(June 17): KUB Malaysia Bhd will forge ahead with its redevelopment plans to build office towers at the site of the old Petaling Jaya A&W outlet.

This was announced by KUB independent non-executive director Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun at the company's 50th annual general meeting today.

"We are still in the initial stages of the project.

"We are looking for a project development partner, that is we get a financially strong company to develop the area and in return they get a lease from us," he said.

Hafarizam said the project delivery partner and the design of the project would be finalised by the end of the year.

"The area has a gross development value of RM250 million.

"We are still deciding if its going to be two towers or one.

"We expect to start the development mid next year or in the third quarter," he said.

Customers will still get to enjoy their favourite A&W food and beverages, because KUB launched its latest outlet at PJ Palms Sports Centre on Sunday.

"We have opened a new outlet 100 metres away from the iconic PJ A&W outlet.

"Customers can still experience the ambience of A&W during the construction period of the KUB towers.

"Upon completion, we will restore the legacy of the A&W outlet with a new design at the tower," said Hafarizam.

In has been reported that the old A&W outlet in Lorong Sultan will also be refurbished in the next few months and it will continue operating until the redevelopment project starts.

News of the closure of the popular restaurant had resurfaced following the completion of the new A&W outlet at PJ Palms.

The Malaysian Insider had reported that the old PJ A&W restaurant would be incorporated into the proposed twin tower office blocks planned for the site.

The PJ branch made its name not only for its food but also by virtue of being the first family-orientated restaurant in Malaysia to introduce a drive-in.

However, the restaurant is beginning to show its age.

A check by The Malaysian Insider found that the restaurant had since fallen into a dilapidated state.

The paint on the façade of the building has faded and it is learnt that the drive-in service had ceased more than a decade ago.

Meanwhile, KUB will also be expanding its chain of A&W outlets to 30 restaurants by the end of the year. – The Malaysian Insider