Expansion plans include opening 100 new restaurants and creating more than 10,000 job opportunities nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 FEBRUARY 2026 – McDonald’s Malaysia today announced a RM1 billion investment plan over the next five years, strengthening its commitment to restaurant expansion, job creation, youth employability across the country. The investment reflects the company’s long-term vision to build a strong, future-ready Malaysian workforce while continuing to modernise its nationwide restaurant network.
The announcement coincided with the reopening of McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru at Jalan Pahang, the first McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Malaysia, which reopens with a new identity as the nation’s first Luna concept restaurant and the second in Asia.
McDonald’s Malaysia recorded 26 percent year-on-year growth in 2025, despite operating amid a challenging business environment. This performance was driven by sustained customer demand, value offerings, continuous menu innovation and a strong focus on operational excellence across its restaurant operations nationwide.
With more than 370 restaurants currently in operation, the quick service restaurant plans to open 100 new outlets over the next five years. This expansion is expected to create more than 10,000 new job opportunities for Malaysians, in line with the company’s commitment to local hiring and long-term career growth within the organisation.
McDonald’s Malaysia also supports a predominantly local supply chain, with 75 percent of its products being locally sourced and produced. By supporting local suppliers at scale, the company contributes to strengthening the domestic supply chain and helping to boost the local economy.
“Our growth has been built through discipline, dedication and a clear focus on investing in the areas that matter most, which are our restaurants, our people and our communities,” said Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia. As we expand further, we remain committed to creating stable jobs and real career opportunities for Malaysians nationwide.”
McDonald’s Malaysia currently employs more than 16,000 Malaysians and maintains a 100 percent local hiring policy. Crew members receive structured on-the-job training and development support that enable them to progress into supervisory and management roles.
“We understand that for many young Malaysians, McDonald’s is their first working experience,” Azmir said. “We take this responsibility seriously. A first job can be transformational when supported with training, coaching and opportunities to grow.”
A key component of the RM1 billion investment is the continued expansion of the McDonald’s Vocational Academy, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) through the National Dual Training System (SLDN).
The programme combines hands-on restaurant training with structured classroom learning to prepare youths for long-term careers and internationally relevant skills. Participants earn Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diplomas (DKM).
Since 2018, the programme has trained more than 5,000 youths, with over 80 percent choosing to build their careers within McDonald’s Malaysia. The Academy has been particularly impactful for underprivileged groups including B40 youths, persons with disabilities and Orang Asli communities.
In addition to people and restaurant development, the RM1 billion investment plan also includes continued investment in technology to strengthen operational efficiency and customer engagement. This includes improvements to point-of-sale systems, digital platforms such as the McDonald’s app, and loyalty programmes that support smoother operations and enhanced customer experience.
As part of its long-term operational strategy, McDonald’s Malaysia continues to invest in more efficient and responsible restaurant operations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Sustainability initiatives include the installation of solar panels across more than 100 restaurants nationwide, with plans to extend this to another 100 stores by end of 2026. The initiative supports improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The company is also moving towards eliminating plastic usage in its restaurants and already uses recyclable materials for its packaging.
Beyond business expansion, McDonald’s Malaysia continues to invest in community well-being across the country. The company organises over 10,000 activities annually including Ramadan support programmes with mosque and surau communities, festive celebrations, visits to orphanages and welfare homes, as well as initiatives that focus on children’s health and education in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Malaysia).
“As a company committed towards feeding and fostering the community, giving back is a natural and fundamental part of who we are,” Azmir said. “We are a Malaysian company, and it is important to us that our success creates meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
With continued investment in restaurant expansion, structured youth development and community-focused programmes, McDonald’s Malaysia is poised for sustained growth and long-term contribution to the nation.
