KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Maxis Communications Berhad ("Maxis") and its subsidiaries ("Group") posted RM960 million in net profit[1] for the first half of 2006, up 16% from RM831 million a year earlier.

The growth was driven by the Malaysian performance marked by a 9% increase in revenue on the back of a 28% gain in new customers to 8.5 million, as well as contribution from Indian subsidiary, Aircel Limited ("Aircel") which was acquired only in January this year.

The Group's revenue increased 16% to RM3,616 million from RM3,108 million a year ago. Maxis Malaysia posted RM3,381 million while Aircel contributed RM234 million.

The Group's customer base was up 75% to 11.7 million comprising Maxis Malaysia's 8.5 million and Aircel's 3.2 million.

EBITDA increased 6% to RM1,839 million but EBITDA margin dropped 5.1% points to 50.9% in the period under review due to PT Natrindo Telepon Seluler of Indonesia's ("NTS") start-up expenditures, reduction in termination fees, as well as higher sales and marketing cost.

The Group's Profit before Taxation ("PBT") grew 6% to RM1,326 million from RM1,253 million with Aircel contributing RM61 million and EBITDA of RM82 million. The Group's PBT was partially offset by RM103 million pre-tax start-up expenditures from NTS.

In line with the Group's commitment to pursue a consistent dividend policy, Maxis' Board of Directors has declared a second interim gross dividend of 10.42 sen per share (7.50 sen net per share) to be paid on 29 September 2006.

Maxis Communications Bhd.