RESTAURATEURS and eateries have urged Putrajaya to allow them to extend business operation hours during the fasting month at the end of April.

They told The Malaysian Insight the current operating time from 8am to 8pm under the movement-control order (MCO) would affect their income, especially if they’re unable to cater to Muslims after fasting.

President of Federal Territory and Selangor Malay Muslim Restaurant Operators’ Association, Ayob Abdul Majid, feared many restaurants will end up shutting down if the government fails to extend the operating hours.

“Even now, most of our members are feeling the effect (of slow business due to MCO).

“Our daily profit is only about 20% to 30%. Although we use delivery services like Foodpanda and Grab, it is still difficult.

“That’s why we ask the government to extend the operation until after 8pm. Even if it’s 10pm, it’s ok,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

In previous years, some restaurant owners closed their shops during the fasting month and would be operating at Ramadan bazaars, he said.

This is not possible this year after Putrajaya decided that there will be no Ramadan bazaars this year until the MCO is lifted.

The Federal Territories Ministry, however, will be looking at three new concepts – drive-through, pre-order and e-hailing delivery food – to replace the banned Ramadan bazaars.

Phase III of the MCO ends on April 28 while Ramadan starts on April 24.

The MCO was enforced on March 18 to break the chain of Covid-19 infections, which recorded 4,817 cases as of yesterday, with 77 deaths.

Even if the MCO is lifted on April 24, the government is likely to continue to enforce restricted movement to curb Covid-19.

Since April 1, food outlets, convenient stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets can only operate from 8am to 8pm.

Ampang Jaya restaurant owner Mohamed Azrin Anver Ali also hoped the government would allow Indian-Muslim restaurants to operate for 24 hours during the fasting month.

He told The Malaysian Insight if the government allowed a 24-hour operation period during the fasting month, it would make it easier for customers to buy food for the breaking of fast and the pre-dawn meal (sahur).

“Not everyone can afford to break fast at home, especially the front-line staff,” he said, adding that restaurant owners have to take extra precautions such as providing hand sanitisers and practising social distancing.

Staring at closure

Azrin said he’s worried that if the government continues with the current operating hours, restaurants would continue to record 90% losses during the fasting month.

“Many of the restaurant owners will close shop. Not all building owners are giving up or reducing rent. We also need to take care of the welfare of the staff, such as salaries, food and accommodation.”

Another restaurant owner in Sg Buloh, Rasidah Hamzah, said he has no choice but to comply with the existing restriction order if the government refuses to grant an exemption.

As a trader, he faces difficulties and is confused by the operation hours provided in guidelines set by the government, especially during the fasting month.

“With such a short period of time ahead of Ramadan, we can only try to survive in these difficult times,” Rasidah said.

“When it comes to fasting, I am frustrated because the short period of time is up to 8pm. We sell food like tom yam that is consumed more at night time.

“So, I expect my business to decline and now I’ve terminated six employees,” he said.

The Sabah India Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry also launched a joint proposal asking the government to extend the operation of Muslim restaurants throughout Ramadan.

Its adviser, Baisul Khan Salman Faris, suggested that restaurant business hours be from 3pm to 3am.

“The government should consider allowing restaurants to operate from 3pm to 3am during Ramadan,” Baisul Khan said.

“Not everyone can afford to cook at home.”

Sabah has set restaurant operating hours from 6am to 6pm. – April 14, 2020.