KFC operator says outlets closed to manage increasing costs

KFC operator says outlets closed to manage increasing costs

QSR Brands says employees from the affected stores are offered the opportunity to relocate to busier outlets.

A report said more than 100 KFC outlets have temporarily shut down, based on information on Google Maps. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, which owns and operates fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken, said it had taken a “proactive measure” by temporarily closing outlets to manage increasing business costs.

QSR said employees from the affected stores were offered the opportunity to relocate to busier outlets.

“It is also part of a tactical strategy to optimise resources,” it said in a statement.

It did not specify the number of KFC outlets it had shut down.

Earlier today, Nanyang Siang Pau reported that over 10% of KFC outlets nationwide have halted operations, with a total of 108 stores temporarily shut down as of April 27, based on information on Google Maps.

The maps show outlets which had their status updated to show “temporarily closed”.

According to the Chinese daily, up to 21 outlets in Kelantan or 80% were closed, followed by 15 in Johor.

Meanwhile, checks by The Straits Times on three outlets in Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Sultan and Taman Melawati found signs saying they were “temporarily closed”.

The closure follows months of boycotts due to KFC’s perceived links to Israel and the war in Gaza.

QSR Brands said KFC had provided 18,000 jobs, and about 85% of its employees are Muslims.

“QSR Brands continue to be among the largest taxpayers in Malaysia and take pride in being able to give back to the community through KFC Add Hope and the Wakalah Zakat Fund,” it said.

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