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Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) has announced a final dividend of three sen per unit for the financial year ended 30 June 2025, bringing its total dividend distribution for the year to RM28.76 million. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg said the final dividend will result in a payout of RM14.52 million, benefiting approximately 57,870 investors, according to The Borneo Post. This follows an interim dividend of the same amount distributed in January. The cumulative total dividend distribution since the fund’s restructuring has reached RM42.33 million, which Abang Johari described as a testament to prudent and forward-looking investment management. He emphasised that the fund has remained stable and resilient despite heightened global market volatility triggered by trade tensions following former US president Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs and ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “While the net asset value also experienced fluctuations in line with the market, volatility was well managed thanks to prudent and disciplined asset allocation strategies,” he said. Assar chief executive officer Norlia Madon reported a gross income of RM38.39 million for the 2025 financial year. The total included RM16.35 million from interest on fixed-income securities, RM13.96 million in capital gains from equity disposals, RM5.15 million in equity dividends, and RM2.93 million from money market instruments and capital gains on fixed-income securities. After deducting RM5.70 million in expenses, the fund recorded a net income of RM32.69 million. -FMT

CelcomDigi Bhd has reported a productivity increase exceeding 20 percent across its reimagined retail outlets, following an extensive revamp designed to offer a more immersive and digitally enhanced customer experience. This milestone comes in the wake of the merger between Celcom’s Blue Cube outlets and Digi stores, which have since been consolidated under a unified retail strategy and upgraded to reflect the group’s evolving vision. Chief Executive Officer Datuk Idham Nawawi highlighted that the refreshed outlets demonstrate CelcomDigi’s commitment to providing personalised experiences aligned with modern digital lifestyles. “These stores are pivotal touchpoints in CelcomDigi’s broader retail transformation strategy, following the merger between Celcom and Digi two years ago. We currently operate 61 self-owned outlets,” he said during an exclusive media walkthrough. The tour, held at The Gardens Mall, showcased the first CelcomDigi Life flagship store introduced since the merger. The second flagship outlet is located at Sunway Pyramid. “This transformation is not solely about numbers. It represents a physical manifestation of a fully integrated digital lifestyle ecosystem, encompassing health, entertainment and smart living,” Idham explained. The flagship outlet also brings several firsts to CelcomDigi’s service offerings, including a pioneering “retail-in-retail” model established through strategic collaborations with Samsung, Disney and Marvel. These partnerships are central to delivering the next generation of retail experiences. “CelcomDigi Life stores are not merely about selling devices. They are designed to enable and enrich every aspect of our customers’ digital lifestyles. We currently operate over 10,000 retail touchpoints nationwide and plan to expand further to serve wider geographies,” Idham added. -Bernama

Gamuda Bhd and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) have been appointed by the Perak state government to jointly develop and operate water treatment and distribution infrastructure in Kerian, Northern Perak. The project is part of the Northern Perak Water Supply Scheme (NPWSS), a strategic initiative with an estimated development value of RM5 billion. Launched by the Perak state and federal governments, the scheme is designed to address persistent water shortages affecting irrigation, domestic and industrial needs in the region. Under the appointment terms, the Gamuda-PKNPk joint venture will undertake the development and operation of the infrastructure on a minimum 40-year concession basis. The joint venture will supply treated water to the upcoming Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, while surplus treated water will be channelled to the neighbouring state of Penang. The NPWSS includes the transfer of 1,500 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water from Sungai Perak to the Bukit Merah Dam, with 500 MLD allocated for immediate irrigation needs in Northern Perak. The remaining water will be treated for domestic and industrial use across the state. The privatisation agreement is expected to be finalised within 90 days of the appointment to ensure the timely implementation of the scheme, which is targeted for completion by 2030. The project remains subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities. Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd executive director Faris Mohd Yusof said the appointment represents a significant milestone in Northern Perak’s long-term water security strategy. “We are pleased to have been entrusted with the opportunity to jointly develop a key component of the NPWSS scheme for our home state of Perak. We are committed to ensuring the critical delivery of water for the state with a focus on local workforce and community development,” he said. Faris highlighted the group’s expertise in water-related infrastructure, referencing past projects such as the Skim Bekalan Air Fasa 3 Sungai Selangor and the Smart Tunnel. He added that Gamuda’s experience in water treatment plants, distribution networks and tunnelling positions the group strongly to deliver the essential infrastructure. Gamuda has also played a role in other major water infrastructure developments, including the RM4 billion Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme, slated to begin construction in 2026, and the RM1.97 billion Sungai Rasau Water Supply Scheme Stage 1, which is currently underway and expected to complete by mid-2025. Additionally, the group holds a 75 per cent stake in the Ulu Padas hydroelectric project in Sabah, valued between RM3 billion and RM4 billion, with commercial operations scheduled for 2030. -The Star

Zelan Bhd, a PN17 company, has appointed Faizal Yusof as its new chief executive officer. The 46-year-old industry veteran brings over 23 years of experience spanning engineering, construction, and infrastructure to the helm of the construction engineering firm. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Zelan’s board expressed confidence that Faizal’s leadership, strategic insight and deep sector expertise will play a pivotal role in steering the company’s turnaround and supporting its ongoing PN17 regularisation plans. Faizal succeeds Mohd Ariff Abd Samat, who resigned in November last year after just three months as CEO to pursue other opportunities. Since then, Shareena Shahril had been serving as acting CEO. Zelan was classified under Practice Note 17 (PN17) in May 2023 after its external auditor, Nexia SSY PLT, issued a disclaimer of opinion on the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. -The Star

Solarvest Holdings Bhd has announced the appointment of Daniel Bernd Ruppert as its chief investment officer (CIO), effective immediately. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said Ruppert, 50, has already played an active role in shaping Solarvest’s investment strategies and has  represented the company at numerous official functions. With his formal appointment, Ruppert will now take on full responsibilities as a member of the senior management team. He will oversee the group’s investment strategy, including asset management, acquisitions and divestments, risk oversight and strategic capital deployment. Solarvest highlighted Ruppert’s extensive experience, noting he brings over 15 years in investment banking and business management to the role. The company said his expertise is expected to enhance the group’s growth trajectory and strengthen its position in the renewable energy sector. -The Star