He said the corporation had carried out studies in franchise business concepts and noted there were great opportunities for those interested.

We have about 300 entrepreneurs involved in franchised businesses carrying popular names like McDonalds in the retail sector.

The business still has room and we want about 1,000 to participate, he said during a meeting with kelah fish breeder Datuk Mohd Ismail Mohd Shah here recently.

Dr Awang said that PNB would provide assistance including financial aid to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business.

He said, although PNB had set the starting loan at RM80,000 to RM100,000, those with viable franchise projects could apply for RM1mil.

Besides dedication, those planning franchise business projects should be truly committed, he added.

The Malaysian-kitchen franchise programme, which promoted roti canai, mee rebus, nasi lemak, satay and other local foods, had become popular in London.

PNB planned to open an outlet New York and entrepreneurs could look into supplying food ingredients from branded companies to such outlets, he added.

Among the ingredients were those produced by Nasuha Herbal Farm in Pagoh, which served herbal mee and herbal nasi briyani, he said.

I stayed there last night and truly enjoyed the food at the farm restaurant, he said.

We can promote Nasuha’s herbal cuisine and invite entrepreneurs to set up franchise businesses with the farm, he added.