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- The RM1bn investment over the next five years will go into opening 100 restaurants and upgrading existing outlets.
- More than 10,000 jobs are expected, backed by local hiring and workforce training.
- The expansion will focus on Sabah, Sarawak and high-growth areas across Malaysia.
McDonald’s Malaysia plans to invest RM1bn over the next five years as it looks to expand its restaurant footprint, strengthen its digital capabilities and build a future-ready workforce.
According to Bernama, Datuk Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner, said that the investment will fund the opening of 100 new restaurants, the refurbishment of more than 150 existing outlets, and a series of technology and digitalisation initiatives. He was speaking at a press conference following the reopening of McDonald’s Titiwangsa drive-thru in Kuala Lumpur.
As further reported by Bernama, of the total investment, RM600mn will be channelled towards new restaurant openings. A further RM200mn will be used to refurbish and modernise existing restaurants, while another RM200mn will support technology and digitalisation efforts.
The Titiwangsa drive-thru outlet, the first drive-thru restaurant in Malaysia, has reopened with a new identity as the country’s first Luna concept restaurant which is said to be the second in Asia.
As part of its expansion strategy, McDonald’s Malaysia said will continue to grow its presence across Peninsular Malaysia, while placing stronger emphasis on Sabah and Sarawak, Bernama reported.
Per the report, Azmir said there remains significant growth potential in Sabah and Sarawak, where many towns have yet to be served by the brand. At the same time, the company plans to continue expanding in high-demand and tourism-driven areas, including the Klang Valley.
Beyond company-owned outlets, McDonald’s Malaysia is also looking to expand its franchise network. The company currently has 25 franchised restaurants operated by 11 franchisees nationwide, with plans to grow this to between 70 and 100 restaurants over the next five to 10 years.
According to Azmir, cited in the report, franchising requires an investment of about RM5mn to RM7mn per restaurant, with typical payback periods of three to five years, pointing to a relatively healthy return.
The expansion is expected to create more than 10,000 new jobs for Malaysians, in line with the company’s 100% local hiring policy.
As quoted by Bernama, Azmir that each new restaurant generates employment not only within McDonald’s outlets, but also across supporting sectors such as logistics, renovation, equipment supply, cleaning and security services.
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