GEORGE TOWN, July 18 — The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) plans to enforce a ban on foreign cooks in all hawker stalls, food courts, and coffee shops starting next year, pending approval of a new policy. MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang announced that the proposal is nearly finalized and awaiting the next council meeting for approval. “Once approved, it will be added to the city council by-laws and enforceable from the beginning of next year,” she stated during a press conference with state executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye at Komtar.
The move follows numerous complaints from locals about the quality of food prepared by foreign cooks at privately-owned food establishments. This new ban will extend the existing prohibition, implemented since 2016, on foreign cooks preparing 13 specific types of local hawker food at MBPP-owned hawker centres and food courts. Tan clarified that the ban will not impact cafes, restaurants, hotels, and franchises offering similar dishes.
