Restaurant mentioned in PM address has operator on cloud nine

When Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned her father's restaurant today, Faridah Salleh, 46, was pleasantly shocked and excited as she did not expect the eatery would get the prime minister's attention.

Faridah and her two younger siblings took over operations of Mi Kolok Haji Salleh from their father Salleh Reduan, 72 who was not able to run it due to age factor.

"I was shaking with excitement after hearing our business was mentioned by Muhiyiddin in his special address this afternoon," she said when contacted by Bernama.

Restoran Mi Kolok Haji Salleh became the Prime Minister's second example to explain the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package which he announced today.

Faridah, however, remained humble and felt that Muhiyiddin's acknowledgement and recognition of her father's restaurant was a generic reference for all entrepreneurs.

Sharing her experience since the implementation of the MCO since March 18, Faridah said although business has been affected, she and her siblings are soldiering on.

"The MCO effects have been huge as we hardly make any profit. Profit from the sales is used to pay staff salary, shop rental and electricity bills. That is important," she said.

She added any profit made was also used to pay their suppliers as their father did not like to be in debt.

While expressing her appreciation over the aid initiatives announced by Muhyiddin, she hoped that the prime minister would also visit the restaurant known for its Mi Kolok and Mi Sapi someday.

"I hope he would spring us another surprise by dropping by for a meal someday," he said.

Faridah said Sarawak chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and former chief minister the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem were regular customers of Restoran Mi Kolok Haji Salleh.

-- BERNAMA