Apr 24, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Ballarpur Industries (Bilt) reported 76% drop in consolidated net profit for the 3Q ended March 2009 due to losses arising out of Malaysian operations besides the pulp unit at Kamalapuram, as Economic Times informed Lesprom Network. Consolidated net profit declined to Rs 17.89 crore ($3.6 million) for the quarter as against Rs 74.51 crore ($15 million) in the same quarter last year. Revenues of the country’s largest paper maker, remained flat at Rs 682.28 crore ($137 million) compared to Rs 687.34 crore ($138 million) the previous year. Bilt attributed the drop in earnings to, sluggish demand for paper in Malaysia besides maintenance shutdown and stock liquidation at its Malaysian arm Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) which reported net loss of Rs 41.29 crore ($8.3 million) for the quarter. "This is a one time non-recurring loss. SFI has since commenced regular operations from March 23, 2009," said a company statement. The firm’s earnings also suffered due to no offtake for its rayon grade pulp as the Kamalapuram unit in Andhra Pradesh remained shut during the quarter which led to net loss of Rs 10.73 crore ($2 million) for the quarter. This unit is expected to resume operations in early May 2009.