A malicious SMS spreading around Penang, urging Penangites to boycott their favourite nasi kandar stalls and restaurants, have caused business in the state to plummet. The SMS had accused nasi kandar operators of backing Umno’s illegal gathering to protest the Penang Government’s move not to carry out the New Economic Policy.
Malaysia Muslim Restaurant Operators Association president Sihabutheen Sirudu Mohamad said today members' businesses had been badly affected by the SMS.
The public, he said, had the wrong information by claiming that nasi kandar restaurant workers were involved in the illegal gathering.
"We lost customers, most notably the Chinese,” he said. "I hope the public will not believe in such rumours being spread by those who are irresponsible."
Meanwhile, the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) denied urging the boycott, condemning those responsible for trying to take advantage and accusing the organisation of spreading the boycott call.
Hindraf national coordinator R. S. Thainenthiran told a press conference today that the irresponsible act had led to a decline in the nasi kandar restaurant business in the state.
"I want to stress that we were never involved in releasing statements of any form to boycott nasi kandar restaurants,” he said. "Last Friday, there were certain people who claimed that Indian Muslims were involved in the gathering but these nasi kandar restaurants have nothing to do with it.
"Therefore, we urge everyone not to listen to this rumour. Nasi kandar restaurant operators are carrying out their business and were not involved in any gathering," he said.
Thainenthiran expressed hope that the rumour mongering would be stopped immediately as it hurt people's rice bowl.
He appealed to loyal customers, especially the Chinese, not to be influenced by the rumour. "Business is business, and it must not be associated with politics," he said.
Melissa Darlyne Chow
NST Online
PEOPLE'S POWER
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