M’sian Devastated After Finding Dad’s Desperate Plea To Influencer To Save Their 15yo Eatery

A family-run restaurant in Melaka that has spent more than two decades building its name is appealing for support as it faces the possibility of losing its premises.

In a post shared on Threads by @selerahangtuahmelaka_, the owner’s child shared their family’s struggle to keep their beloved eatery, Selera Hang Tuah, running. The family said they have been trying to find a way to resolve their financial difficulties, with the owner’s child revealing that attempts to secure a loan had been unsuccessful.

“I’m so sad. I’ve been struggling to get a loan to settle this issue, but with a basic salary of RM1.8k and high commitments, every bank rejected me,” they wrote. “It breaks my heart because this family eatery has been running for 15 years. May Allah ease everything for us.”

Seizure notice issued by bank

The post also included a screenshot of a message sent by the user’s father to popular food reviewer Mr POV, appealing for a review of the restaurant in the hope that greater publicity could bring in more customers.

In the message, the father claimed that Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) had come to the premises and asked the family to make payment by September 11.

“Hi Mr POV, please help review my eatery in Melaka. BSN came to seize the shop and asked us to make payment by 11/9. I’m at my wit’s end… hopefully, there is a way out,” he wrote.

The family has not disclosed the amount owed or details of their financial arrangements. However, they said they are seeking a way to prevent the premises from being seized and keep the 15-year-old family business going.

A journey spanning more than two decades

According to the family, their culinary journey began in 2000 at Medan Ikan Bakar Crystal Bay, where they operated from Stall No. 2. After two years in Bakau Batu, Kandang, they moved to Jalan Bukit Katil in Kg Duyong Semabok, where the restaurant adopted the name Selera Hang Tuah.

They remained there for almost 14 years, before parking problems forced another move. The family said the adjacent parking area was owned separately and was set to be rented out for around RM6,000, on top of the shop rental. They also said the area was expected to be affected by government land acquisition for future road widening.

They then moved to Jalan Padang Temu Indah, Taman Jaya Padang Temu, focusing on Ikan Bakar and Asam Pedas. However, the restaurant lasted only six months, with rent reaching around RM8,000 a month.

The family said they eventually had to sell three of their beloved motorcycles to help keep the business going, and estimates that more than RM200,000 in capital, including bank financing, was spent during their struggles.

Eatery details:

• Address: 1184-2 Jalan Pd 2/1 Ayer Molek, 75460 Melaka
• Operating Hours: Mon – Fri: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

  • Sat – Sun: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM

  • Closed on Tuesdays.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!

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