The Malaysian Insight

THE two-week movement-control order (MCO) that started on Wednesday to contain the spread of Covid-19 allows marriage ceremonies, but prohibits receptions.

Though the order was announced on Monday night, checks with some Chinese restaurants the next day found that up to 90% of dinner events, including wedding celebrations, were postponed or cancelled much earlier.

Some of the cancellations and postponements started early this month, soon after Malaysia was hit by a second wave of coronavirus infections.

There were 110 new cases yesterday, bringing the national total to 900 with two deaths.

Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs’ Association president Wong Teu Hoon said many members reported that customers began cancelling bookings soon after the prime minister’s announcement.

These cancellations are for bookings made for dates during the MCO enforcement period until March 31.

Most April bookings have been postponed indefinitely until the pandemic eases, while those for May are still intact.

Restaurateurs said some bookings have slashed the number of tables required from 50 to 20, as hosts expect guests not to show up.

Wong said restaurants are worried about their earnings, but cannot do much about the situation.

“Restaurateurs have to be understanding about customers’ concerns. We won’t ask them to pay the full sum; the restaurant keeps the deposit and the customer can use it to arrange a future dinner,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Restaurant managing director Too Han Kwong, who runs Hee Lai Ton Restaurant in Pudu, said after Chinese New Year in late January, the eatery has been quiet.

That period coincided with the first few cases of Covid-19 in Malaysia.

“This week, we are going to see hundreds of tables for wedding banquets cancelled. Customers will still have to pay a deposit, which can be used to reschedule their event till after the pandemic,” said Too.

Such banquets rake in the biggest earnings for Chinese restaurants. Without them, restaurants can still survive from after-work clientele and tourists, but this is affected, too, under the MCO.

“I estimate we have 70% fewer tourists, while those who work in the city and who would usually eat out are no longer doing so,” added Too.

Both Wong and Too hope the government will provide some assistance to restaurateurs, as the economic stimulus package to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 leaves out the food and beverage industry.

“The government seems to have forgotten the restaurant business in its stimulus plan,” said Wong.

“Some operators have high overheads, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, where rental is very costly.”

Too said Putrajaya should consider suspending the 6% sales and services tax to help eateries recoup when they reopen after the restriction order is lifted.

Selangor and Federal Territory Ku Su Shin Choong Hung Restaurant Association president Lum Tuck Loy said the Chinese restaurant industry can only wait and hope to pick up the pieces after the pandemic ends.

“There is no chance for any remedy now. Even in Hong Kong, hundreds of restaurants have closed. Human life has to come first right now.” – March 20, 2020.