Limit price increases to reasonable levels – Tiong

SIBU: The catering industry is not only a necessity but also one of the most competitive economic fields, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
 
Hence, the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture said that to have a place in the market, many operators must carefully control every detail, including the quality of food and beverages and the degree of hygiene.
 
“After all, coffee shops and restaurants are densely populated places, so operators must strictly check hygiene, including cleaning toilets every day, ensuring food residues are not thrown out of ditches to avoid breeding mosquitoes, ensuring the hygiene of ingredients and tableware, and more.
 
“These need to be done so that the customers can enjoy the best dining experience,” he said in his speech read by Counsellor Ting Hua Sing during the Sibu Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owner Association’s 77th Anniversary Dinner here last night (March 18).
 
The Bintulu Member of Parliament then encouraged the operators to try to move closer to digitalisation in business operations so that they can match the daily habits and preferences of customers.
 
He noted that this includes the use of online ordering and payment systems and making good use of developed networks and social media for publicity.
 
“I also learned that you can’t raise the prices of food and beverages in the face of the increase in the price of raw materials.
 
“I hereby urge you to control the price increase within a reasonable range. Don’t try to make huge profits to quickly recover your capital,” he stressed.
 
Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, advised the food operators to use more “thin profits and quick turnover” business methods and do their best to overcome these economic difficulties with everyone.
 
“I also reminded the operators to strictly abide by the regulations set by the council during their business.
 
“If they encounter unsatisfactory and reluctant conditions, they should also follow the formal pipeline to negotiate with the authorities,” he said.
 
The federal minister also expressed his gratitude to the association for their hard work in voicing and expressing demands on behalf of the group and implementing the spirit of mutual assistance and mutual benefit.
 
“The association also works hard to maximise the interests of the industry and play a positive role,” he said.