At the time of publishing, Penang Monthly has yet to receive responses from several stakeholders involved in the decision-making process regarding this matter. However, it is understood that a modified proposal for the foreign worker ban is being prepared by MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang for presentation at the next council meeting, which will be held soon. It is expected that the expansion of the ban will be enforced early next year.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, MBPP Councillor Tan Soo Siang and Penang EXCO Jason H’ng echoed the 2016 call by Lim Guan Eng to ban foreigners from cooking 13 local dishes in Penang—Nasi Lemak, Assam Laksa, Pasembur, Mee Sotong, Char Koay Teow, Koay Teow Soup, Hokkien Mee, Curry Mee, Wan Tan Mee, Lor Bak, Chee Cheong Fun, Char Koay Kak and Oh Chien. Currently, this ban applies only to state-owned food courts.
However, I see the proposed expansion of the ban—a protectionist measure intended to “preserve the authenticity” of Penang’s iconic street food—as not only short-sighted, but a hindrance to the growth of the food and beverages sector in the state.
