MCDONALD'S MALAYSIA EXPANDS OPERATIONS IN SABAH WITH NEW OUTLET IN TUARAN

TUARAN, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- McDonald's Malaysia is expanding its presence in Sabah with the opening of its latest outlet, the McDonald's Tuaran Town Drive-Thru.

This new addition brings the total number of McDonald's restaurants in Sabah to 22, employing around 800 staff. This milestone is part of the company’s ambitious plan to establish 36 restaurants in the state by 2030.

 McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner, Datuk Azmir Jaafar emphasised the strategic location of the outlet, which sits on a main road for easy access. It is conveniently positioned next to a petrol station and close to residential areas, hospitals and educational institutions.

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"We hope this fast-food restaurant chain will continue to create 'Delicious Feel-Good Moments' for our customers, establishing itself as the top dining choice for the Tuaran community," he said during the restaurant's opening ceremony here today. 

Azmir added that the new restaurant is not only a win for McDonald’s Malaysia but also opens valuable job opportunities and encourages new business ventures for local residents and companies.

Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, who is also Innoprise Corporation executive chairman officiated the opening of the new restaurant on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

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Looking ahead, Azmir announced that McDonald's Malaysia aims to operate 450 restaurants nationwide by 2030, with a focus on both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, identifying the state as a key hub for the company’s operations in Borneo.

Plans are already underway to open three additional restaurants next year in Jalan Lintas, Putatan, and another yet to be announced, which will create nearly 200 job opportunities for Sabah residents.

"In addition to these jobs, we are committed to developing a skilled workforce. Young people will have opportunities to build their careers with us through the McDonald's Vocational Academy," he added.

"Over 5,000 youths have completed their training at the academy and are now successfully employed by McDonald's Malaysia, including over 500 apprentices from Sabah," he said.

During the event, McDonald's Malaysia presented a RM100,000 business zakat payment for 2024 to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council for distribution to those in need.

Additionally, in partnership with the Ronald McDonald Malaysia Welfare Association, they donated 1,300 back-to-school packs to primary school pupils from low-income families.

Local customers expressed their excitement about the new branch in Tuaran for its convenience.

Klimintina Roman, 57, said all seven of her grandchildren love McDonald's products, and previously, they had to travel to Kota Kinabalu to enjoy them.

Shazihah Asrin, 28, highlighted that the new branch not only provides easy access to affordable food options but also creates job opportunities for young people, boosting the local economy.

-- BERNAMA