KOTA KINABALU, Aug 17 – Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, on Sunday called on more local entrepreneurs in Sabah to venture into the franchise sector, describing it as a key driver of the country’s economic growth.
To date, five Sabah-based companies have obtained franchise certification, including Fook Yuen Cafe & Bakery, which was officially registered at the UDA–BizFrancais PERNAS Carnival on Saturday. The food and beverage chain, owned by Lo Tze Jet, currently operates seven outlets across the state.
“I hope more local entrepreneurs will explore this sector,” Ewon said after visiting the Fook Yuen outlet in Inanam and Packaging Mart in Putatan.
He said the ministry would support Fook Yuen’s expansion plans into Peninsular Malaysia and its participation in international franchise expos coordinated by his ministry.
On the same visit, Ewon toured Packaging Mart, a business run by entrepreneur Deana Mojigoh, which received RM250,000 in financing from Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS) under the Successful Woman Entrepreneurship Engagement Talents (SWEET) programme.
“I am proud to see more Malaysian entrepreneurs venturing into franchisor, franchisee, licensor and licensee fields. The success of Fook Yuen and Ms. Deana should serve as inspiration for other Sabah entrepreneurs,” he added.
Ewon said KUSKOP, together with PERNAS, will continue to introduce new initiatives to boost awareness and accelerate the growth of the franchise sector nationwide.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Secretary-General (Entrepreneurial Development) Datuk Saidatu Akhma Hassan, PERNAS Chairman Datuk Mohamed Rozhan Mohd Ghazalli, PERNAS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib, and other ministry officials.
