"We will not close even if we were forced to do so" - Line Clear Nasi Kandar owner

The popular Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant in Penang has assured its customers that it will not cease operations and that it will be open for business as usual.

Its owner, Abdul Hamid Seeni Pakir, 76, said whatever happens, the restaurant, which has already become a tourism icon, will not be shut down by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).

Abdul Hamid has also called on nasi kandar enthusiasts to not worry as the matter was merely a misunderstanding and the issue of the Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant being force to be shut down is false.

“The restaurant will not be closed down. I don’t see a reason why the restaurant should be closed down. Even though the state municipal council has forced us to do so, we will continue operating. We have many return customers,” he said.

He explained the matter was a misunderstanding regarding the rotation of management between four of its business partners and that the dispute needs to be resolved soon, if not the MPPP will force the restaurant to vacate the premises.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid’s son, Hashim Abdul Hamid said, they will bring the matter to the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) claiming a case of abuse of power by the MPPP regarding the application of their operating license.

Regular customer, Ismett Azyze, 69, from Bayan Lepas hoped that the rumours were untrue, adding, that the Line Clear restaurant is synonymous with Penang and should be retained.

Her sentiments were echoed by several other customers, describing the restaurant as unique and has made a big name for itself.

“Why shut it down? This place is already a tradition. There must be a reason behind it but in my opinion it should be retained. I’m from Puchong and I came all the way here to eat at the Line Clear restaurant in Penang. Without Line Clear, everything will not be clear,” said M. Fadil Razak.

A tourist from the United States, Felicia Khor, who came to know about the restaurant through Facebook, praised the food and said it should be retained.

On Monday the MPPP announced the Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant could face eviction in two weeks if the dispute over the rotation of management between four of its business partners is not resolved.

It added the council had also received a complaint that one of the partners, Abdul Hamid Seeni Pakir, had refused to abide by an arrangement that had been in force since the 1950s whereby the partners would take turns annually to operate the outlet.

Abdul Hamid reportedly does not have an operating license and according to records, the MPPP has only issued three licenses to Sahubarali China Mohd Hanibah, Abdul Latif Thulkarunai and Pathumah Iskandar to carry out operations at the site.