KFC Holdings (M) Bhd, which recorded an income of more than RM1.83 billion in the first nine months of this year, hopes to open 38 KFC restaurants at an investment of RM45 million in Malaysia by year-end.

Its chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim said since January, 34 KFC restaurants had been built.

He also said that for next year, the company has targeted to open 25 restaurants throughout the country at an investment of about RM60 million and of this number, 15 will have the drive-in facility.

'The comfort of customers is important. From the feedback received, the drive-in counters are well received as it makes it easy for customers,' he told reporters after officiating the Carnival Chiky KFC 2010 at the Melaka
International Trade Centre (MITC) today.

Muhammad Ali also said KFC Holdings spent about RM3 million to build a KFC drive-in restaurant compared to RM1 million for a normal one.

He said the company at present had 511 restaurants throughout the country and more than 69 in Singapure, Brunei and India with more than 18,000 workers.

'Apart from operating the KFC restaurants, the company is involved in retail activities through the supply network of chicken-based products under the Ayamas brand, the Ayamas Shop and Restaurant RasaMas.

'We are also involved in the breeding, processing and hatching of chicken eggs, apart from additional business such as a bakery and sauce production,' he explained.

On the Carnival Chiky KFC, he explained that, it is a way for the company to get closer to the community and contribute to community development in the country.

He also highlighted that the event may be extended to Sabah and Sarawak.

At the event today, Muhammad Ali presented contributions totalling RM21,000 to five welfare homes from all over the country.-- Bernama