CJMY
Penang, renowned as a foodie paradise, is home to numerous hawker stalls that offer delectable dishes at affordable prices. However, these wallet-friendly options often go unnoticed by customers.
In a positive development, the Penang government has begun to acknowledge and recognize hawker stalls that provide food at remarkably low prices.
Recently, three hawker stalls in Bandar Baru Air Itam, also known as Farlim, received recognition for their contribution to affordable dining, Buletin Mutiara reported.
Hawker stalls maintain low food prices
The stall owners, Lim Lean Hoe (Mee Jawa seller), Wei Ming Xing (Koay Kak seller), and H’ng Siew Kee (Noodles seller), were each presented with a certificate of appreciation for being the “Most Affordable Price Hawkers.”
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, personally handed over the certificates to these deserving hawkers at their respective stalls. This recognition aims to commend their commitment to maintaining low food prices, especially at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
Yeoh Soon Hin emphasized that this acknowledgement is just the beginning, as the government has identified approximately 30 more hawkers selling food below RM5.
The aim is to extend recognition to all these deserving individuals who make affordable and delicious meals accessible to the public.
Hawkers’ dedication to affordable dining
One of the recognized hawker stall owners, H’ng Siew Kee, has been operating her stall at the Air Itam Market complex for 18 years. Offering a variety of noodles, she strives to prioritize customer satisfaction above all else.
H’ng expressed her pride and happiness upon receiving recognition from the state government. She also credited the low rental fees provided by the local council as a contributing factor that enables her to offer affordable prices to her loyal customers, many of whom are regulars and senior citizens.
Similarly, Wei Ming Xing, known for his delicious “Koay Kak”, operates his stall at Teoh Guan Hup Coffee Shop in Medan Angsana 1, Bandar Baru Air Itam. Lim Lean Hoe’s “Mee Jawa” stall can be found at Genting Restaurant Farlim, Lintang Angsana, Bandar Baru Air Itam.
Both stall owners share the same commitment to providing affordable and flavoursome dishes, catering to the diverse taste preferences of their customers.
With the soaring cost of living, the Penang government’s initiative to recognize and support affordable hawker stalls in Farlim is commendable.
This move follows the footsteps of the federal government’s Rahman menu prices and IPR food vending initiative, aiming to alleviate the financial burden faced by the people.
By acknowledging and promoting these affordable dining options, the government hopes to ensure that Penang remains a haven for food enthusiasts without compromising their budget constraints.
Source: Buletin Mutiara
