SHAH ALAM: Maybank Islamic Bhd is optimistic that Malaysia's financial sector will hold strong in the current turmoil and weather through the storm.
"The good thing is (that) our financial sector is strong and well capitalised. I am positive that will allow us to go through this slight challenges and the noises from China's
slowdown as well as the low commodity prices," said its chief executive officer Datuk Muzaffar Hisham.
Muzaffar is also confident that foreign investors will continue to invest in Malaysia's financial sector for the long run.
"The fact is, our financial sector is still fundamentally strong. So I think long term wise, I am confident that
investment will sustain," he said.
Muzaffar was speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony between Maybank Islamic and the Selangor State Government here yesterday, for a new home financing package.
On Thursday, Maybank Islamic recorded a revenue of RM1.9 billion for the first half ended June 30, 2015, a year on year increase of 17.4 per cent from RM1.6 billion.
Muzaffar said the group is expecting a lower loan growth for the second half of this year and will continue to monitor closely to maintain sustainability for the next few quarters.
He said Maybank Islamic has what it takes to remain as one of the top players in the Islamic banking space in Malaysia.
For the first half of this year, it's market share for Islamic financing increased to 33.4 per cent as versus 31.3 per cent a year ago.
"The key to staying number one is to create value for our customers. I am confident with the product and services that we have right now and we will continue to focus on creating value," Muzaffar said.
For the new home financing package, Maybank Islamic is allocating RM20 million for its Selangor home financing package.
Muzaffar said the scheme is meant to serve 674 houses in Selangor.
The package is eligible for customers identified by Selangor State for a few projects, including PKNS Selayang Mutiara, Rumah Kos Renday (RKR) Sungai Sering, RKR Berembang, RKR Lembah Subang II and RKR Rimba Jaya.