Darsa Fried Chicken's Bangi outlet quietly closes as founder distances himself from operations

Darsa Fried Chicken’s (DFC) outlet in Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi has quietly ceased operations, just about a year after it opened, raising renewed questions around the fast-food brand that once surged into the spotlight in 2024.

The closure first came to light after netizens shared photos on Facebook showing chairs and tables placed outside the outlet, while the signboard remained illuminated at night despite the store being locked during the day. Oriental Daily later reported that the outlet’s entrance had been chained shut, with a “for rent or sale” notice displayed. The Chinese daily added that the outlet had only been operating for around a year. When contacted, the outlet reportedly said it was temporarily closed due to relocation arrangements, though no further details were provided.

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Several days after news of the closure surfaced, DFC founder Mohammad Faiz Zuhdi issued a statement on Facebook, expressing sadness over the Bangi outlet’s shutdown but distancing himself from the decision. He said he has not held any authority or role in determining the direction of the company since early July 2025, adding that all decisions made after that period were no longer under his supervision.

Addressing speculation linking the closure to racial issues, Mohammad Faiz rejected claims that racial narratives were the cause behind the Bangi outlet’s shutdown. He described the reality as “far more complex and more saddening,” but said it was no longer his place to elaborate. He also reiterated his personal stance against using racial sentiment as a business foundation, saying it runs counter to his principles as both a Muslim and a Malaysian.

The outlet's closure and Mohammad Faiz's statement comes a year and a half after the controversy that first engulfed DFC in May 2024, when a Facebook administrator responded to a customer complaint using the phrase “type C,” a derogatory term referring to the Chinese community. As A+M previously reported, the incident triggered widespread backlash, sharp declines in brand sentiment, and calls for action from political groups, including the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). At the time, DFC issued an apology and said the comment did not reflect the organisation’s values, with the managing director later releasing a formal media statement.

The comment was made in response to a customer complaint that their chicken was overpriced and no better than offerings from chains such as KFC.

In his latest remarks, Mohammad Faiz once again apologised for the "type C" incident. "To the Malaysians who are still angry with me regarding the racial issue that occurred under my supervision at that time, I wish to once again apologize for the oversight of my admin." He added that many Chinese and Indian friends had continued to support him and the brand, understanding that the actions of one individual did not represent the organisation as a whole.

DFC was founded during a period of heightened consumer boycotts against brands perceived to be linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict, positioning itself as a “100% Malay Bumiputera-owned” fried chicken business. The brand’s first outlet opened in Rawang and quickly gained traction online, framed as a locally owned alternative in Malaysia’s competitive quick service restaurant (QSR) space.

Additionally, Mohammad Faiz noted that business closures are often driven by a combination of management, financial, internal, and operational pressures rather than race or religion alone. He concluded by wishing the company well and urging Malaysians to approach the issue with facts, maturity, and fairness, as conversations continue around DFC’s future following the Bangi outlet’s closure. Currently, DFC still operates in Rawang, Selangor, and Alor Setar. 

Based on comments on Reddit and Facebook sighted by A+M, many netizens said the outlet’s closure was not driven solely by racial sentiment, but also by what they perceived as DFC’s unreasonable pricing. Some Muslim netizens also commented on Mohammad Faiz's Facebook post, pointing to inconsistent food quality, unfriendly service, and an uninviting store environment. Others cited that their overall experience with DFC fell short of expectations, with several encouraging the brand to actively seek customer feedback and improve its offering.

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