Penang’s Asam Laksa became the pride of the nation back in 2020 when CNN listed it as one of the Top 10 best foods in the world.
And when Asam Laksa comes to mind, locals will look no further than the Penang Air Itam Laksa hawker stall near the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang.
Sadly, as of yesterday, 18 May, the Penang Air Itam Laksa stall announced that they will be closed indefinitely, following their struggles through the pandemic.
Penang Air Itam Laksa took to their Facebook page to share the saddening news.
They wrote, “Dear valued customer, due to the Covid-19 pandemic since 2020 up until now, and with the latest announcement of MCO 3.0, we find it hard to continue our business. Therefore, we would like to inform [you] that we will be taking a break until further notice.”
According to Places and Foods,Ā the pandemic hasn’t been the only factor that caused the hawker stall, which has been in operation since 1955, to close its doors.
They have also been facing harassment from debt collectors who are looking to collect money due to the stall owner’s son’s loans.
With both the debt collectors seeking to be repaid and the pandemic, which has caused a drop in business due to the lack of foot traffic, they are forced to close his stall indefinitely.
It’s truly heartbreaking to know that Malaysia might just lose one of its most iconic hawkers.
We genuinely hope that they manage to pick themselves back up in the near future.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
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