MELAKA: Two more prominent eateries in the historical city are expected to cease operations soon, says Malaysia-Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors Association president Wong Teu Hoon.
The impending closure follows news of the popular Capitol Satay Celup, along Lorong Bukit Cina here, closing shop within the next two months after over 30 years in business.
“Apart from Capitol Satay Celup, I was told that two other popular restaurants are expected to discontinue their operations soon,” Wong said in an interview yesterday.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also caused a well-known restaurant in Taman Melaka Raya here to shutter about two months back.
Wong, however, feels that things will look up for the dining scene as Melaka advances to Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan today.
He said that presently, only a handful of patrons were eating out although dining-in at restaurants was allowed for those fully vaccinated.
Wong also said that 50% of the eateries across the country had restarted their business when the operation hours were extended from 6am to midnight.
“There are still many of our members throughout the country who have yet to reopen their outlets due to health and safety concerns, apart from insufficient manpower to check the vaccination status of dine-in patrons.
“Everyone wants to avoid getting compound notices for not abiding by the standard operating procedure,” he added.
Wong said he was optimistic that eatery owners would be more confident in welcoming diners back when the vaccination figures improve further.
Melaka Chief Minister’s secretary for community affairs Yong Fun Juan said other factors had also contributed to eateries having to shut down.
“They not only have to deal with a reduced number of customers but also an increase in rent, and other issues including compound notices,” he said.
Yong said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali had asked him to look into the needs and welfare of eatery owners in the state.