The revamps are in line with PLUS’ commitment to a continuous expansion with new commercial partners, says MD

By SHAZNI ONG /Pic By TMR

Expressway operator PLUS Malaysia Bhd is positive it would be able to attract more customers to utilise the rest and recreation (R&R) areas along its North-South Expressway.

More revamps will be undertaken at the R&R areas in the next few years, PLUS MD Datuk Azman Ismail said yesterday.

He said the revamps are in line with PLUS’ commitment to a continuous expansion with new commercial partners to suit the needs of modern-day Malaysian highway travellers. He said among the major revamp is to host more retail, as well as food and beverages (F&B) brands at the R&R areas.

“As we bring in national and international brands, they also would attract a different group of customers that would probably drop by at the R&R compared to traditional customers. On top of the traditional customers, you will add on new traction.

“Therefore, new customers will also come in, which will provide growth opportunity for all parties,” Azman told reporters after PLUS’ inaugural business partner conference in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, yesterday.

Azman added that via the revamp, PLUS’ existing local stall operators will be able to rake in benefits to serve a larger market.

“The stall operators (who are local community surrounding the R&R), who are now only handling traditional customers, will now see more customers walk into their outlets, whereby customers may have a certain liking to the varieties from time to time,” he said.

Azman also witnessed PLUS’ business partner agreement signing yesterday with five new retail partners.

The five brands were Sushi King, My Laksa, Daily Fresh, Bon 900 Cafe and Family Mart, adding to a total of more than 20 major F&B brands that are currently operating at PLUS R&Rs and lay-bys.

Currently, there are over 700 F&B outlets at all 24 PLUS R&Rs, 46 lay-bys and four overhead-bridge restaurants, which offer a variety of food ranging from local delicacies to international restaurant chains.

Meanwhile, PLUS chief commercial officer Christine Liew said many brands have expressed interest to partner PLUS, but the selection of new partners is only made based on customer feedback and viability.

PLUS is expected to introduce the new retail outlets in stages at selected rest areas beginning this month.

On top of the new offerings, PLUS is also expected to begin refurbishment works at several R&Rs, starting with the Seremban R&R (southbound), whereby it would feature a contemporary and environmental-friendly design.