KFC’s first drive-thru restaurant at the new township in Simpang Ampat is expected to make the neighbourhood livelier as well as attract development.
According to the GUH Holdings Berhad group managing director Datuk Seri Kenneth H’ng Bak Tee, the project would play a pivotal role in bringing back the past glory of Simpang Ampat township.
“The outlet, which is targeted to be completed in 2021, will help to rejuvenate the Simpang Ampat old town,’’ H’ng said during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement between QSR Stores Sdn Bhd and GUH Development Sdn Bhd on October 8.
“The revitalisation of Simpang Ampat is envisioned to breathe new life into it with residential component, vast landscape and integrated infrastructures to accommodate public transport system, lifestyle shops, housing projects and commercial hub equipped with all aspects of modern green living,” he added.
The parties were represented by KFC Malaysia deputy head Tony Lika and GUH chief operating officer Lewis H’ng.
The ceremony was witnessed by state Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
QSR Brands group managing director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil said the drive-thru was an integral focus in their strategic expansion plans.
“Consumer demands for food that is quick, tasty and convenient have evolved rapidly.
“Our drive-thru has shown a lot of growth potential and this concept will remain as an essential part in our restaurant expansion strategy.
“As the largest quick service restaurant operator in the region, we are all about our customers.
“Strategic collaboration with prominent developer such as GUH enables us to capitalise and tap into each other’s resources efficiently to cater to the local demand. This makes it easy and accessible for our customers to enjoy our meals.
“There are a total of 728 KFC outlets in Malaysia and the Simpang Ampat KFC drive-thru restaurant will be Penang’s ninth drive-thru outlet (KFC),’’ Azahari said.
Abdul Halim expressed his hope that the collaboration between QSR Brands and GUH would bring about benefits to the community in the new township at Simpang Ampat.
“I hope that the new township will prosper the community and give families a quality living in a green environment which is in line with the Penang2030 vision.
“I would like to thank the QSR for their contribution of RM550,000 which was collected for the ‘No Plastic’ campaign (2017-2019),’’ Abdul Halim said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng