Tesco might be curtailing expansion plans in its home market as its sales and profits plummet, but it’s business as usual in Malaysia.

The large format retailer says it will open two new outlets in Pahang and Terengganu as part of an expansion plan on the east coast, which would take its network there to 54.

Tesco Malaysia government and corporate affairs director Datuk Azlam Shah Alias said the company had identified several potential locations for the new stores.

“We have embarked on efforts to secure the properties a few years ago and they are promising future investments. We are interested in expanding our operation in the east coast, be it in the main or small towns, wherever suitable,” he said in a media interview after the official opening of Tesco’s new store in Jitra at the weekend.

He also said in the interview that Tesco Malaysia does not expect the introduction of Goods and Services Tax on April 1 to have any direct impact on retailing.

“We expect consumers to spend more on electrical and electronic items before April due to the misconception that there will be a significant price increase once the GST is enforced.

“We are confident that the GST will not affect the retail sector once consumers get used to the system,” he said.