Why has the government reversed the 8pm closing time for eateries?

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Government Extends Eatery Operating Hours to 10pm Following Public Feedback

The government has revised the closing time for restaurants, food stalls, and food delivery services from 8pm to 10pm, effective from tomorrow. This decision comes in response to significant public criticism voiced on social media and direct complaints received by the Senior Defence Minister. The earlier 8pm cut-off had caused widespread dissatisfaction, particularly among individuals returning home late from work who found it difficult to purchase meals.
Public Dissatisfaction with Early Closure

A considerable segment of the public had expressed their unhappiness with the 8pm closing time. Many citizens indicated that by the time they concluded their workdays and reached home, the 8pm deadline had already passed, preventing them from obtaining food. This sentiment was widely circulated and discussed across various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, with some expressing their frustration using hashtags.
Impact on Food Business Operations

Food operators also highlighted how the restrictive 8pm closure negatively impacted their businesses. Businesses specializing in popular night-time food items, such as burgers and satay, reported significant losses. These operators explained that their customer base typically patronizes their establishments after evening prayers (Maghrib and Isyak), and the early closing time severely limited their ability to conduct business during peak hours.
Government's Consideration of Feedback

The Senior Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, acknowledged these widespread concerns. He stated that the government had been actively discussing the issue since the previous week, holding meetings with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Health Ministry and the National Security Council. This collaborative approach aimed to assess the situation and find a workable solution that addresses both public convenience and business sustainability.

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Why has the government reversed the 8pm closing time for eateries?

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