Iconic A&W outlet in PJ to be demolished

PETALING JAYA: The building housing one of Malaysia’s most iconic fast food outlets here is set to be demolished.

In place of the iconic A&W building opposite Amcorp Mall, its owners KUB Sdn Bhd plans to develop two 10-floor and 15-floor office towers.

"A 24-hour, drive-through A&W outlet will be reopened at the ground floor of the towers. It will be the same outlet, with better facilities," said a source.

"The current building will be demolished and construction of the buildings is expected to commence early December or early January 2015. The A&W outlet is expected to reopen in 2018," the source added.

According to A&W Malaysia's website, KUB took over operations of A&W Malaysia in 2001 and the franchise currently boasts over 20 Malaysian outlets.

It is believed that by the end of this year, the group will have 24 restaurants, most likely to be stand-alone outlets.

Around 10 non-performing outlets have been closed down.

The restaurant, one of Malaysia's first drive-in fast food outlets, has been a regular for Petaling Jaya residents ever since its establishment in 1965.

The move to demolish the building came as a surprise to residents, many of whom share fond memories of visiting the restaurant with families and loved ones throughout the years.

Since news of the demolition broke out early Monday, Malaysians have thronged social media calling for the preservation of one of Petaling Jaya's most cherished landmarks.