KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 30): Nexgram Holdings Bhd's independent director Datuk Seri Rusli Ahmad has been redesignated as non-executive chairman of the group, effective immediately.

Rusli replaces Datuk Lim Siang Chai, 64, who had resigned on Dec 27, citing personal commitment as a reason.

In a bourse filing today, the ACE Market-listed information, communication and technology and logistics services provider said Rusli, 62, joined the group's board of directors on March 5 this year.

A separate filing showed Nexgram returned to the black in its first financial quarter ended Oct 31, 2019 (1QFY20), posting a net profit of RM67,000 compared with a net loss of RM963,000 a year ago. Revenue for the quarter grew 3% to RM12 million, from RM11.65 million in 1QFY18.

It attributed the better quarterly performance to an increase in revenue from the logistics division involving the provision of handling, stockpiling, receiving and loading of dry bulk cargo services at Batu Pahat jetty, Johor.

According to Nexgram's Annual Report 2019, Rusli joined the Royal Malaysia Police on Feb 12, 1978 as an inspector, and through his career, he has been assigned to several departments.

"He has experience as an investigation officer, criminal investigation department in Tawau, Sabah; and Investigation Officer, traffic branch in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; and Bukit Aman discipline unit during the service period in the police force from 1978 to 1992."

During his 39 years of police service, he held various positions including deputy director of Crime Prevention and Community Safety (JPJKK), principal assistant director of research and development, in federal police headquarters, Bukit Aman, and officer in charge of the police district, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He also has exposure to courses and seminars related to crime locally, most of the Asean countries, as well as the US, the Netherlands and Australia.

He officially retired from the police in May 2017, his last position being a director with the rank of police commissioner in the JPJKK. He has previously served as Johor police chief in March 2015.

Nexgram shares closed down 0.5 sen or 33.33% at one sen today, with 1.36 million shares done, bringing a market capitalisation of RM20.71 million.