Malaysia's top mobile operator Maxis Communications said its 2005 net profit grew 4.38 percent to RM1.67 billion (RM450 million) due to an increased subscriber base.

Maxis said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization rose 10 percent to RM3.54 billion, a result of higher revenue, coupled with cost efficiencies and scale.

It said its Malaysian operation achieved strong net subscriber growth of 31 percent or 1.84 million, bringing the total subscriber base to 7.86 million.

"Fueled by strong subscriber growth, revenue increased by 12 percent to close the year at RM6.37 billion," it added.

Going forward, it said that the operating landscape in Malaysia was expected to continue to provide growth for the mobile industry albeit in a competitive environment.

Service quality

"The group will continue to focus on quality of service to improve its market position, as well as on cost control to protect its operating margins in Malaysia, to achieve earnings growth," it said.

"It is expected that the group will commence operation in Indonesia late 2006. The group's proposed investment in India is presently pending approvals from shareholders and relevant authorities."

Maxis, controlled by tycoon Ananda Krishnan, is Malaysia's premier telecommunications company providing voice and data services. He also has publicly traded interests in the country's pay-tv operator Astro.