Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd has reported a net profit of MR27.67m (US$7.28m) for the first quarter of the year, 14.5% down against the corresponding period last year. The drop in profits was attributed to fierce price competition and increased marketing costs. However, sales revenues improved by 7.5% to MR274.7m. Carlsberg said that uncertainty and challenging economy continues to adversely affect the consumption of beer and stout due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

23 May, 2003