TRIANG, Jan 24 (Sin Chew Daily) — A Malay restaurant’s Chinese patrons are more than happy to visit the restaurant decorated with red lanterns to usher in the Chinese New Year.

Red lanterns are seen at Seafood Corner 2 and it makes some people think it is a Chinese restaurant.

The restaurant has no Chinese characters on its signboard. It is actually a Malay restaurant patronized by Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Restaurant owner Shafiqah, 25, said the restaurant had been in business for three years. It was the second restaurant as the first closed down a year ago after operating for 18 years.

“We also hang red lanterns in the first restaurant during Chinese New Year although not many people were aware of that due to its remote location,” she said.

About 70% of the patrons at the second restaurant are Chinese, followed by Malays (25%) and Indians (5%), she explained.

“Some patrons are surprised by the presence of red lanterns in the restaurant. We are glad they are happy with the red lanterns,” she said.

Ye Yong Hao, a patron, said he occasionally visited the restaurant with friends.

The red lanterns remind him of Chinese New Year.

“Normally Chinese are the ones who put up red lanterns during Chinese New year. I do not expect the Malays to do so’ he said.

Another patron Hu Jian Sheng said the red lanterns made him feel good. He also did not expect the Malays would hang red lanterns for Chinese New Year.

“If the Malays are willing to hang red lanterns during Chinese New Year, this is a breakthrough. I find it attractive,” he said.