McDonald's MY embraces nickname with 'Mekdi' signage ahead of Merdeka Day

McDonald’s Malaysia has put up a signage titled Mekdi, its local nickname with the meaning "McD", at its outlet in Bukit Bintang, the first restaurant launched in Malaysia back in 1982. This is in celebration of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, as well as the brand's 37 years in the country.“Over the past 37 years, Malaysians have helped make McDonald’s Malaysia the recognised brand that it is today. As a gesture of appreciation for their continuous support, we decided to embrace the Mekdi name Malaysians have affectionately given us, which is now synonymous with our brand,” said Melati Abdul Hai, VP and CMO of McDonald’s Malaysia.Additionally, it introduced the Nasi Lemak McD meal, and initiated a nationwide petition on Change.org to rally for Nasi Lemak to be officially recognised as the national dish in recognition of Malaysian's love for it. According to the press statement, it targets to gather one million signatures by Malaysia Day on 16 September.[gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="269547,269548"]Since opening its first store in Bukit Bintang, the fast food chain has localised almost its entire business, from its menu, suppliers, franchisees, community, and charity initiatives. Malaysia was one of the first markets in the world to have Ayam Goreng in its menu, added McDonald’s.The brand has been delighting consumers in every way possible. Marketing director Eugene Lee told A+M previously that it sets aside a budget for special, reasonable requests from consumers, in line with the concept of total customer satisfaction.Lee explained, “It’s something fun and puts a smile on customers’ faces. It is also something that’s in line with our brand promise. We try to delight them through our ads, campaigns, activations and even at our restaurants.”Read more: McDonald’s Malaysia to embrace the Nasi Lemak Burger McDonald’s Malaysia introduces D24 Durian McFlurry ahead of #Merdeka McDonald’s Malaysia turns food into iconic landmarks in latest OOH campaign McDonald’s Malaysia marvels netizens with Infinity War-related McNuggets post Why McDonald’s Malaysia sets aside a budget for strange delivery requests McDonald’s Malaysia eyes RM3 billion in sales in 2019 McDonald’s Malaysia targets 20 more Drive-Thru restaurants in 2019