The PRIBUMI Bursa Malaysia Zakat Index (PBMZI) is a pioneering financial index that integrates Islamic financial principles with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) elements. Launched in partnership with Bursa Malaysia and Persatuan Remisier Bumiputera Malaysia (PRIBUMI), PBMZI serves as a benchmark for companies that not only demonstrate profitability but also contribute to corporate zakat (Zakat Perniagaan).
To be included in the PBMZI, companies must meet specific criteria that ensure they align with the index’s objectives. These criteria include:
As of January 18, 2025, the PBMZI includes 27 companies spanning various sectors. Below is a detailed overview of some of the key constituents:
The PBMZI constituents represent a diverse range of sectors, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Malaysian economy. The primary sectors include:
The PBMZI employs a market capitalization-weighted methodology, meaning that companies with larger market capitalizations have a more significant impact on the index’s performance. This approach ensures that the index accurately reflects the performance of the largest and most influential companies within the PBMZI universe.
To maintain the index’s relevance and integrity, PBMZI conducts semi-annual reviews in June and December. During these reviews, companies are evaluated based on the selection criteria, and adjustments are made to the list of constituents as necessary. This process allows the index to adapt to changes in the market and ensure continued compliance with Shariah principles and corporate zakat contributions.
Since its inception, the PBMZI has demonstrated a positive impact on promoting ethical investment practices and encouraging companies to adopt corporate zakat practices. The index serves as a valuable benchmark for investors seeking to align their portfolios with Islamic financial principles and socially responsible investment strategies.
By adopting corporate zakat practices, PBMZI constituents demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and ethical business conduct. This not only enhances their reputation but also contributes to the broader goal of societal welfare and economic equity. The integration of zakat into corporate strategies ensures that companies are not only profitable but also socially conscious, aligning business success with community support.
To provide a clearer understanding of the types of companies included in the PBMZI, below is a detailed overview of some selected constituents:
7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad is a predominant player in the convenience store sector, operating an extensive network of stores across Malaysia. The company emphasizes ethical business practices, sustainable operations, and active contribution to corporate zakat. Their commitment to community welfare is reflected in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which focus on education, health, and environmental sustainability.
Aeon Co. (M) Bhd is a leading retail company with a significant presence in Malaysia. The company focuses on sustainable retailing, ethical sourcing, and contributing to corporate zakat. Aeon’s strategic initiatives include reducing carbon footprint, promoting fair trade products, and engaging in community development programs, thereby aligning with the PBMZI's objectives of ethical and socially responsible investment.
Affin Bank Berhad is one of Malaysia’s foremost financial institutions, offering a comprehensive range of banking services. The bank integrates Islamic banking principles with conventional financial practices, ensuring compliance with Shariah law. Affin Bank actively participates in corporate zakat, supporting various charitable causes and community projects, thereby reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and ethical finance.
Ajinomoto (M) Bhd specializes in the production of food and biotechnology products. The company is dedicated to ethical business practices, sustainable production processes, and corporate zakat contributions. Ajinomoto’s initiatives include waste reduction, energy conservation, and supporting local communities through educational and health-related programs, aligning with PBMZI’s focus on ESG and SRI elements.
The PBMZI’s diverse sectoral composition ensures balanced representation of Malaysia’s economy. Each sector contributes uniquely to the index’s overall performance and ethical standards:
Financial institutions within the PBMZI adhere to Islamic banking principles, offering products and services that comply with Shariah law. These companies play a crucial role in promoting ethical finance, ensuring transparency, and fostering economic equity through their zakat contributions.
Utility companies included in the PBMZI provide essential services such as electricity and water. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical operations ensures the provision of reliable services while adhering to Shariah principles and contributing to societal welfare through zakat.
Telecommunication firms within the PBMZI offer critical communication infrastructure and services. Their focus on ethical business practices, customer satisfaction, and corporate zakat contributions strengthens the sector’s role in societal development and technological advancement.
Real estate companies in the PBMZI are dedicated to sustainable and socially responsible development projects. They ensure that their operations comply with Shariah principles, promote affordable housing, and engage in community development through zakat contributions.
Plantation companies involved in agriculture within the PBMZI emphasize ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability. Their contributions to corporate zakat support community welfare initiatives and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Technology firms in the PBMZI drive innovation while maintaining a commitment to ethical investments. They focus on developing sustainable technologies, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to corporate zakat, thereby aligning with the index’s objectives.
Healthcare organizations within the PBMZI provide essential medical services and products. Their dedication to corporate zakat ensures support for community health initiatives, research, and development, fostering overall societal well-being.
Transportation companies in the PBMZI ensure the ethical and efficient movement of goods and people. Their contributions to corporate zakat support infrastructure development, community projects, and sustainability initiatives within the sector.
Consumer product firms within the PBMZI produce goods that meet ethical standards and consumer needs. Their focus on sustainability, fair trade, and corporate zakat contributions enhances their role in promoting responsible consumption and societal welfare.
Energy companies in the PBMZI manage resources responsibly, ensuring sustainable energy production and distribution. Their commitment to corporate zakat supports environmental conservation, renewable energy projects, and community development initiatives.
The performance of the PBMZI is a reflection of its constituents' collective success and adherence to the index's ethical and financial criteria. By focusing on profit generation, Shariah compliance, and corporate zakat contributions, the PBMZI not only provides a robust benchmark for ethical investing but also promotes sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
Since its launch, the PBMZI has shown consistent performance, outperforming traditional indices by incorporating ESG and SRI elements. This robust performance underscores the value of integrating ethical principles into investment strategies, attracting a growing number of investors interested in socially responsible investments.
The future outlook for the PBMZI is optimistic, with expectations of expanding its constituent base through increasing the number of companies that adhere to Shariah principles and corporate zakat practices. As more companies demonstrate their commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices, the PBMZI is poised to become a leading benchmark for Islamic and ethical investments globally.
Investors interested in aligning their portfolios with Islamic financial principles and socially responsible investment strategies can invest in the PBMZI through various financial instruments:
The PRIBUMI Bursa Malaysia Zakat Index (PBMZI) stands as a groundbreaking initiative that bridges Islamic financial principles with modern investment strategies. With its carefully selected 27 Shariah-compliant constituents, the index not only provides a robust benchmark for ethical investing but also promotes corporate zakat practices, fostering social responsibility and economic equity in Malaysia’s corporate landscape. As the PBMZI continues to evolve and expand, it is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ethical and socially responsible investments both within Malaysia and on the global stage.