Kota Bharu: Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) has, since last year, channelled more than RM3.4 million in financing to franchise entrepreneurs in Kelantan, including participants of the Business In Transformation (BIT) programme. Pernas chairman Datuk Mohamed Rozhan Mohd Ghazalli emphasized the agency’s commitment to guiding and empowering franchise entrepreneurs nationwide, in line with the mandate to elevate Malaysia’s franchise industry to the global stage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pernas is tasked with spearheading the development of the franchise industry in Malaysia and empowering the local entrepreneurial community to become more competitive and sustainable. This commitment is aimed at enabling franchise entrepreneurs to expand to both national and international levels.

Mohamed Rozhan shared these insights during his speech at the launch of the BizFrancais Programme Tour Series, which was also attended by Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib. The Kelantan BizFrancais Programme 2025 featured nearly 30 exhibitors, including government agencies, franchisors, pre-franchisors, and entrepreneurs under Pernas’ Xcelerator and BIT programmes.

The BizFrancais 2025 tour series begins in Kelantan and will continue in Sarawak, Sabah, and Johor later this year. Pernas has supported over 50 franchise and pre-franchise entrepreneurs from the East Coast through various initiatives, including business development and financing programmes.

One of the beneficiaries, Nik Aloesniha Nik Mohd Alwi, who operates the women’s fitness centre franchise ‘Curves’, expressed gratitude for the RM330,000 in financing. This support helped her establish the business and expand access to fitness facilities for women on the East Coast. She plans to open a new branch in Indera Mahkota 7, Kuantan, Pahang, to offer guidance and motivation to women who want to lose weight and stay healthy.