Labour Day: Uncertain future for small restaurant owners like Zoe Rai

Rai still comes to work every day but has faced a 90% drop in sales at his restaurant, and sometimes only gets two orders a day. — Photos: ZOE RAI

Zoe Rai spent 14 years working at Bank Negara before switching trajectory to become a chef. He opened his first restaurant Zoe in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur early last year, specialising in regional and Western favourites gleaned from his travels and experiences.

But in the last month, Rai has faced a nearly 90% sales drop although he continues to work every day.