We’d rather have food and footie at home, say ex-mamak-stall goers

PETALING JAYA: It’s not just mamak stalls that are not keen on staying open past midnight, their patrons too do not want any late night gatherings at these shops.

Graphic designer Jonathan Lau Junn Kit, 29, said that ever since the movement control order was implemented, he had stopped frequenting mamak restaurants.

“Prior to the pandemic, I would hang out with my friends at the mamak till the wee hours of the morning.

“Now, with mamak restaurants allowed to operate till midnight, I am still hesitant as there is a risk of catching Covid-19, especially when the crowds start to build,” he said.

He added that his friends chose to gather at each other’s homes instead while also keeping within their social bubble.

Lau also said that he would opt to either cook or just order food, using delivery services, if he had a craving for a late night bite.

Operations manager Raymond Tan Wai Meng, 32, shared a similar sentiment, saying he seldom goes to mamak restaurants for social activities these days.

“I used to watch big football games at mamak restaurants before the pandemic but I have since decided to watch them at home instead.

“When restrictions were relaxed last year, I did try heading there for a game but was uncomfortable with the size of the crowd even though there was physical distancing,” he said.

He added that since then, he only heads to the mamak restaurants for a quick meal.

Business development executive Araz Amirul Rahim Ashraff, 25, said he and his friends have also stopped frequenting mamak restaurants.

“Previously, we could spend up to four hours there but since the pandemic struck, we grew out of it.

“My friends who are big football fans have stopped watching even the early kick-off games there,” said Araz, a Covid-19 patient himself.

He said suffering from Covid-19 has discouraged him from going out for meals.

A mamak restaurant patron, who wanted to be known only as Ronald, 29, said he cut down his trips to the shops after the pandemic.

“I used to be there almost every day with each hangout session lasting up to five hours.

“Those were good times but the situation is not ideal now as we do not know who could be a carrier,” he said.

Ronald added that he had less time now as he wanted to make up for income lost during the months in lockdown.