Yi Jia Kopitiam Expands Rapidly to Five Outlets in Over Two Years

19 April 2026

PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, officiated the opening of the latest Yi Jia Kopitiam outlet, owned by a local entrepreneur, at Uptown Nambazan here yesterday.

Yi Jia Kopitiam has now grown to five branches in just over two years, including locations at Lido Plaza, Wisma Merdeka, BSA Kolombong, Gaya Street, and the newest at Uptown Nambazan.

Ewon, who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament, said the rapid success of opening five outlets in such a short time demonstrates the immense potential of local entrepreneurs in developing competitive food and beverage brands.

“I am informed that this is the fourth outlet since the business began more than two years ago, with the fifth opening just a week ago at Gaya Street, alongside plans to develop a larger central kitchen,” he stated.

He added that this achievement not only strengthens local brands but also contributes to fostering Sabah’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“I hope this success will inspire more young entrepreneurs in Sabah to venture into business,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that the brand carries an important mission to create more job opportunities for young people while bolstering the local business sector.

“With collective efforts, the Sabah First vision, to develop more Sabahans with higher incomes, whether as business owners or employees, can be realised,” he affirmed.