JOHOR BARU: Restaurants have described the government’s decision to extend their operating hours until midnight as an economic lifeline, but warn that some outlet owners may face increased costs.

       Malaysian Indian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said some of its members might see their operational costs increase as they would require their workers to work longer hours following the decision.

       “Indian Muslim restaurants are unlikely to operate until midnight due to the shortage of workers that we are facing now, which is a dilemma for us.

       “Some of our foreign workers who have returned to their countries cannot come back, while locals are not interested in working in restaurants,” he said in an interview yesterday.

       “In the near future, we may opt for self-service at Indian Muslim restaurants as we do not have enough workers to give good service to customers,” said Jawahar Ali.

       Malaysia-Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors Association president Wong Teu Hoon said the extended operating hours would give the people, especially working parents, ample time to buy meals.“What is important is that everyone must make sure they follow the standard operating procedures,” he added.

       Johor Malay Non-governmental Organisations Coalition Council president Zaini Atan described the extended operating hours as a lifeline for many economic sectors, especially those in the restaurant business.“I have owned a restaurant and a catering business for more than 25 years. Before the pandemic hit, I was able to record sales of up to RM300,000 a month from my catering service. But because of Covid-19, I have lost about 80%,” he said.

       On Tuesday, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had said that petrol stations, eateries and convenience stores in all states would soon be allowed to open until midnight regardless of the National Recovery Plan phase they were in.

       “The exception will only be for localities placed under an enhanced movement control order,” he said.

       Currently, petrol stations, eateries and marts can only open between 8am and 8pm in Phase One states and from 6am to 10pm in Phase Two states.

       Welcoming the decision, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said it was what they had been hoping for.

       “With longer operating hours, we can see better business while customers will have ample time to consume their food,” he said.

       He said currently, there were customers who came after 9pm and by the time their dishes were ready, they would have limited time to eat.

       “I feel sorry seeing them having to quickly finish their food and leave before 10pm for fear of being compounded,” Tong added.