KUWAIT FINANCE HOUSE UNVEILS BRANCH IN M'SIAN STATE

DUBAI, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad (KFHMB) has unveiled its first branch in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

The branch is KFHMB's first in East Malaysia and seventh in its branch
network nationwide.

"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 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," said KFHMB managing director
K. Salman Younis in remarks made available here.

On the current global financial crunch, Younis said 2008 had been a very
trying year for everyone.

"However, these challenges necessitate us as a leading Islamic bank to
advance the merits of Syariah-compliant products and services, and inculcate
awareness on Islamic banking and finance," he said.

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.

KFHMB began operations on Aug 8, 2005, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kuwait Finance House KSC.

A full-fledged Islamic bank, KFHMB has a paid-up capital of US$500 million
and US$100 million in Tier II capital.