KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) — Only 101 companies, or 10.7 per cent, of the 941 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia up to Dec 31, 2011 were bumiputra-owned, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

He said of the 101, only 75 companies recorded profits.

Ahmad said the figure needed to be increased because listing on Bursa Malaysia would not only benefit a company but would also put the bumiputras on par with other races in the country.

“We hope that bumiputras would get to know more about capital market, bourse and all things related to securities because it would be beneficial to them,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the Persatuan Remisier bumiputra Malaysia’s annual general meeting and the launch of “Icon bumiputra PLC 2011” book here today.

Ahmad said bumiputra companies received various opportunities and help from the government, including the Skim Jejak Jaya bumiputra, to get listed on Bursa Malaysia.

He said bumiputra entrepreneurs, however, should not only depend on the government assistance but on their own capabilities.

“To list on Bursa Malaysia, an entrepreneur must also put in his own efforts, for one day he will be the chief executive of the listed firm,” he said.

On the listing of Felda Global Venture Holdings on Bursa Malaysia, Ahmad said, it would benefit the settlers and not otherwise.

“If the initial public offering is successful, it will be the biggest this year.

“Thus we need the support of all. Those who are against the move do not take into consideration the interests of the bumiputras,” he said.