McDonald’s is Changing its Signage to #Mekdi to Celebrate Merdeka

Foodies, Selamat Hari Merdeka (Happy Independence Day)! 2020 marks the 63rd year since Malaysia gained its independence. In conjunction with Merdeka and Malaysia Day, McDonald’s Malaysia is also celebrating 38 years of being Malaysian by embracing the name, Mekdi – the localised nickname for ‘McD’, short for McDonald’s. The official launch was celebrated at McDonald’s Putrajaya Drive-Thru restaurant. That being said,16 McDonald’s outlets in Malaysia will change its signage to #Mekdi.

From McDonald’s to #Mekdi:

Remember when #McDonaldsMalaysia first changed the signage of its outlet in Bukit Bintang to “Mekdi” last year? It went viral and the response from netizens was so overwhelming that this year, they’ve decided to extend this initiative and celebrate with more Malaysians from 16 selected restaurants across various states in the country.

A couple weeks ago McDonald’s Malaysia came forward on Facebook and gave its audience the power to vote for which McDonald’s restaurant should display the iconic #Mekdi signage. As a result, 16 restaurants (picture above) were selected, and we couldn’t be happier!

The term “Mekdi” couldn’t get more local as many Malaysians, including us, always pronounce McDonald’s as #Mekdi. “I want Mekdi ice cream” “Eii let’s go to Mekdi for supper” (confirm happened before, we Malaysian like that)

Mekdi’s New Menu is also Very Malaysian:

 We like to believe that #McDonaldsMalaysia new menu is also part of the celebration. Their new #NasiLemakMcD is a twist to its predecessor, adding new side dishes like Rendang Ayam (don’t worry not crispy one), Spicy Chicken McDeluxe Cutlet or Grilled Chicken Burger (GCB) Cutlet to the nasi lemak series. Each #NasiLemakMcD is served with fragrant coconut rice, crispy anchovies, fresh cucumber, and fried egg, topped with spicy sambal.

Some of you would say “Come Mekdi where got people eat rice one?” We have to stop you there, while the #NasiLemakMcD might look boring, their sambal is mindblowing. Nasi lemak isn’t called one without a good sambal, and we’re not afraid to say they nailed it this time. Fragrant and spicy with a tad hint of sweetness, the sambal is very well balanced, you would want to pay that extra RM1 for more.

Our pick? Nasi Lemak McD with Spicy Chicken McDeluxe Cutlet. Something about the combination of fried chicken cutlet and their sambal is unexplainable, yet very palatable. It’s savoury, it’s spicy, and when paired with their fragrant coconut rice, it’s perfect.

Apart from their #NasiLemakMcD menu, did you know McDonald’s Malaysia also infused local flavours into its dessert menu like the all-new McFlurry Cendol? The all-new dessert features delicious Gula Melaka, coconut bits, creamy vanilla soft-serve, and Cendol jelly. Exciting local desserts such as Corn Pie and Cendol-flavoured ice cream are also making a comeback.

#McDonaldsMalaysia’s Effort & Support in Embracing its Malayian-ess:

38 years of being Malaysian, McDonald’s embraces the very essence of being a local, from its food, to its people, as well as the causes that the company champions. Over the years they have raised the standards of human capital development in Malaysia by nurturing young talents and helping them build meaningful careers.

Not only that, the brand has organized various campaigns and efforts to give back to the local communities like Anugerah Guru Inspirasi, Flood Relief Efforts, Food Sponsorship for frontlines during the Movement Control Order (MCO), Programmes under Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Malaysia), and ‘Back-to-School’ programme.

The #KitaBoleh concept is a nationwide call by McDonald’s Malaysia – that started in March this year – to herald the silent bravery of the frontliners who continued on their work as Malaysians stayed home during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Fun Fact: McDonald’s Malaysia’s  menu has been localised to cater to Malaysian taste buds (cendol ice cream, ayam goreng McD, #NasiLemakMcD and more) and all ingredients are sourced locally. Not just that, franchisees are 100 percent Malaysian and workforce is 95% Malaysian, they are indeed a Malaysian at heart. With plans to open 450 stores by 2025, McDonald’s Malaysia also targets to add 10,000 more employees to its workforce.

Foodies, what’s your thought on McDonald’s new #Mekdi signage? Celebrate this Merdeka and Malaysia Day together with #McDonaldsMalaysia by trying out their new very Malaysian menu. Don’t forget to tag your #Mekdi buddies and share with us your #Mekdi moments in the comments. As usual, stay safe, and have a great day ahead, buh bye!

Check Out: Penang Aims To Become Malaysia’s Top Travelling Destination With Its Own ‘7 World Wonders’

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