Since McDonald’s Malaysia made its debut in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur in 1982, the quick-service restaurant has been journeying through constant innovations, involving McDonald's employees, franchisees and suppliers, from how the business was run over- the-counter in the beginning, to the implementation of smartphone applications and self-ordering kiosks.

Staying relevant and consistent

Staying relevant and consistent regardless of where it operates in, is what drives McDonald’s popularity around the world. Today, the quick-service restaurant with the “i’m lovin’ it” slogan has become a global phenomenon that touches the lives of many wherever it is present, from satisfying different customers on different occasions to local employment and economic development.

McDonald’s Malaysia Batu Kawan Drive-Thru restaurant

The official grand opening of McDonald’s Malaysia Drive-Thru restaurant in Batu Kawan, Penang, graced by Tuan Yang Terutama, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, is such a testament to its commitment towards bringing a positive socio-economic impact to the local community and the booming township.

“We are excited to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the latest McDonald’s outlet in Batu Kawan. We see Batu Kawan as a prime location in Penang, which allows us to extend our hospitality and provide more delicious and feel-good moments to Penangites. Since its opening in October last year, we have been receiving positive response from customers in this area, reaching an average of RM1 million sales per month,” said Dato’ Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia.

Giving back to the community

Beyond the convenient and affordable menu, the quick-service restaurant known for its Happy Meals for children and families, is always about providing the warmth of everyday life, giving back and reaching out to the communities which it serves and operates in.

“Giving back to the communities we operate in has always been part of McDonald’s DNA. With the recent opening of McDonald’s Batu Kawan Drive-Thru restaurant and three more outlets in the pipeline, namely the ones in Nibong Tebal, Relau and Air Itam (all in Penang), we hope to contribute to the local economy by providing up to 300 jobs to the people of Penang,” he remarked, assuring that McDonald’s remains committed to hiring 100 per cent Malaysians to join its workforce.

Targeting 500 McDonald’s restaurants by 2026

McDonald’s Malaysia’s Batu Kawan Drive-Thru restaurant is strategically located next to IKEA Batu Kawan, a key landmark in the smart eco-city, which combines residential, commercial and industrial components in its masterplan, and is earmarked for a future economic hub in the northern region.  

The stand-alone Batu Kawan restaurant occupies 35,000 square feet of land with ample parking and seating for added convenience. Currently, there are 27 McDonald’s restaurants operating in Penang.

“The opening of McDonald’s Malaysia Batu Kawan Drive-Thru restaurant is part of the company’s expansion plan across the country. With over 330 restaurants operating nationwide, McDonald’s Malaysia targets to open up to 500 restaurants nationwide by 2026,” said Dato’ Azmir, allocating an investment outlay of RM1.35 billion over the next five years.

The Back-to-School head start

In conjunction with the grand opening of the Batu Kawan Drive-Thru restaurant, McDonald’s Malaysia and its charity of choice Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia, donated RM72,000 worth of Back-to-School packs to 1,200 underprivileged primary school students in Penang, in an effort to ease the burden of low-income and urban poor families while firing up those students for the upcoming school year.

“This year, a total of RM1.5 million was collected to provide 25,000 Back-to-School packs to needy students nationwide, which will be distributed in stages until March 2023, before the new academic session begins,” said Dato’ Azmir.

Corporate business tithe (zakat) to Penang

On the same occasion, McDonald’s Malaysia also presented RM250,000 worth of corporate zakat to Zakat Pulau Pinang, marking the highest amount paid to the Penang state since it started paying zakat in 2017, six years ago.

“To date, McDonald’s Malaysia has contributed corporate zakat payment amounting to RM9.85 million, involving all states across the country,” said Dato’ Azmir.

McDonald’s vocational apprentice programme

A total of 30 students from underprivileged families in Penang will be undergoing an 18-month industry-oriented training programme, under the McDonald’s Vocational Apprentice Programme, which combines 70 percent of practicum at McDonald’s restaurants and 30 percent of theory in the classroom. The programme is a collaboration between McDonald’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (MoHR), under the National Dual Training System (NDTS).

“We take pride in being a caring corporate citizen for all Malaysians, providing the local community with education and employment opportunities, not only in McDonald’s, but also in the hospitality industry,” said Dato’ Azmir.

Learn more about McDonald’s corporate social responsibility initiatives at www.mcdonalds.com.my