A COFFEESHOP that has been operating for more than eight decades is not merely a place for locals to enjoy a cup of coffee.
It is a witness to history and a symbol of unity among a multiracial community from even before the country gained independence.
Kedai Kopi Hai Peng, which began operations in 1940, was founded by Wong Sang Hai who hailed from Hainan, China.
Since its opening, it has attracted customers of all races and backgrounds, making it one of the main meeting points in Kemaman’s Chukai town, Terengganu.
Richard Wong Tien Loong, 38, who currently runs the business, said the coffeeshop has provided a place for Malaysia’s multi races to sit at the same table to enjoy coffee, toast and good conversation.
“I am happy that the coffeeshop founded by my grandfather 86 years ago is still a place where people from various communities meet,” he said when met at Kedai Kopi Hai Peng.
Richard said he took over management of the coffeeshop from his aunt in 2014, and the business had continued to grow.
The shop, he said, remained a favourite among customers from within and outside the district.
“The continuity of management across generations has enabled this place to operate to this day while retaining its identity as one of the longest-running coffeeshops in Chukai,” he told Bernama.
Richard said the name Hai Peng meant “seaside” in Chinese, linked to the identity of Chukai as a coastal town.
He said the coffeeshop started as a simple wooden structure before being rebuilt more than 30 years ago, although its identity and location had remained unchanged ever since.
“Besides Hainanese coffee, which is our signature, customers can also enjoy breakfast items such as kaya toast, half-boiled eggs, nasi lemak and several types of traditional kuih,” Richard added.
Long-time customer Datuk Seri Mohamed Rahim Hussin, 67, who has been patronising the coffeeshop since 1979, is delighted to see customers from diverse races patronising the eatery.
He said he initially chose the coffeeshop as a breakfast spot because there were not many eateries in town at the time, but its comfort, atmosphere and unique character made him a loyal customer to this day.
“I also often invite friends from different backgrounds to meet here when we get together.”
The businessman hopes that the coffeeshop, which has become part of Chukai’s development history, will continue to be preserved and passed down to future generations.
He said this was important so that its story, traditions and unique character would not be lost to time.
Peter Lau, 64, who grew up not far from the eatery, said his father had often taken him to the coffeeshop for breakfast from the time he was five.
The retail hardware business owner said his father used to visit the coffeeshop to enjoy coffee while meeting up with friends of various races.
“I’m happy to see the friendly atmosphere remaining to this day, with customers greeting each other.
“This atmosphere also reflects the harmony and mutual respect that forms the foundation of our society,” he said.
A. Thevanthiran, 51, from Kuantan, Pahang, said he occasionally took his family to the coffeeshop for breakfast despite having to travel a considerable distance.
“My family enjoys the food and drinks here.
“We like it here because it is always filled with customers who reflect the multi-racial nation.”
He said the unity prevalent at the coffeeshop was a good example of harmony for his children to witness.
