KFC temporarily closes select branches - QSR Brandstton
KUALA LUMPUR: QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd and KFC Malaysia have temporarily closed selected branches following the current challenging economic environment.
In one statement, QSR Brands, said the closure was part of its efforts to manage increased business costs and focus on better regional business operations.
"Staff from affected branches were offered the opportunity to move to branches still operating as part of a tactical strategy to optimize resources in business zones that receive higher clientele," it said.
That fact however does not reveal any figures other than QSR Brand's contribution to the economy through job guarantees for 18,000 military personnel in Malaysia, of which approximately 85 percent are Muslim.
"QSR Brands continues to be among the largest tax payers in Malaysia and is proud to be able to give back to the community through KFC Add Hope and the Zakat Wakalah Fund.
"We strongly believe that people will recognize our Malaysian background, our sincerity and our hard work in contributing to the Malaysian ecosystem," said QSR Brands.
A report by the Chinese language daily Nanyang Siang Pau claimed that 108 KFC branches had been temporarily closed, based on Google Maps data.
The report also stated that the branches in Kelantan were most affected so that 21 branches were temporarily closed, while Johor had 15 branches.
Additionally, the Singapore Straits Times also cited an unnamed source from QSR Brands who attributed the closure to a perceived public boycott and it could be seen as an opportunity to wind down several KFC branch operations.
There are more than 600 KFC restaurants in Malaysia, operated by QSR Brands which is now owned by Johor Corporation, a company owned by the Johor state government.
