PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is of the opinion that Malaysia's popular cuisine’s - nasi lemak, Dim Sum and Tosai can go far under the franchise business system.
He said Malaysians had many opportunities including in the food industry to explore and grow under the franchise system.
"We have the three main races - the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians. Each race has a wide range of delicious food.
"If we franchise nasi lemak, Dim Sum and Tosai, we will see them across the world," he said at the 2018 Malaysia Franchise Awards tonight.
Dr Mahathir cited popular brands including McDonald's and Starbucks which could be found in many countries.
He stressed on the importance of having very clear system for any business to flourish under the franchise system.
The prime minister also stressed on the importance of being trustworthy and diligent when one involved in franchise businesses.
He said there should be better understanding of the franchise business, which he described was still lacking among Malaysians.
"We hope to see more Malaysian brands involving goods and food will thrive under the franchise system.
"This government supports businesses that do well. When you (businesses) are doing well, we can collect more taxes from you," he said drawing laughter from the floor.
Later, Dr Mahathir presented Global Art & Creative Sdn Bhd with the 2018 Franchise of the Year 2018 award.
Also present were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof and Malaysian Franchise Association chairman Datuk Radzali Hassan.
Emerging Franchisor of the Year was won by City Coin Laundry Sdn Bhd (Laundrybar) and Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (McDonald's) won the Master Franchisee of the Year category and Best Franchise Employer.
The Homegrown Franchisee of the Year was won by Koperasi Sahabat Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia who is also a franchisee to Permodalan Kelantan Bhd (Ar-Rahn). Tiny Footstep Sdn Bhd the franchisee of Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd (Smart Reader Kids) won the emerging Homegrown Franchisee of the Year.
Marrybrown Sdn Bhd clinched the Best Franchise Corporate Corporate Social Responsibility and Best Franchise Innovation.
For the International Franchisee of the Year and Emerging International Franchisee of the Year was won by McDonald's through their franchisee Golden MD Sdn Bhd and Hamburgold Sdn Bhd.
Poney Garments Sdn Bhd (Poney) took home the International Franchisor of the Year (Africa & Middle East).
Earlier, Saifuddin said the franchise industry contributed RM27.67 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year.
He said Malaysia had 877 national and international franchisors, comprising 570 local and 307 foreign brands.
Saifuddin also presented the special appreciation award for media to Berita Harian journalist Mohd Alzahrin Alias from the business desk.