Malaysia's stock exchange Bursa Malaysia yesterday posted 132 percent net profit rise for 2005 to RM81.34 million (US$22 million) due to lower operating expenses.

"We have done well in our first year as a listed company, despite difficult market conditions," said Bursa Malaysia chief executive Yusli Mohamed Yusoff.

"Apart from beating our initial public offering (IPO) profit forecast by 35 percent, we also delivered commendable returns to our shareholders."

Yusli said that judging by the past year, strong signals would be sent out on the inherent potential of the Malaysian market.

"More importantly, our share performance also indicates positive support from foreign institutional investors who are often seen by our domestic ones as the barometer for our markets attractiveness," said Yusli.