SYSTEMS GO FOR RHB BANK

Kuala Lumpur, 25 August 2003-RHB Bank Berhad ("RHB Bank") today announced the complete integration of its technology systems following the successful legal merger of RHB Bank and Bank Utama ("Malaysia") Berhad ("Bank Utama") on May 1, 2003.

Effective 18 August, all RHB Bank customers, including former Bank Utama customers, now have immediate access to the full suite of convenient banking products and services via the Bank's enlarged network of more than 200 branches and 470 ATMs nationwide. Systems Integration marks the "official technology transformation of RHB Bank and the former Bank Utama into one bank", reinforcing RHB Bank's position as the third largest banking group in Malaysia. RHB Bank Group manages assets of more than RM64 billion and has a loan and advance base of more than RM41 billion.

Dato' Ali Hassan, Chairman of RHB Bank said, "The consolidation of our IT platforms is a significant step for RHB Bank to provide enhanced financial products and services to all our customers. During this integration process, customer service has been our number one priority and we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that it was a smooth transition. In fact, all our bank branch employees were trained to handle customer queries and concerns during this period".

"Kudos to our employees who have been integral to the success of the systems merger. Our team of dedicated IT professionals and systems users have been working around the clock these past few months to ensure maximum operational efficiency of the combined systems. I have no doubt this is the onset of many more innovative IT solutions to come".

Arising from this integration, former Bank Utama customers have immediate access to the many additional branches and ATM functions, as well as Cash and Cheque Deposit Machines nationwide. By visiting any RHB Bank branch, they will be able to find out the suite of extended products and services RHB Bank is able to offer them.

The convenience of Internet Banking is now accessible to all customers where a range of online facilities are available from conventional banking transactions to bill payments. As an alternative, customers can conduct banking transactions and enquiries such as personal account and fixed deposit via RHB Bank Phone Banking services. In customising financial solutions, Personal Financial Planning services is also offered to the Bank's enlarged customer base.

Customers requiring further information may contact RHB Bank Customer Care Centre Help desk at Tel No. 03 - 9206 8118 during office hours or speak to the Bank's branch staff or visit the RHB Bank website at http://www.rhbbank.com

Issued by : Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Sdn Bhd
On Behalf of : RHB Bank Berhad
For further information, please contact Chong Ee Rong at Tel: 03-2718 8267 or Usha Veerasamy at Tel: 03-2718 8271 or fax at 03-2710 6966