GEORGE TOWN – The proprietor of the Famous Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng in Pulau Tikus has managed to negotiate a six-month extension on his lease with the operator of the coffee shop from which he sells his dishes.
However, after that, stall owner Mahboob Md Zakarih, 67, will have to relocate, due to the sour relationship he has with the coffee-shop operator.
Mahboob’s daughter, Sameema, told The Vibes in a text message about the six-month extension.
Both parties have kept mum over the reasons behind their deteriorating relationship.
The stall has been operating in the same spot for 76 years, as the business was passed down to Mahboob from his father.
Recently, Mahboob and his family were embroiled in a dispute with the coffee-shop operator, who had demanded they move by March 1.
The family had said they received a notice telling them to move in under a month, to which Mahboob said it would be difficult to find a new location in such a short time, especially in the midst of a pandemic and economic downturn.
“The extension will give us the time to find a new location. It will allow my father to cook and to continue interacting with his loyal customers. We hope to find a spot soon,” said Sameema.
The coffee-shop operator could not be reached for comment.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit said he is also helping to identify some locations for Mahboob to consider.
Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Khoo Boo Lim said it is unfortunate if the mee goreng pioneer relocates but such things happen to many popular hawkers.
“Relocation is (not so bad) as, with social media now, the people can easily be redirected to the new location, like what happened to the Siam Road char koay teow hawker. The elderly char koay teow operator has opened his own shop after operating from a pushcart for many years.
“People will follow the food trail of their popular hawkers, unless they retire.”
What is important is that hawkers or street-food vendors maintain the consistency and quality of their dishes and keep prices reasonable, said Khoo. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
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