Kuching, 14 January 2009 - Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad (KFHMB) unveiled its first and newest branch in Sarawak. Located at Jalan Satok, the branch marks the first in East Malaysia and seventh in KFHMB's branch network nationwide.

In commemorating the Soft Opening of the new branch, Dato' K. Salman Younis, Managing Director of KFHMB ed, "We have chosen the State of Sarawak and the city of Kuching as our foray into East Malaysia, largely due to its robust economic foundation, business friendly state policies and regulations, bountiful natural resources, modern infrastructure, skillful workforce and high quality of life, all of which present a healthy environment for business growth."

Dato' Salman further highlighted the role that KFHMB plays as a leading Islamic bank amidst the current global financial crunch. He commented "2008 has indeed been a very trying year for all. However, these challenges not only give way, but also necessitate for us as a leading Islamic bank to advance the merits of shariah-compliant products and services, and inculcate awareness on Islamic banking and finance."

He also thanked the authorities of the State of Sarawak, as well as Bank Negara Malaysia, for their continued support towards Kuwait Finance House, and for the assistance in realising the new branch. KFHMB offers a full range of Islamic banking products and services including deposits and investment accounts, as well as home and personal financing.& The branch also houses a dedicated Priority Banking centre to tap the mass affluent market and high net-worth individuals who seek steady rate of returns on their investments. &

Mr. Shaheen Al Ghanem, Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad, further added "We are pleased to announce that our operations - the first in Kuching and East Malaysia have been launched. Our growing network presence is testament of the Bank and its parent company's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and more so to Malaysia as the country aspires to become an international Islamic financial hub and KFH, a leading regional Islamic bank."

-Ends- About Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad (KFHMB) began operations on 8 August 2005 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House K.S.C. (KFH).& A full-fledged Islamic bank, KFHMB has a paid-up capital of US$500 million and US$100 million in Tier II capital.& The Rating Agency of Malaysia has reaffirmed the respective long and short-term general ratings of 'AA2' and 'P1' to KFHMB.& KFHMB is the Asia- Pacific headquarters of Kuwait Finance House and is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For media enquiries, please contact: Raja Zamilia Raja Dato' Seri Mansur&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Director, Communications & PR&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad&&&& DL: +603 2055 7898&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Mobile: +6019- 286 2944&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Fax: +603 2055 7815&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& E-mail: raja.zamilia@kfh.com.my

© Press Release 2009 & omar 1.1:zy