Restoran Nasi Ayam Gemas Sdn Bhd (NAG) wants to expand its chicken rice restaurant chain nationwide by having more franchisees by next year.

NAG general manager Andy Haizal Sulaiman said the company currently has eight outlets, including five operated by third parties under a licensing agreement. The other three are owned and operated by it.

The company is in the midst of making an application for a licence as a franchisor, Andy Haizal said.

It is now actively providing business modules that meet the conditions set by the Franchise Act 1998.

"We believe the franchise system is the best way not only to expand NAG, but also as a platform for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to establish a foothold in the food and beverages (F&B) industry," he said in a statement yesterday.

"Nasi Ayam Gemas is already a well-known brand in Gemas, Negri Sembilan," he added.

The chain was founded by one Mohd Saman Chumat in 2007.

The eight NAG restaurants are located in Seremban, Semenyih, Bahau, Senawang and Tampin, all in Negri Sembilan, as well as two in Segamat and one in Batu Pahat, all in Johor.

Andy Haizal said together with his partner Mohd Redzuan Mohd Thany, he is committed to expanding the restaurant chain by allowing other parties to jointly run it under franchise.

"Franchise is generally proven in helping entrepreneurs establish themselves in various businesses.

"The fact that the government, through agencies such as Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNS), SME Corp Malaysia and Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA), is supporting such business model points to a promising prospect," he added.

Over the medium to long term, NAG plans to make a regional presence, especially in Indonesia and Brunei.

"Chicken rice is a delicacy that is popular in neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia and Brunei," Andy Haizal remarked.