Govt may ask Petronas to pay special dividend again

“We believe that Petronas is financially in a comfortable position to pay, given its net cash position of RM82bil, ” said Kenanga Research, adding that government-linked companies would also likely be encouraged to pay higher dividends.

PETALING JAYA:Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) may again be called to boost its dividend payout to the government this year, on top of the RM24bil it has committed to, according to Kenanga Research.

This is on the back of the research house’s projected budget deficit for 2020 to range between 4% and 4.6%, which are levels experienced from 2011 to 2012, in the absence of a special dividend from Petronas or other extraordinary sources of income.