From Asiaasset.com: HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad posted profit before tax of RM248 million (US$70.5 million) in the first quarter of 2009, a fall of 28.7% on the same period in 2008 as the effects from the global economic downturn became more apparent in the region.

Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2009, decreased by 5.7%, or RM16 million, to RM265 million (three months ended March 31, 2008: RM281 million), even though customer loans and advances grew by RM1.8 billion, or 6.7%, from March 31, 2008, to March 31, 2009…….Full Article: Source