Illegal Al Fresco Dining Malaysians To Blame For Creating Demand

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PARISIANS indulge in people watching while sipping coffee at sidewalk seats called a terrasse.
In Italy, denizens soak up the Mediterranean sunshine with al fresco dining with tables lining the outside of restaurants.
In Malaysia, a similar phenomenon exists but alas, illegally as many Chinese food courts, Malay seafood diners and the obligatory mamak restaurants pile their tables and chairs on walkways, kerbsides and parking bays.
Malaysians take such dining mannerism for granted. It is ubiquitous; simply walk into any taman and one will come across the sight of illegally placed tables and chairs outside restaurants.
This was the point being highlighted by Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng who pointed to Restaurant San Ching San Hokkien Mee (in Taman Usahawan Kepong which falls under his constituency) which had tables and chairs illegally filling up parking spots.
This is despite the owner of this famous Hokkien noodle shop (according to online reviews) having been served with repeated notices to refrain from doing so.

As a prevention measure, the DAP lawmaker who is also a lawyer called for stricter enforcement given the blatant disregard for the law, never mind civic-mindedness.
Recall that this this is not the first time that Lim has highlighted parking woes that emanated from this trendy al fresco dining method in his constituency.

As this an entirely normal occurrence in this country, there were plenty of other examples highlighted as well.

One netizen suggested that the municipal authorities just charge rent for the bays occupied. He claimed that this would be a win-win situation though he did not address the issue of overcrowded sidewalks.

Of course, suggestion of corruption was rife with many commenters citing the lack of enforcement as proof.

However, a big part of the problem is how the habit out ‘fresh air’ dining has become ingrained in all Malaysians.
Outside seating is almost expected, of which in some instances, preferred. Some netizens even suggested closing one eye – especially at night or after office hours – which seems to be the prevailing attitude.

One commenter lamented that things will never change. He went on to suggest that creative improvisation is necessary to change the mindset now that the enforcement method alone will no longer do the trick.

But one netizen hit the nail on the head when he proclaimed, “no demand, no supply”.

This problem will never go away so long as consumers are willing to patronise such restaurants. The solution begins with you. – Focus Malaysia

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