Restaurants targeting only Malays won't succeed, says chef

 

Restaurant operators who use racial sentiments and target certain races as customers will not be able to advance their business, said former MasterChef Malaysia judge chef Zubir Zain.

“Business owners should be aware that this country is multiethnic. If they only want to target the bumiputera market, it will be difficult for their business to expand,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Zubir (above), on the other hand, suggested that Muslim business owners focus on the concept of “Halalan Toyyiban” (permissible to be consumed or used, and must be good and beneficial to the consumer) instead of using racial sentiments to attract customers.

“The halal industry is very widespread in our country, even food businesses run by non-Muslims are also starting to pursue halal certification to attract Malays, who are the biggest consumers, to buy their products,” he said.

He said this when asked to comment on criticisms against fast food restaurant Darsa Fried Chicken (DFC) over its recent social media posting.

The incident started with the administrator of the restaurant’s Facebook page responding to a customer who questioned the high prices at the restaurant.

The restaurant then asked the customers not to be “deceived by the bad sentiment played by type C”, which is believed to refer to Chinese Malaysians.

The restaurant which claimed to be “100 percent bumiputera” later apologised on the grounds that the matter was unintentional.

The restaurant also claimed that its Facebook page administrator failed to control his emotions after reading negative comments on social media.

Failed ‘BMF’ campaign

Meanwhile, Kedah Consumers Association President Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff said the main factor for consumers to consider in supporting a business is the price of the products offered.

“It is most absurd to place the burden of guilt on some races,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yusrizal said racial issues will not have a place in business because, in the end, consumers will still choose a product based on quality and reasonable price.

“There used to be ‘buy Muslim first’ (BMF) campaigns to boost the bumiputera economy.

“However, this campaign failed because consumers would still prioritise the quality of goods and cheaper prices,” he said.

For Silomak Mambau restaurant operator, Abdullah Syukri Zahari, bumiputera traders should be more creative in marketing their products without touching on racial and religious sensitivities.

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The nasi lemak restaurant owner said their business targets various sections of society regardless of race.

“Thank God, our business has progressed and continues to grow as a result of our creative marketing on social media, and we are also wise to take the opportunity to participate in big events.

“Now our customers consist of 60 percent Malays, 30 percent Chinese, and 10 percent Indians,” he said.

Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia Quran and Sunnah Department senior lecturer Abu Hafiz Salleh Huddin said Islam encourages its followers to develop the economy, but it should be based on ethics, in addition to being in line with the Quran and Sunnah.

Referring to narrations from the prophet, Abu Hafiz said that Islam has long allowed trading with non-Muslims.

“Our religion clearly forbids any form of insult to other nations. Islam itself is very broad in the matter of business as long as it is halal,” he said.