Outdoor Dining Please. We are Malaysians

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Outdoor Dining Please. We are Malaysians

AMIDST the supposed protests by residents who oppose the move by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council to legalise outdoor dining, another group have come out to support the nod by the local council to allow tables and chairs to be placed by road sides and five foot ways.

The practice of dining by the road side does not only allow for more space for operators, it also allows patrons to enjoy the cool open air environment while tucking in their favorite food or sipping their drink.

Yes. There are certain concerns to be taken seriously especially when it concerns public safety and health. Overcrowding of tables and chairs to the extent of obstructing the road, creating a public nuisance and hygiene are some of the reasons why some object to the new guidelines.

Nevertheless just like any other problem, there’s always a way to regulate and make the best to ensure that it can be done in the name of providing a better business-friendly environment for everyone. Regulating and being strict in enforcing this new guideline is crucial not only for its own success, but also for the safety of the public.

SJ Echo contacted several groups and sought their views on this matter. The following had these to share:

Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo-Burne : I support the idea. I am for the legalization and regulation of the practice. But it should not be allowed to go rampant to the point of blocking roads and destroying public property. Outdoor dining should require permits with number of tables being regulated and approved by MPSJ. Only tables bearing MPSJ permit should be allowed. This will also increase the revenue for the local council.

ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh : The practice of dining outdoors must be regulated. It’s a very Malaysian way of dining which even tourists enjoy. My main concern is the safety of those who patronize these stalls. This is one of the ways we can support local business during this economic downturn but it should not compromise on safety and pose an inconvenience to residents. The feedback of residents should be sought before MPSJ issues the permits for outdoor dining.

USJ Residents Association vice president Melvin Lee : Don’t deny others who enjoy outdoor dining just because some do not like or frequent such stalls. It is good that the council is implementing this to allow room to regulate the practice of placing tables and chairs by the roadside or five foot way. This allows operators to know their boundaries and keep to it. Our Malaysian weather is humid. Many patrons prefer to sit outside inside of being inside a shop. Regulating the practice provides transparency in this industry and helps reduce corruption.

MPSJ councilors:

1. Chong Kuen Yip : I supported this move during the Licensing Committee meeting when it was brought up. The placing of tables and chairs depends on the suitability of the site. Even back lanes should be allowed. Many shops do not have sufficient space within their premises to cater to diners. Instead of issuing summonses daily, why not regulate these shops? MPSJ will evaluate every application on a case by case basis. We have to be strict in the implementation. Operators have to ensure they comply with all the conditions set such as adhering to the time and also ensuring the cleanliness of the place. The suggestion is for them to pay six months in advance to make it less inconvenient for them. Any extra tables put out other than stipulated in their permit will be confiscated. By regulating, we can weed out and minimize the incidences of corruption and bribes.

2. Chang Kim Loong : Regulating outdoor dining will reduce temptation of corruption. Safety however, must not be compromised. Lighting, road humps and barricades can be put up to protect patrons and also to alert drivers along the stretch.

3. Cheah Sang Soon : If there’s no obstruction to traffic flow, I fully support the system.

4. Arumugam A/L Kalimuthu : I have my reservations. We need to look at the overall impact. Issues of hygiene, safety, congestion, monopoly and sub-letting must be addressed.

5. Ken Chia : I remain neutral on this. I have received public complaints from USJ2 and also some premises in Sunway Metro. In some situations, this new regulation may not apply.

6. Roslan Shahir : The Licensing Committee supported the idea unanimously after taking into consideration a lot of factors including our local lifestyle and revenue for MPSJ. I am for it. I had in fact proposed at the recent full board meeting that the Licensing Department go down on the ground and educate the operators, teaching them how to apply for the permits.

7. Ng Sze Han : Malaysians love sitting outside because of the hot weather. I support this new policy. Restaurant operators can then run their business peacefully and with minimum fees. I urge all restaurant operators to apply for it.

8. 6. Chia Kwa Loy : I fully agree with MPSJ’s decision. Times are bad. So why don’t we allow the shop owners to do more if they can.