IPOH, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- An Ipoh-based Bumiputera company, CAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd, which has just entered the hotel business, is planning on establishing a chain of hotels offering 2,200 rooms in Malaysia and Indonesia in 10 years.
The company's Chairman, Datuk Wira Jamaluddin Abdul Rahim, said an initial investment of RM25 million is expected to be made next year to open one hotel in Melaka and another in Medan, Indonesia.
"We aim to open hotels in several states in Malaysia and locations in Indonesia such as Bandung, Pekan Baru and Surabaya over the next 10 years," he told reporters after the launch of the company's first Hotel DWJ in Greentown here Thursday.
The opening of the boutique hotel, which offers 22 rooms, was officiated by Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Jamaluddin said RM3 million was spent on this first hotel which covered the cost of building and facilities.
"Our target is to open one or two hotels every year with the provision of an average of 200 rooms," he said.
He said next year, the second DWJ Hotel will be opened in Melaka with a homestay concept where 180 rooms will be offered.
"Negotiations are also being made with the authorities in Medan to find a suitable location for the building of a 100-room hotel there...if there are no obstacles, construction will be begin next year," he said.
Jamaluddin said his company, which previously concentrated on the property construction and development business, made the decision to go into the hotel sector in response to the government's call to Bumiputera entrepreneurs to get involved in the development of the tourism industry.
"We will give priority to service and cleanliness...these are among the main factors, apart from promotions, in the industry that attract customers," he said.
Meanwhile, the DWJ Hotel here which offers six categories of rooms priced from RM88 to RM168, will also offer a 30 per cent discount on the room rates till end of this month as part of its opening promotion.
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