(PETALING JAYA 24 Nov) Action taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall against bilingual signboards have affected 15,000 restaurants operated by Chinese nationals in Malaysia, says Gao Haoyun.

The president of the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Restaurant Association said the crackdown had created cost pressure for the restaurant operators.

He called on the authorities to recognise the cultural value and current development of the food and beverage industry operated by Chinese nationals in Malaysia when it comes to implementing policies.

This would help in striking a balance between urban management regulations and supporting the food and beverage industry to benefit the operators and consumers from both China and Malaysia.

In a statement, Gao said since 2004, Chinese restaurant operated by Chinese nationals mushroomed from 10 to 15,000 now, a close to 1,000-fold increase in 20 years.

“We have also created over 100,000 jobs, making the industry a driver of economic growth, promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation between China and Malaysia.

“Notably, 85 per cent of food and beverage businesses which operate under a China-Malaysia cooperative model have integrated into the local business ecosystem while showcasing cultural diversity in Malaysia,” he said.

However, Gao emphasised that the financial burden of the crackdown on signboards cannot be ignored. Costs associated with redesigning, manufacturing, and installing new signboards strain businesses, especially the cost for raw materials and labour are on the rise now.

He urged the city hall to consider contributions by the restaurants to cultural diversity and economic development when implementing urban management policies.

“We will actively engage with relevant authorities to seek reasonable solutions to the signboard issue, helping the industry overcome challenges and develop steadily, ‘’ he said.

Chinese signboard without Malay language has become an issue after former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad asked whether Malaysia has become part of China.

Dr Mahathir claimed that shops display signboards with only Chinese words.