As Singapore squeezes, Malaysia tempts F&B operators across the Causeway
Restaurant groups are looking to Malaysia for cheaper space and a longer runway, but operators say lower costs do not make it any easier to crack
Add BT as a preferred source
[KUALA LUMPUR] As the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System link edges closer to launch and focus sharpens on Johor’s next phase of investment-led growth, F&B operators are revisiting a long-held formula: Singapore for stability, Malaysia for savings.
“Singapore gives you reliability but squeezes your margins,” said Pinaki Rath, chief executive of Les Bouchons, a Singapore steakhouse chain best known for its French-style steaks.
“Malaysia gives you margin opportunities, but demands far more patience and market education,” he elaborated in an interview with The Business Times.
TRENDING NOW
Asia-Pacific aviation: is up really the only way?
Russia’s ‘pivot to Asia’ takes a turn as it prioritises ties with isolated regimes over bigger economies
Why disciplined stewardship matters when managing wealth in uncertain markets
More than 15,000 sign up for national accounting body’s AI programme in two months
