Heineken Malaysia remains adaptive amidst challenging business environment

Heineken Malaysia Bhd managing director Roland Bala

KUALA LUMPUR: Heineken Malaysia Bhd will remain adaptive to a volatile environment and new market realities.

“We take a long term view to build a sustainable business and will continue to focus on delivering our EverGreen strategy to future proof our business,” managing director Roland Bala said in a statement.

The group also is also committed to supporting and working closely with the authorities to address the issue of illicit alcohol holistically.

“Illegal trade and smuggling have caused the Government to incur tax revenue losses and pose health hazards to consumers with unregulated illicit alcohol,” Roland said.

Heineken’s net profit for its first quarter ended Mar 31, fell 3% year-on-year to RM109.9mil, or earnings per share of 36.39 sen from RM113.4mil, or 37.53 sen a year ago.

Revenue, however, rose 6% to RM740.2mil against RM698.3mil a year prior.

Heineken said the higher revenue was driven better sales mix as the group’s premium portfolio grew, led by Heineken, as well as price increase as a result of inflationary pressure on cost.