  We numerically study the statistical distribution of intensity transmitted
through quasi-one dimensional random media by varying the dimensionless
conductance $g$ and the amount of absorption or gain. Markedly non-Rayleigh
distribution is found to be well fitted by the analytical formula of
Nieuwenhuizen {\it et al}, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 74}, 2674 (1995) with a single
parameter $g^\prime$. We show that in the passive random system $g^\prime$ is
uniquely related to $g$, while in amplifying/absorbing random media $g^\prime$
also depends on gain/absorption coefficient.
