TITLE : KLSE ANNUAL COMPANIES HANDBOOK VOL 24 PART 1 2000

The Exchange strongly advocates informed investing by investors whereby the investment decisions of investors are based on information that is widely available. To this end, the Exchange plays a continuing role in ensuring that investors have ready access to accurate and timely investment information. Investment information is made widely available through various media including by electronic means, in print or on-line.

The KLSE Annual Companies Handbook is. an extension of this commitment, providing an extensive compilation of financial and related information on the companies listed on the Exchange.

This edition marks the first book of Volume 24 of the Handbook. As part of the ongoing effort to enhance the presentation and content of the handbook to ensure that it provides fast and easy access to the information published, new features and improvements have been introduced. Users will find the information presented in a more concise format where required information will be more readily gleaned. More value-added information on each company has been included such as a separate section on products/services within the company's profile. This edition will also see the publishing of five-year graphs on the price and volurne traded for each company's shares.

Catering to all segments of the investing community, the bi-lingual format introduced last year is maintained. A notable difference in this edition is the increase in the number of companies included in this book. Profiles of 416 companies will be foumd in this book, the highest to date.

As always, we are gratified for the continued support we receive from the listed companies and advertisers. Our appreciation also goes to the staff of the Research and Publication Department and the Public Information Centre for their efforts in producing this publication.

Finally, we invite your feedback and comments on the form and contents the Handbook. Please feel free to submit these to Ms Qua Gek Kim of the Research and Publication Department.

DATO' MOHD AZLAN HASHIM Executive Chairman Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange