‘Consult stakeholders’
KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive study needs to be done before a directive is issued to compel restaurants to hire only local cooks, consumer rights groups said.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said while the association welcomed the emphasis on local talent, the ministry should consult industry players, such as restaurant operators and consumer associations.
“Restaurants largely now use foreign cooks,” he said.
“We see this in mamak restaurants, whose cooks are usually from India, while stalls offering East Coast dishes normally hire Thai cooks. Chinese restaurants, meanwhile, hire Chinese or Vietnamese cooks.”
Nadzim said while the move would solve issues concerning foreign workers, the ministry should take into account the wages required to hire Malaysians and other costs borne by restaurateurs.
“There has been controversy over the hygiene of foreign cooks. This must be tackled by the authorities as it involves public safety.”
Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam president Datuk Dr Jacob George said the ministry should not have made a hasty decision without consulting industry players.
“Many restaurants hire foreigners because they are cheaper and have the necessary skills.”
He said the ministry’s proposal could be realised but should not be done hastily.
Kayu Nasi Kandar Restaurant chief executive officer Sirajudin Mohamed Mydin said the implementation of such a regulation should take into account problems that restaurant operators might face, especially in finding replacements in a short time.
“It would not be easy for us (food traders) to find a good cook in a short period of time. Although we can provide training for the new workers, it takes time to develop a skilful cook.”
Restaurant operator Jemain Sakat, 54, said the suggestion was justified but should not be implemented hastily due to the lack of local manpower.