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The RHB Banking Group strengthens its Islamic banking arm by opening new branch to meet rising demands in Batu Pahat

Batu Pahat, 20 October 2008: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd (“RHB Islamic”) opened its new branch in Batu Pahat, Johor, today as part of its effort to meet an increasing demand for Islamic banking products and services from the Southern Region of Malaysia.

From left: Mhd Safingi Sulaiman (RHB Islamic Bank Batu Pahat Branch Manager), Datuk Hj. Faisal Siraj (Chairman, RHB Islamic Bank), YAB Datuk Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman (Johor Menteri Besar), Mr. Michael J. Barrett, Group MD, RHB Banking Group (partially hidden), Puan Jamelah Jamaluddin (MD RHB Islamic Bank Berhad), Dato' Abdullah Mat Noh (Director, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad) at the official opening of RHB Islamic Bank, Batu Pahat branch.

The branch, located in Taman Flora Utama, was officially declared open by the Menteri Besar of Johor, Y.A.B. Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani Othman.

Prior to this official launch, an Islamic Banking Fiesta was organized on 18 October 2008. Attended by numerous customers and members of the public from the surrounding areas, visitors were able to learn more about the Shariah based products and services offered by the bank, while feasting their eyes on a showcase of the latest automobiles by prominent car dealers as well as housing projects by reputable local developers. In addition, several family-oriented activities were held such as an quizzes, simulation and colouring contests for children to foster greater family relations.

The Chairman of RHB Islamic, Datuk Haji Faisal Siraj, said the opening ceremony today marked yet another initiative by the bank to bring Islamic banking products and services closer to the RHB Banking Group’s existing and potential customers.

“The RHB Banking Group began offering Islamic banking products in 1993, and over the years we have seen a marked increase not only in the awareness of but also demand for these products from individuals and businesses in Malaysia, especially in the Southern Region,” Datuk Haji Faisal said.

When RHB Islamic began operations as a full-fledged Islamic bank in March 2005, it opened its first branch at the RHB Centre on Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. It was later relocated to a bigger premises in Menara UOA, Jalan Pinang. Subsequently, all marketing centres which were opened earlier have been upgraded to full-fledged Islamic Banking branches as part of the Bank’s initiative to cater to the increasing needs of its customers.

However, Datuk Faisal said, the demand for Islamic banking products and services in the Southern region grew rapidly and it was felt that an outlet was needed for a start to provide a more comprehensive range of these products and services to meet this demand. “That was when we decided to set up this branch which will serve quality products and services to customers in the vicinity of Batu Pahat.” he said.

The centre will offer the entire range of RHB Islamic’s products and services to meet the needs of retail, corporate and commercial customers, as well as the automobile financing sector and state government-linked companies. Basic counter services will be available for individual customers to open new savings, current and investment accounts.

“We hope to position this branch as a one-stop centre where individuals and companies can step in to find the right solutions to all their financial needs,” Datuk Faisal said.

Speaking at the opening of the branch, Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani Othman welcomed the decision by RHB Islamic to open a branch in Johor to take advantage of the Southern Region’s robust economic activities. “This is certainly very timely and I believe RHB Islamic will consider opening more branches in Johor, especially in Johor Bharu where they can take advantage of the introduction of the Iskandariah Development Region. They can play a significant role in helping businesses grow,” he said.

The Taman Flora Utama branch will be managed by Mohd Safingi bin Sulaiman, where he will be assisted by a team of officers. Opening hours are from 9.15am to 4.15pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 9.15am to 4.15pm on Fridays. It will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

RHB Islamic is part of the RHB Banking Group, one of the largest financial services groups in Malaysia. It has been recognised internationally as one of the more innovative Islamic banking institutions that offers products and services that best meet customers’ needs.

Issued on behalf of RHB Bank Berhad by Group Corporate Communications Division, RHB Capital Berhad. For more information, please call Eza Dzul Karnain at 012-3420060 or Sandra Foo at 012-3188412.