Malayan Banking Berhad (“Maybank”) wishes to announce that Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) has, vide its letter dated 31 May 2011, stated that it has no objection in principle to Maybank commencing preliminary negotiations with RHB Capital Berhad (“RHB Capital”) and its major shareholders for a possible merger of the businesses of the two banking groups. The approval from BNM to commence negotiations is valid for 3 months from 31 May 2011.

Further announcements will be made at the appropriate time.

This announcement is dated 31 May 2011.