Hajiji disappointed with GLCs lower dividend payments this year

Masidi (third from left) is receiving, on behalf of the Sabah government, a mock cheque for RM50mil as a dividend payment from SMJ Sdn Bhd CEO Dr Dionysia Kibat.

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is disappointed over the lower amount of dividends paid by statutory bodies and state-owned government-linked companies (GLCs) to the Sabah government this year.

The Chief Minister said the statutory bodies and GLCs have paid RM138.7mil in dividends and contributions to the state government as of Oct 30 this year, which was 8.8% lower than the amount received last year.

“All the statutory bodies and GLCs need to beef up efforts to generate more income in the years ahead,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the board of directors course and presentation of dividend and contribution at a resort here on Tuesday (Oct 31).

State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji’s speech.

Among those paying dividends to the state government was the latest state GLC, SMJ Sdn Bhd (SMJSB), which paid RM50mil.

The other agencies paying dividends included Sabah Credit Corporation (RM17mil), KKIP Sdn Bhd (RM12mil), Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM12mil), Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM3.568mil) and Desa Plus Sdn Bhd (RM2mil).