KUALA LUMPUR: QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, the company behind the KFC and Pizza Hut franchises in four Southeast Asian countries, says it remains focused on boosting service quality and ensuring staff's well-being.
A company spokesperson reiterated QSR Brands' committment to a transformation plan aimed at enhancing customer experience, advancing digital innovation, and improving operational efficiency.
The spokesperson told Business Times that the strategy focuses on elevating service quality while ensuring the well-being of its 17,000-strong workforce in Malaysia.
"The turnaround plan will focus on enhancing customer experience, expanding its digital capabilities, and optimising operations to better serve their customers," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that having served Malaysians for over 50 years, QSR Brands is still dedicated to delivering quality products and services while contributing to the Malaysian economy and providing job security for its employees.
When asked about current challenges, the spokesperson emphasised QSR's focus on optimising operations, including rationalising business activities by concentrating on high-performing outlets since April 2024.
"QSR Brands led the way as the first industry player to rationalise operations, emphasising efficiency and high-performing stores," the spokesperson said, adding that its long-term mission includes uplifting underprivileged communities, supporting education, and contributing to nation-building efforts.
QSR Brands operates more than 850 KFC restaurants across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Cambodia.
The company is also the franchisee of Pizza Hut in Malaysia and Singapore, with a network of over 500 restaurants and delivery concepts in both countries.
Meanwhile, QSR Brands had reportedly postponed its planned listing on the local stock exchange due to recent market developments.
According to a recent Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter, the boycott campaigns against Israel's military actions in Gaza had affected QSR Brands' business and led to the listing delay.
Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners Ltd, which holds a 21 per cent stake in QSR Brands, has been exploring a sale since last year after earlier efforts for a domestic listing were deferred.
QSR Brands' largest shareholder is Johor state investment arm Johor Corp (JCorp), with a 55.63 per cent stake held via Massive Equity Sdn Bhd.
JCorp partnered with the Employees Provident Fund and CVC to privatise QSR Brands. EPF and CVC formed Melati Asia Holdings Ltd with a 51 per cent and 49 per cent stake, respectively.