KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 - Esso Malaysia Berhad today announced the Company's first quarter results for the year ended March 31, 2009 as follows:

The Company recorded an after tax profit of RM51 million in the first quarter, about the same level as the corresponding period in 2008. However, this represents an improvement compared to the loss of RM327 million incurred in fourth quarter last year. The improved results were primarily due to inventory holding gains versus losses recorded in the fourth quarter 2008.

Revenues for the quarter were RM1.5 billion, RM1.4 billion lower compared to the RM2.9 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to lower product prices.

2009 will be a challenging year for the industry in view of uncertain global economy and crude price environment. In this environment our strategy remains focused on product and service quality, flawless operations and cost control, while sustaining our competitive position.