A joint collaboration between the nasi kandar chain in Malaysia and its Saudi partners will see one new outlet open each in the cities of Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, The Star reported today.
According to Pelita director K K Sihabutheen, the location for the Mecca and Medina outlets have been identified but their partners have yet to decide on the Jeddah outlet’s location.
“We will start with the Medina outlet, hopefully in April, and the rest will follow shortly after. We will retain the mamak-style menu from Malaysia and the outlets will be managed by our Saudi partners,” Sihabutheen was quoted as saying by the daily.
These three outlets would be the first in the Middle-East but not the first outside Malaysia, as that honour goes to Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
Pelita made the announcement on the joint venture at its outlet in Chai Leng Park, Butterworth, and the occasion was graced by no less a VIP than the Keeper of the Kaaba in Mecca, Dr Saleh Taha Al’Shaibi.
“Dr Saleh is the 77th keeper of the Kaaba and a descendant of the Bani Shaiba tribe which holds the keys to the Kaaba,” The Star quoted Pelita executive chairman Shamsuri Ahmad as saying.
Saleh is also expected to pay a visit to Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas during his three-day visit to the state.
Meanwhile, Sihabutheen said the Malaysia Book Of Records had on Oct 26 last year established Pelita Nasi Kandar as the largest nasi kandar restaurant chain with 25 outlets across the country.
He added that the record will continue to be broken as the restaurant chain expands, starting with two more outlets within the next few months – in March, an outlet will start operating out of the Sunway Resort in Subang Jaya, and in April, Pelita’s 27 outlet opens its doors in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.