Malaysia’s 24-hour eateries urged to cut hours to tackle obesity concerns, but locals lack appetite for change
In Malaysia, most of the eateries that operate for 24 hours are the mamak restaurants, alongside several branches of fast-food chains such as McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
During the early hours of the morning, Mr Mukthahir’s mamak shop is frequented primarily by workers from the town’s 24-hour factories in the industrial park.
“They come here before or after work, depending on their shift. We accommodate that. I am not saying that we are only providing a service … we are of course making a profit at the same time,” he said.
Mamak restaurants are considered by many as one of the cornerstones of Malaysian cuisine, selling a variety of food at any time of the day in a casual setting and at relatively affordable prices.
Malaysian favourites such as roti canai, nasi lemak, and mee goreng are among their staples. Many these days even serve Western and Thai food as well.
These eateries are usually found in city-centres, near colleges and universities, as well as transportation hubs. They have become a popular gathering spot to watch late-night live football games, with some of the major matches shown on big screens.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Jawahar Ali Taib Khan told CNA that these qualities help make mamak restaurants a part of the country’s culture.
“People don’t only go to the mamak restaurants to eat and drink but to socialise because of their conduciveness and ease of access,” he said, adding that the eateries provided spaces for people to have discussions at any time of the day.
He said that there were about 12,000 mamak restaurants all over the country, with about half of them operating 24 hours.
He also denied suggestions that the 24-hour eateries are responsible for health issues in the country, saying that other factors such as an individual’s lifestyle practices were also a factor.
Mr Jawahar, however, said that they were ready to accept all opinions and suggestions and were ready to discuss the issue with CAP and the Health Ministry.
University student M. Kharan, 24, told CNA that he was at a mamak after midnight almost every other day as it was the most convenient place for him to purchase food at odd hours.
He also said that the Mamak eateries were the best place to “chill” or watch sports matches with his friends as the prices were much more affordable for a student like him than a bar or pub.
‘There is also a lot of variety of food,” he added.
