For some investors, filing statements sent by their stockbroking firms, Bursa Malaysia Depository, unit trust management companies or even the companies they have invested in, is a boring chore they can do without. Some just take the fast and easy way – throw the statements away as soon as they arrive. But these “useless” statements are in fact very important documents. Here are some reasons why such statements should be reviewed and filed:

• The company you invest in may change its name. Usually this happens when the a undergoes a take-over or merger exercise. The company will usually send a notice informing you of the matter. If you throw away the notice without reading its contents, you may be in for a big surprise, especially when you decide to sell the shares. The company may be “missing” from the stock exchange as it is now trading under a different name

• The company you invest in may be removed from the exchange or delisted. Delisting does not spell the end for the shareholders of the company. They are still shareholders but they can no longer sell their shares via the stock exchange. As shareholders, their rights remain regardless of the listing status of the company. Thus, it is important for you to keep all documentation received from the delisted company to keep abreast of the latest developments

• Your remisier may misuse your account. If such things happen, the filed statements will enable you to keep track of your account and most importantly, act as supporting documents when you lodge a complaint against the remisier to the authorities