PETALING JAYA: Restaurants have been receiving more enquiries for wedding receptions following the decision to lift the 50% capacity limit for event venues from April 1, say operators. However, despite the relaxation, the public still have concerns over the high number of daily Covid-19 cases.

       Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association president Wong Teu Hoon said there was an increase in the number of enquiries for weddings at his restaurant.

       “But there are still worries from couples, especially in regard to the number of daily cases.

       “Similarly, many are still unsure whether to utilise the full capacity of the restaurants for their weddings,” he said, adding that he expected business to increase in terms of demand in the coming months.

       Wong said they were also preparing to increase their workforce but would need a larger number of foreign workers to meet the demand.

       The association’s vice-president, Datuk Ringo Kaw, said some couples opted for outdoor events such as garden weddings and preferred to host only smaller gatherings.

       “There are more enquiries but last-minute cancellations and postponements may also happen. Due to the pandemic, the number of people attending such gatherings will also lessen.

       “This is a good start although the situation is still unstable. We hope everything will get better,” he said.

       Selangor and Federal Territory Chinese Restaurant Operators Association said bookings for wedding receptions at some restaurants had shown a slight increase.

       “There is an increasing number of reservations but not so much,” said its vice-president Sia Boon Kong, adding that the high daily cases were also affecting the number of people dining out.

       “Despite the country transitioning to the endemic phase soon, people are still worried about Covid-19 cases. As a result, fewer customers have been eating out,” he said.

       In June 2020, at the height of the first movement control order, the association had said that more than two million table reservations were either cancelled or postponed in the Klang Valley, resulting in losses of up to RM3bil.