Nine Malay billionaires have been listed among the '40 Richest Individuals in Malaysia' by Forbes Asia with collective assets of US$2.603 billion ($3.783 billion), reported Berita Harian.

That, however, is almost 29% lower than the US$3.65 billion gained last year and it only represented 7% of the entire US$36.41 billion accumulated wealth of all the 40 individuals on the list.

Prominent corporate figures Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary and Ambank group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim maintained their positions as the top two richest Malay men.

Syed Mokhtar's assets are worth US$1.1 billion while Azman's assets totalled US$470 million.

Three additional Malay magnates entering the list this year are Puncak Niaga Holding Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Rozali Ismail at the 31st position with US$130 million, Hard Rock Cafe Malaysia Enterprise chairman Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir placed 37th with US$100 million followed by Ranhill Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Hamdan Moha-mad at No. 38 with US$98 million.