Today, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officially inaugurated the first East Malaysian drive-through outlet of Bask Bear, a Malaysian coffee brand inspired by the basking Malayan sun bear. The new outlet, located at NAIM Street Mall in Bintulu Paragon, marks Bask Bear’s largest footprint yet at 1600 sq. ft. Bintulu was selected due to its strategic location in the central Borneo region, where Bask Bear sources its exclusive Aren® Palm Sugar for the Aren® Signature Coffee series.
The launch event was part of Premier Abang Johari’s itinerary, where he participated in the Hari Raya Open House festivities organized by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) at NAIM Street Mall. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Dato’ Haidar Khan Bin Asghar Khan, BDA Deputy Chairman, on behalf of the Premier.
Bryan Loo, founder and CEO of Loob Holding, expressed that Bintulu Paragon was chosen as the ideal location for the drive-through outlet due to its status as Bintulu’s trendiest street mall and the largest in Sarawak, known for its extensive covered walkway.
In appreciation of the Sarawak Premier’s support for home-grown brands like Bask Bear, Loo highlighted the brand’s commitment to convenience, which led to the investment in creating a drive-through concept for this outlet.
To commemorate the launch, Bask Bear Bintulu Paragon drive-through offered free coffee to its first 100 customers on opening day. Additionally, from April 18-22, customers can enjoy a buy 1 free 1 promotion during two timeframes: 11am–2pm and 5pm–8pm.
Loo emphasized that Bask Bear’s expansion strategy revolves around strong brand loyalty, customer convenience, and a robust digital strategy, including the Bask Bear App launched in December last year. The app offers Pick up & Delivery services and features a membership program allowing customers to earn points with purchases, whether in-store or through the app.
New app users are welcomed with a 40% discount on their first purchase with a minimum spend of RM25. Key benefits for Bask Bear members include earning two points for every ringgit spent, free birthday drinks, and exclusive members-only offers.
With a continued focus on convenience, Loo disclosed plans to open more outlets to supplement the current 13 stores in East Malaysia, including five in Sarawak and eight in Sabah.
Highlighting Bask Bear’s commitment to sustainability, Loo underscored the brand’s exclusive supply arrangement for Aren® Palm Sugar from Borneo, which benefits local farmers and offers a healthier alternative with a lower glycemic index compared to brown sugar or honey.
Moreover, Bask Bear champions sun bear conservation, having adopted an orphaned cub named Tenom in Sabah last year and launched an awareness campaign urging customers to support the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah, in rehabilitating captive sun bears back into their forest habitat.