Revenue for the quarter rose 54% to RM1.32 billion on-year from RM852.9 million a year earlier, mainly due to contribution from KFC Holdings (Malaysia) Bhd (KFCH), which is held through 59.6% subsidiary QSR Brands Bhd. KFCH contributed RM526.64 million or 40% to group revenue, it said in a statement today.

Kulim's plantation division posted lower profit before tax (PBT) of RM115.2 million from RM174.9 million in line with the lower palm products prices during the quarter compared with a year earlier when crude palm oil prices rose to a record high of RM4,486 a tonne in March last year. Its oleo-chemicals division also suffered, posting a loss of RM26.91 million against a pre-tax profit of RM15.72 million a year earlier.

"There were contracts cancellation effects on costs of feed stocks incurred at higher costs in 2008 and carried to the quarter. The corresponding sales were concluded in declining price scenario," it said.

Overall, all its business segments posted lower PBT compared with its performance in 2008. KFCH was the only segment posting a growth of 1.4% in pre-tax profit. Kulim closed 5 sen lower  to RM6.25.