GEORGE TOWN: Business is running as usual for the famous laksa shop that Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz visited, sparking halal certification.
The shop along Lebuh Keng Kwee boasted a long queue of patrons of all races and walks of life.
The queue for the shop seemed endless, with owner Tiger Leow sharing that during school holidays the line grows till the end of the road.
"It was started by my grandmother 45 years ago along this same road.
"Then my parents took over and they moved to a proper shop lot.
"I took over from them three years ago and got it Halal certified in Sept 2022.
"We offer oyster omelette and Char Koay Teow as well," he said when met at his shop on Thursday (Sept 18).
Leow said Tengku Zafrul visited his shop a few months ago with family.
He appreciated the post but assured the public that his shop is halal certified.
"I have not had any issues and I am grateful for the crowd especially during the school holidays," he said.
A recent post on social media by the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister garnered mixed reactions from netizens.
He visited the laksa shop, considered one of the most popular in Penang, but its halal status has sparked some controversy.
While Tengku Zafrul clarified that he saw the halal certificate there and shared a picture of the halal certificate in the post.
Some netizens were quick to comment that the halal certification had been withdrawn, while others hoped it was safe to eat there.
Nur Sakinah said she was a Penangite but would not go to the shop as there are other Muslim-owned businesses she could patronise.
Sazella Zainuddin said she would not wait in line like Zafrul and would go on a a work day to check out the shop.
Senior lecturer Shera Hamid, 45, who was in town with her family from Melaka said she heard of the shop from her fellow lecturer friend.
"My friend is a Penangite and frequents this laksa shop.
"I decided since I am in town I should check it out.
"My friend is Muslim as well and she raves about their laksa.
"For me as long as the place is certified, there is no issue," she said.
