PENANG, May 19 (Sin Chew Daily) – The famous asam laksa stall at Air Itam market has decided to call it a day after facing harassment from debt collectors.

The operator, Ang Kak Seong, said he had no choice but to make such painful decision as debt collectors were asking for repayments from him as his eldest son, who borrowed money from several groups, had gone missing for months.

Ang, who made the announcement through Air Itam state assemblyman Joseph Ng, said his son owed huge debts and he had reached a stage that he was unable to repay for his son.

Together with his wife and daughters, Ang also announced disowning the son.

"The business has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but my son keeps owing money. We are unable to focus on the business as debt collectors harass us for money," he said.

Ang hopes the debt collectors would not come after him anymore.

He also thanked the media, patrons and shops in the area for their support over the years and the coverage for asam laksa in international news.

Ang announced on Facebook the last day of his 66-year business established since 1955 at the Air Itam market on the way to Kek Lo Si Temple.

It will become fond memories of Penangites and tourists, known as one of the delicacies of Penang.

Many local customers and fans bought asam laksa after learning that the stall's last day was on May 18.

A female customer, identified as Madam Luo, packed 80 bags of asam laksa to share with her friends and family members on the last day of business.

Madam Luo said she bought 30 packs of broth and 50 packs of laksa.

"Asam laksa is an iconic delicacy of Penang. It is also part of the collective memories for Penangites," she said.

Madam Luo is keeping the 30 packs of asam laksa broth in the freezer for her daughter, friends and relatives in Kuala Lumpur.