, for previous year dividend and bonus.

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PR1MA Registration or Application Open to Public

1Malaysia Housing Programme

Program Perumahan 1Malaysia or 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PR1MA) was launched on the 4th July 2011 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The programme aim to assist the middle-income group who can neither afford to buy high-end property nor are eligible for existing My First Home Scheme and other low-cost public housing scheme to own a home.

Middle income groups are those with household income in between RM2,500 to RM7,500 per month regardless whether they work with the government, the private sector or self-employed.

After more than a year, finally Malaysian public can apply for the programme although there was a single opening for a project in Putrajaya at the end of 2011. For those who are eligible and interested to apply, you may register now.

Below are the steps required to register for PR1MA.

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