The Loaf rising again under Ekovest

(Sun Daily) – It seemed that not only Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is making a comeback to the public eye but the boutique bakery and bistro brand which the prime minister had founded, The Loaf, is returning.

It is learnt that the Ekovest Group under executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo has decided to revive the brand.

Ekovest is said to be reviving four of its previous 12 outlets by this year. The four are in Langkawi, and the Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid and NuSentral in Kuala Lumpur.

The Loaf will be under Ekovest and not Mahathir. He is now the prime minister so it would be inappropriate for him to be involved in the business, a source said.

A division under the group would be set up to revive the bakery business, and the first outlet is expected to make its debut at the end of this month, the source added.

The bistro had closed down in April after 12 years in business through a venture between Mahathir and a company with Japanese interest, Motoko Resources Sdn Bhd.

The first outlet to be established will at the Telaga Habour Marina in Langkawi.

Mahathir reportedly said he tried to sell his interest in the company to raise funds for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Nasional, but failed to realise it.

Over the 12 year period, the outlet expanded to 12 locations, including at KLCC, the Pavilion and NuSentral in Kuala Lumpur as well as Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang Jaya where Mahathir was often seen dining at some of its outlets.

Attempts to contact a representative of Ekovest to comment were unsuccessful.