McDonald’s Malaysia to launch 100 new restaurants with $254M investment

By Dat Nguyen February 8, 2026 | 09:17 pm PT

McDonald’s Malaysia plans to invest RM1 billion ($254 million) over the next five years to roll out 100 new restaurants, upgrade existing outlets and boost its digital capabilities.

Managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar said the planned investment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to developing a Malaysian workforce while expanding its restaurant footprint nationwide, according to state-owned news outlet Bernama.

A lady wearing a face mask walks past theMcDonald'srestaurant. Photo by SOPA Images via Reuters

60% of the funding will be allocated for new restaurant openings, while 20% will be for refurbishing and modernising more than 150 existing McDonald’s Malaysia restaurants, and the remaining 20% for technology and digitalization initiatives, he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after the reopening of the McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru at Jalan Pahang, the country’s first McDonald’s drive-thru outlet.

Azmir said the company will continue expanding in Sabah and Sarawak as well as throughout Peninsular Malaysia, with a focus on high-demand and tourism-oriented locations.

"We see significant growth potential in Sabah and Sarawak, as there are still many towns without McDonald’s restaurants. At the same time, we will continue to grow in the Klang Valley and other high-growth locations in Peninsular Malaysia," he said.

In addition, McDonald’s Malaysia aims to grow its franchise network from the current 25 outlets run by 11 franchisees nationwide, with a target of establishing between 70 and 100 restaurants over the next five to 10 years.

"Franchising requires a significant investment of about MYR5 million to MYR7 million per restaurant, with payback periods typically between three to five years, indicating a relatively healthy return," he said.

The expansion drive is projected to generate more than 10,000 new jobs for Malaysians, consistent with the company’s policy of hiring only local workers.

The quick-service restaurant chain currently operates more than 370 outlets nationwide and achieved 26% year-on-year growth in 2025 despite a difficult business climate.

Azmir said maintaining operational efficiency remains crucial to keeping menu prices competitive.

"In 2025, our menu price increase was about half of Malaysia’s inflation rate, supported by continuous improvements in supply chain efficiency and restaurant operations," he said.

He added that after 43 years in Malaysia, McDonald’s Malaysia remains dedicated to nation-building through job creation, skills training, support for local suppliers and community involvement.