McDonald's Malaysia plans to invest MYR1bn ($252mn) over the next five years, opening 100 new restaurants and expanding its franchise network to account for 30% of the business by 2035, managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar said, Bernama reported on May 23.

RM600mn of the total will be allocated to the new restaurant openings, while the remaining RM400mn will be used to modernise existing outlets and expand digital capabilities across Peninsular and East Malaysia.

Azmir said East Malaysia represented a major strategic growth area, with strong untapped demand in Sabah and Sarawak that existing outlets could not fully meet.

"While Peninsular Malaysia will continue to see steady expansion in developing townships, much of the company's growth momentum and initial rollout will focus on strengthening its presence in East Malaysia," Azmir said.

The expansion is expected to create 10,000 new jobs under a 100% local hiring policy. The McDonald's Vocational Academy, operating under the National Dual Training System in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources, has trained more than 5,000 youths since 2018, with over 80% remaining in long-term careers with the company.

Azmir said the company was targeting local entrepreneurs rather than a purely corporate-driven model, with franchisees expected to be active owner-operators with knowledge of local market conditions.

"We are looking for passionate local entrepreneurs and business leaders who are willing to be actively involved as owner-operators," Azmir said.

McDonald's Malaysia recorded 26% year-on-year growth in 2025 despite what Azmir described as a challenging economic environment.

McDonald's Malaysia is locally operated and is the largest quick service restaurant chain in the country by outlet count, with a supply chain and menu development operation run independently from the global franchisor.