By V. Sivaji
One of Penang’s main attractions, the famous nasi kandar sector is facing a shortage of 20,000 workers.
The situation is made alarming with the opening of interstate travel and the large influx of visitors to the island.
“We cannot cope with the demand as we are facing an acute shortage of workers to serve and take care of our customers.
“On top of this we also need more workers to ensure the standard operating procedures (SOP) are followed constantly.
“We are also in fear and are under pressure from local authorities to enforce SOPs,” said Mohamed Rizwan Abdul Ghafoor Khan, president of Pertubuhan Komuniti India Muslim Malaysia at a press conference along Campbell Street earlier today.
Rizwan called on the authorities to cooperate and understand their plight to over come this situation.
“We have complied with SOPs to put up the relevant posters and reminders for customers to follow SOPs at all times.
“We sometimes pity the customers who have to wait for a long time in order to be served or to prepare their takeaways,” added Rizwan.
He also added that there are some 200 small and big nasi kandar restaurants in Penang and many have not opened for dine-in due to the shortage of workers.
He called on the government to lift the freeze on foreign workers to overcome their plight.
Rizwan also made a plea with authorities so that for nasi kandar workers to scan the MySejahtera only once a day.
“They are occasion that the staff has to go out to buy groceries, serve/check on customers etc and re-enter the outlet again,” he added.
Also present was the owner of the famous Hameediyah Restaurant, Ahmad Seeni Pakir.
Ahmad Seeni said that could not cope with the large flow of customers and takes pity that customers have to wait for so long.
“We have not opened our second outlet along the same row due to the shortage of workers. People come from far and near to enjoy our famous nasi kandar but we cannot cope with the service.
“We hope that the government can consider to allow foreign workers to work in the service sector,” said Ahmad Seeni.
He added that they presently have only 20 workers and the optimum number should be 50 workers for both restaurants.
On another note he also added that the restaurant will be paying the RM10,000 fine imposed recently.
Rizwan called on locals to take up employment in the sector. They offer a basic salary up to RM1,800, EPF, SOCSO and overtime.