Most people eat to live, but not Malaysians – we live to eat, and we’re damn proud of it. While we do love our fancy cafes and restaurants, roadside hawker stalls are a huge part of our foodie culture for being conveniently accessible, affordable and satisfying.. but it seems like the M’sian authorities are about to change things around here in Kuala Lumpur.
Federal Territories (FT) Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has reportedly said that all roadside traders are to be moved elsewhere or will have to operate from food trucks by 2020. Food will also not be allowed to be prepared by the roadside, before selling them at the premises allocated.
While this doesn’t mean that the roadside stalls will be prohibited from operating, these roadside traders will have to upgrade into becoming food truck vendors, which may incur more cost. With that said, the ministry insists that a new system will help them ease their businesses, which includes a grant by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
On the bright side, this initiative will tidy up the streets of Kuala Lumpur, but on the other hand, this may see the disappearance of our authentic food culture. What are your thoughts?
