The popular Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant in Penang has assured its customers that it will not cease operations and that it will be open for business as usual.
Its owner, Abdul Hamid Seeni Pakir, 76, said whatever happens, the restaurant, which has already become a tourism icon, will not be shut down by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).
Abdul Hamid has also called on nasi kandar enthusiasts to not worry as the matter was merely a misunderstanding and the issue of the Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant being force to be shut down is false.
“The restaurant will not be closed down. I don’t see a reason why the restaurant should be closed down. Even though the state municipal council has forced us to do so, we will continue operating. We have many return customers,” he said.
He explained the matter was a misunderstanding regarding the rotation of management between four of its business partners and that the dispute needs to be resolved soon, if not the MPPP will force the restaurant to vacate the premises.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid’s son, Hashim Abdul Hamid said, they will bring the matter to the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) claiming a case of abuse of power by the MPPP regarding the application of their operating license.
Regular customer, Ismett Azyze, 69, from Bayan Lepas hoped that the rumours were untrue, adding, that the Line Clear restaurant is synonymous with Penang and should be retained.
Her sentiments were echoed by several other customers, describing the restaurant as unique and has made a big name for itself.
“Why shut it down? This place is already a tradition. There must be a reason behind it but in my opinion it should be retained. I’m from Puchong and I came all the way here to eat at the Line Clear restaurant in Penang. Without Line Clear, everything will not be clear,” said M. Fadil Razak.
A tourist from the United States, Felicia Khor, who came to know about the restaurant through Facebook, praised the food and said it should be retained.
On Monday the MPPP announced the Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant could face eviction in two weeks if the dispute over the rotation of management between four of its business partners is not resolved.
It added the council had also received a complaint that one of the partners, Abdul Hamid Seeni Pakir, had refused to abide by an arrangement that had been in force since the 1950s whereby the partners would take turns annually to operate the outlet.
Abdul Hamid reportedly does not have an operating license and according to records, the MPPP has only issued three licenses to Sahubarali China Mohd Hanibah, Abdul Latif Thulkarunai and Pathumah Iskandar to carry out operations at the site.
Astro Awani
Tue Jun 03 2014
The Line Clear Nasi Kandar restaurant will be open for business as usual. - File Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.