TESCO MALAYSIA SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR IN MALAYSIA

SEREMBAN (Malaysia), Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has
not only emerged a signifcant investor in Malaysia but has been crucial in
developing small-and-medium (SME) suppliers.

The hypermarket chain has invested more than RM4 billion (US$1=RM3.14) in
Malaysia and created about 13,000 jobs since its inception in 2001.

More than 80 per cent of Tesco's house brands are supplied by 774 suppliers,
said Chief Executive Officer Tjeerd Jegen.

He said SME suppliers benefit from guidance and training provided by Tesco
Malaysia.

"We launched an ongoing partnership with them two years ago to help
them showcase their products at special gondolas in 10 of our stores.

"This has improved sales for them by between 15 per cent and 30 per cent,"
he said at the opening of Tesco Extra by Chief Minister Mohamad Hasan
here Monday.

Tesco Extra Seremban 2 is one of the largest Tesco hypermarket in the
country and the 36th in the country. It replaces the old Tesco Extra Seremban
and boost of more than 90 shops, restaurants and about 60,000 lines of products.

He said these were remarkable achievements which are testament to the
commitment shown by Tesco's local team to support and develop the SME supply
base.

Meanwhile, in commanding Tesco for developing the SME segment, Mohamad also
called on the hypermarket operator to open more outlets for the shopping
convenience of the people.

"I understand Tesco Malaysia will open a hypermarket in Nilai and
Senawang soon.

"Tesco Malaysia has also received approval from the state government to open
a hypermarket in Lukut, Port Dickson.

"Here, I will like to suggest that Tesco Malaysia consider opening a
hypermarket in Bahau so that even Felda settlers can have the opportunity to
shop at a large hypermarket. So, I hope Tesco Malaysia will consider
my request," Mohamad said.

-- BERNAMA