KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has appointed nine strategic suppliers from its Bumiputera Vendor Development Programme launched in 1994.

Chief procurement officer, Syed Abu Hanifah Syed Alwi, said the period of appointment of the companies was for two years or equivalent to a procurement cycle.

"After today's appointments, we will continue to evaluate the performance of the nine companies. If they perform at the expected level then the period of appointment would be extended again.

"In terms of time limit, if they continue to meet TNB's requirements then I can say that the appointments would not have a set period of time," he said after the appointment ceremony here today.

Abu Hanifah said the selection of vendors as a strategic suppliers was based on the company's merit, performance and qualifications.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed officiated the ceremony.