QSR sees positive response to its KFC business in Cambodia

JOHOR BAHARU: QSR Brands Bhd chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim yesterday expressed confidence over the success of the group’s latest overseas venture - two Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in Phnom Penh, the wealthiest and most populous city in Cambodia.

Work on the new “finger lickin’ good chicken” outlets is in the final stages to meet the year-end opening target, he told newsmen at the launch of Chicky Carnival and Catur Bistari Board Game here.

He expects good response from Cambodians as the outlets will be the first ever fast food chain to enter the country.

Through its 45.9 percent equity stake in associate company KFC Holdings (Malaysia) Bhd, QSR operates over 470 KFC restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

“Despite being a new market, we strongly believe in the prospect of this business,” he added.

Muhammad Ali said QSR will open two more outlets in Cambodia, in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, some time next year.

On the carnival launched yesterday, Muhammad Ali said it is expected to attract participation by more than 20,000 children. The two-day carnival is at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre.

“The carnival is KFC’s first outside Kuala Lumpur. We plan to organise similar carnivals in differnt cities each year,” he added.

Muhammad Ali Hashim, is also chief executive of Johor Corporation Bhd, said the Catur Bistari Board Games is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme of both Johor Corp and KFC.

“This is a game based on business practices and we hope to nurture an entrepreneurship culture and interest among students who would chose this as a career in future,” he added.

– BERNAMA