PETALING JAYA: The Federal Government saw smaller gains from its investments, with its dividends decreasing last year by RM9.756bil or 17.5%, from RM55.815bil in 2022 to RM46.059bil, the Auditor-General’s Report Series 3 revealed.
The RM46.059bil in dividends were received from 16 companies and two statutory bodies.
The report showed that dividends from eight companies and one statutory body, totalling RM42.786bil, decreased by RM12.372bil (22.4%) compared to 2022.
The most significant decline in dividends came from Petroliam Nasional Berhad and Prokhas Sdn. Bhd., which saw reductions of RM10bil and RM49.71mil, respectively.
Dividends from Bank Negara Malaysia also fell from RM5bil in 2022 to RM2.75bil in 2023, a decrease of RM2.25bil (45%).
The fall in dividends indicates the challenges faced by these companies in achieving similar profits as the previous year. Further analysis is needed to understand the factors contributing to this decline and its implications for the economy as a whole, the audit said.
It added that the GLC of Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad did not declare any dividend payments despite having recorded a profit in 2023. It had previously paid RM7.26mil in dividends in 2022.
Meanwhile, an audit of the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi has revealed that premium and rental fees totaling INR216,240 (RM11,933) and INR5,406 (RM298) per year, respectively, remain unpaid to the Indian government.
The report said the high commission sent a diplomatic note to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on March 15, seeking confirmation on its obligation to repay the annual rent.
Wisma Putra received an acknowledgment on Sept 9, but the Indian government has yet to make a claim.
Additionally, the audit found that the high commission has not filled positions according to the employment warrant approved by the Public Service Department.
Notably, the High Commissioner is a JUSA B Grade officer instead of the approved JUSA A Grade officer.
The high commission also did not comply with the employment warrant, which mandates 10 Malaysians and 35 local staff.
Other findings in the audit of the High Commission include a change in the scope of work for repairing 24 CCTV cameras to the replacement of 29 units, which was not presented to the Approval Committee.
