Bank Negara Pays RM5.25B Dividend To Government
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2025 – Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has announced a RM5.25 billion dividend payout to the Malaysian government, following a strong financial performance in 2024. The central bank reported total assets of RM621.5 billion and reaffirmed its role in ensuring monetary and financial stability amid evolving domestic and global economic conditions.
The announcement, made in conjunction with the release of the 2024 BNM Annual Report, highlights the institution’s continued focus on prudent reserve management, sound monetary policy, and financial market resilience.
Financial Snapshot and Strategic Operations
The RM5.25 billion dividend represents a significant contribution to federal revenue, easing fiscal pressure and supporting public expenditure initiatives under Budget 2025. The payout is higher than the RM4.5 billion recorded in the previous year, signaling improved earnings from BNM’s investment and reserve operations.
BNM’s total reserves grew to RM504.1 billion, supported by:
- Steady returns from diversified reserve assets
- Sound management of foreign exchange volatility
- Sustainable operating costs and policy efficiency
“Our financial results reflect our ongoing commitment to safeguard monetary stability, manage inflation expectations, and preserve public trust,” said BNM Governor Dato’ Seri Shaik Abdul Rasheed bin Abdul Ghaffour
Resilience Amid External Shocks
Despite global uncertainties—including interest rate volatility, geopolitical risks, and trade realignments—BNM successfully navigated challenges through:
- A data-driven monetary policy approach
- Ringgit liquidity management
- Effective oversight of the banking and insurance sectors
The central bank’s policy rate adjustments in 2024 also helped to anchor inflation, which was kept within the target range of 2.5% to 3.0%, while supporting household and business credit access.
Bank Negara Strengthening Financial Stability
In 2024, BNM focused on further enhancing:
- Risk-based supervision across banks and non-bank financial institutions
- Cybersecurity frameworks for digital banking
- Compliance with Basel III capital and liquidity standards
Malaysia’s financial institutions remained well-capitalized, with the banking system’s total capital ratio standing at 18.3%, above regulatory thresholds.
“Our regulatory vigilance ensures that financial institutions can weather shocks while continuing to support the real economy,” added the Governor.
Supporting Development and Inclusive Growth
BNM also advanced developmental agendas through:
- RM8.7 billion in SME financing under targeted schemes
- Financial inclusion programs in underserved rural areas
- Capacity-building initiatives for Islamic finance and fintech innovation
Bank Negara Outlook for 2025 and Strategic Priorities
Looking ahead, BNM has outlined three core strategic thrusts for 2025:
- Enhancing resilience to external economic shocks
- Facilitating digital innovation and payment system transformation
- Supporting Malaysia’s green economy and ESG finance frameworks
BNM will continue to publish periodic updates and maintain engagement with the public and financial industry stakeholders through dialogue sessions and transparency reports.
Financial Stewardship for National Progress
With a robust balance sheet and a substantial dividend payout, Bank Negara Malaysia reaffirms its crucial role in anchoring Malaysia’s economic stability and financial integrity. As Malaysia navigates its next growth chapter, the central bank’s stewardship remains a cornerstone of national confidence and fiscal sustainability.
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