Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak yesterday launched the Federal Land Development Authority’s (Felda) second D’Saji Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, at Tahlia Street in Jeddah.

Also at the event were Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharu.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Zainol Rahim Zainuddin and Felda D’Saji Sdn Bhd senior executive director Ahmad Zaki Abdullah were also present.

After the launch, Najib and other guests proceeded to have a meal at the restaurant located at an exclusive commercial hub in Saudi Arabia.

In December 2013, Najib launched Felda’s first D’Saji restaurant in Makkah, located at a food court at Al-Safwa Tower next to Masjidil Haram.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zaki told reporters that Felda’s restaurant in Jeddah, which is the gateway to Saudi Arabia, has a seating capacity of 112.

He said Felda was targeting an annual return of RM2.5 million from the restaurant through its fine dining concept.

“Since its opening on May 1, the restaurant has received an average of 4,000 to 5,000 local and foreign customers,” he said.

He said 70 percent of the customers comprised locals while the rest, foreigners including from Malaysia.

Felda set aside RM1.5 million as working capital for its restaurant in Jeddah, which serves Malaysian food, of which the most popular are nasi lemak, mi mamak, roti canai and teh tarik, according to Ahmad Zaki.

- Bernama