From burgers to hotels: Malaysian businessman expands business during pandemic

When he turned 16, Norizam opened his first burger stall with a capital of RM1,500 in Kampung Tuah Jaya, Taman Perling, Johor. — JAMES SUTTON/Unsplash

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the hotel business in the country, forcing some of them – including a few five-star properties – to close down.

However, for the founder of the Zamburger Hotel chain Norizam Tukiman, 40, the pandemic gave him the opportunity to expand his business by taking over 67 boutique hotels, including three hotels in Indonesia, within a span of 15 months.