Kota Bharu, 16 September 2008 - Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB) in line with its continuous efforts and commitment to meet the ever-increasing needs of its valued customers, today officially opened its Kota Bharu branch, its third branch and the first outside the Klang Valley.

The HLISB Kota Bharu branch complements the two other existing branches in Shah Alam and Jalan Perak in Kuala Lumpur. "The opening of the third branch is designed to meet the needs of a growing customer base," said En Khalid Bhaimia, Managing Director of HLISB.

The launch of the new branch in Kota Bharu is a concrete step towards further strengthening HLISB's relationship with the local community. Based on feedback from customers, both within the immediate vicinity of the branch as well as from the surrounding areas, there is a need for a full fledged Islamic Bank in the locality. As proof that the Bank has the customer at the heart of what it does, HLISB decided it was time to set up a bank branch in the area. "We strive to understand and meet the needs of our customers. By setting up this branch here, we are responding to customer feedback," stressed En Khalid.

The newly refurbished interior of the Bank gives off a friendly ambience immediately putting customers at ease while performing their transactions at the branch. A special area dedicated to E-banking was also designed with the customer's convenience in mind. Customers can also opt to transact using self-service terminals - the ATM, cash deposit and cheque deposit machines.

The branch is also able to offer customers a wide range of innovative solutions covering areas like structured finance, capital market, personal financial services and wealth management based on the tenets and principles of Shariah. In conjunction with the branch opening, attractive campaigns on deposits and financing were also introduced for the benefit of existing and new customers.

"We fully subscribe to the objectives of the Malaysian government to promote Malaysia as a center for Islamic finance. Slowly but surely, HLISB is helping to provide the market with the much needed Shariah-compliant products and services," commented En Khalid.

The opening of the third HLISB branch was also attended by the honourable Menteri Besar of Kelantan, YAB Tuan Guru Dato' Haji Nik Abdul Aziz B Haji Nik Mat who took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

After the opening ceremony, guests broke fast together at the branch premises. In celebration of the opening of the new branch, HLISB sponsored the breaking of fast at the Muhammadi mosque in Kota Bharu. In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan, HLISB took the opportunity to donate RM10,000.00 to two charitable organizations namely Rumah Seri Kenangan and Sekolah Menengah Agama (A) Darul Anuar. HLISB also presented the payment of tithe to Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan (MAIK).