D-LIMA, the Malaysia version of 7-Eleven, has moved to another level after deciding to franchise its business operation and offer opportunity for local entrepreneurs.

The move also signals the company’s ambitious intention to start looking into oversea operation.

The franchising is made possible through collaboration with the Malaysia Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development (MECD) and Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS), which offer technical and financial support.

The company expects to open up 15 new franchised outlets nationwide by the year 2010 and increase it to 70 after another 5 years. At the moment, more than 40 D-LIMA outlets are operating across the country, concentrated in 5 states – Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Perak and Terengganu.

The convenient store started its fist 24-hour convenient store in Permatang Pauh, Penang in 1992, turning a medium sized store called Kedai Runcit Zakaria Omar to the new name, which remains until today. D-LIMA operates under the incorporated entity called D-Five Convenient Store (M) Sdn Bhd.

Interested entrepreneurs can buy a franchise right at an amount of RM250,000 for a 1,2000 square feet outlet, which covers the working capital, premise renovation and initial stocks. In addition to the RM250,000 investment, a franchise fee of RM30,000 will be incurred for a period of 5 years, which will be used for the training and development, consultation, sales and operational support and the pre-opening.