Penang is one of Malaysia’s most sought-after food destinations for its street food, seafood and even fine-dining. It’s local street food is known as one of the most popular ones throughout the region and there has been talks about efforts to maintain its quality.
Foreigners cooking at local hawker stalls have been one of the concerns by certain Penangites that worried the foods will lose its authenticity. Therefore, the local council, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) has recently announced that foreigners will be banned from preparing 13 of Penang’s famous dishes.
The 13 foods include Nasi Lemak, Asam Laksa, Pasembur, Mee Sotong, Char Koay Teow, Koay Teow Th’ng, Hokkien Mee, Curry Mee, Wan Tan Mee, Loh Bak, Chee Cheong Fun, Char Koay Kak and Oh Chien.
While this policy was first introduced a decade ago, its enforcement began with ousting non-Malaysian cooks from hawker centres and food courts owned by the local government. The policy may now take shape with a blanket ban on foreign nationals working in any Penang-based hawker stall, food court, or coffee shop.
Penang state councillors and members of local government have stated that the policy aims to preserve the authenticity of local dishes while ensuring the quality of the plates that have made the state a food tourism hotspot.
However, MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang said currently the proposal is on paper and it is still pending approval in the next council meeting.
“It is about 90 per cent complete so once it’s approved, it will be added to the city council by-laws to be enforceable. The target is to enforce this in the beginning of next year,” she said in a press conference.
Tan stressed that the ban will not affect cafes, restaurants, hotels and franchises offering the same types of hawker food in their menus.
