Datuk Khatijah Ibrahim, the well-known singer with a sonorous voice who once operated a restaurant in New Zealand, is set to expand her restaurant business to New York, the United States, soon.

Khadijah's Kitchen, currently operating in Danau Kota, Setapak, here, and Petaling Jaya, Selangor will also be opening more branches throughout the country.

Khatijah made the announcement at a "Malam Kasih Bertaut" dinner function, held at her alma mater, SMK (P) Air Panas, here, last Saturday.

"I hope all of you will pray for my success," said Khatijah, who was also the guest singer at the function held in the school hall.

Khadijah's Kitchen in Petaling Jaya began operating six years ago while the second outlet at PV 128 in Danau Kota, Setapak opened for business last year.

Among the favourite dishes with diners at Khadijah's Kitchen are egg tofu, tom yam and French loaf dipped in lamb stew.

Meanwhile, at the event, the school hall was officially renamed Dewan Tan Sri Zulhasnan, after former Setiawangsa member of parliament, Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique.

School principal Norrizan Bahari said the hall, formerly known as Dewan Bestari was named in honour of the former MP for his significant contributions while in office for 13 years.

"When he was the member of parliament, he cared for the school and he was responsible for the building of the school hall," she told Bernama.

Also present were Zulhasnan, who is also the chancellor of Geomatika University College, and former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager, Datuk Yong Soo Heong.

The event was also graced by singer and actress Raja Ema, who was also a student of the school.

In his speech, Zulhasnan said school activities should be given much attention as schools were a vital platform for developing future leaders.

More than RM60,000 was raised from the dinner through the sale of tables to improve the school facilities.