Penang nasi kandar business plummets after SMS called for boycott - NST

By : Melissa Darlyne Chow

SEBERANG JAYA, Fri:

A malicious SMS spreading around Penang, urging Penangites to boycott their favourite nasi kandar stalls and restaurants, have caused business in the state to plummet. The SMS had accused nasi kandar operators of backing Umno’s illegal gathering to protest the Penang Government’s move not to carry out the New Economic Policy.

Malaysia Muslim Restaurant Operators Association president Sihabutheen Sirudu Mohamad said today members' businesses had been badly affected by the SMS.

The public, he said, had the wrong information by claiming that nasi kandar restaurant workers were involved in the illegal gathering.

"We lost customers, most notably the Chinese,” he said. "I hope the public will not believe in such rumours being spread by those who are irresponsible."

Meanwhile, the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) denied urging the boycott, condemning those responsible for trying to take advantage and accusing the organisation of spreading the boycott call.

Hindraf national coordinator R. S. Thainenthiran told a press conference today that the irresponsible act had led to a decline in the nasi kandar restaurant business in the state.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20080321180934/Article]