Customers excited to return to eateries in Perlis

KANGAR: After a much-awaited announcement, people in Perlis were excited today to dine in following the state's transition to Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Bernama found that the public began to converge at the restaurants and other eateries to enjoy their breakfast as early as 7 am.

They are willing to stand in the long queue for tables and follow the stipulated standard operating procedure (SOP) on physical distancing which limits two persons to a table.

The situation indeed has given eatery operators a huge sigh of relief to keep afloat when their income has been affected since the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 was implemented beginning May 7.

Roti canai seller Mohd Azuam Azwadi said he could was kept busy today with more than 20 customers queuing up as the tables were limited in his shop.

"My shop can only accommodate 10 tables to comply with the physical distancing rule. Alhamdulillah, every customer understands and patiently waits for their turn," said the 30-year-old.

Kopitiam owner, Khor Sooi Hwang, 56, said she had expected many customers at her shop today as she was aware of people's excitement who had not enjoyed a meal at the shop for over two months.

"Many customers have told me that eating at home is not the same as eating out. They say dining in is more enjoyable as the atmosphere is different than at home," said the mother of five.

Meanwhile, for others, the permission to dine in was seen as a cure for their longing to eat outside which was their daily routine before the MCO was enforced.

A customer, Rusli Ali, 50, expressed happiness over his return to eating out today.

"For me, the excitement of eating at a shop with friends before going to the office today is like celebrating Hari Raya. We still follow the SOP like physical distancing," said the technician with a chuckle.

Another customer, Nur Diyana Radzi, 29, said since the MCO, she had to get up as early as 5 am to cook to bring food to work as she disliked buying packed food.

"Alhamdulillah, I can finally eat at the shop as usual. I also feel relieved as I don't have to cook daily anymore," said the civil servant.

-- BERNAMA