McDonald’s Malaysia has announced a RM1 billion plan to invest over the next five years. This plan focuses on expanding restaurants, creating jobs, and improving youth employment across the country. The investment shows the company’s goal to build a strong workforce in Malaysia while updating its restaurant network.
The announcement came with the reopening of the Titiwangsa Drive-Thru at Jalan Pahang, which is the first McDonald’s drive-thru in Malaysia. It reopens as the country’s first Luna concept restaurant and the second in Asia.
In 2025, McDonald’s Malaysia saw a 26 percent growth compared to the previous year, even in a tough business environment. This growth came from strong customer demand, good value, innovative menu options, and a focus on running operations efficiently.
Currently, with over 370 restaurants, McDonald’s plans to open 100 new locations in the next five years. This expansion is expected to create over 10,000 new jobs for Malaysians, emphasizing local hiring and career growth.
Additionally, McDonald’s Malaysia supports local suppliers, with 75 percent of its products sourced and produced locally. This helps strengthen the domestic supply chain and boosts 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 has over 16,000 employees and a policy to hire only locals. Crew members get training and support to help them advance to supervisory and management positions.
“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 expansion of the McDonald’s Vocational Academy, in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) through the National Dual Training System (SLDN).
This programme blends hands-on restaurant training with classroom learning to prepare youths for careers and internationally relevant skills. Since 2018, it has trained over 5,000 youths, with 80% choosing to work at McDonald’s Malaysia, benefiting underprivileged groups including B40 youths and persons with disabilities.
The investment also focuses on technology for operational efficiency, enhancing systems like the McDonald’s app and loyalty programmes. McDonald’s Malaysia aims for responsible operations, with sustainability initiatives such as solar panel installations in over 100 restaurants and plans to eliminate plastic usage.
In community support, McDonald’s organizes over 10,000 activities yearly, including Ramadan programmes and initiatives for 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.”