A POST on Facebook detailing the successful modus operandi of the Bungkus Kaw Kaw franchise has elicited a tonne of responses from netizens. Uploaded by user Naz Daim, the post lists a number of factors behind the café’s immense popularity.
The poster was highlighting how a business with a relatively simple menu and set up has mushroomed into a very successful and visible franchise. He outlined the many factors which he felt contributed to Bungkus Kaw Kaw’s enormous success.
As a fellow FnB (food & beverage) operator, the poster seemed to genuinely want to highlight what he saw as “genius” business strategies by the franchise owner and the post was free of any sour grapes.
He even concluded by saying that whether a business was run by Muslims or non-Muslims, the success is in the hands of the Almighty. The post has generated 14,000 likes as well as 2,400 comments at the time of writing. This is a small sample of what is being said.
Many were in agreement with the poster and applauded Bungkus Kaw Kaw’s founder for his business acumen and strategies.
Another asked why there aren’t any similar Muslim-owned franchises using this business model.
However, one netizen was quick to point out that Bungkus Kaw Kaw’s founder had massive funds to bankroll his enterprise, hence giving him an added competitive edge.
A few derided those who simply wished to turn the post into a negative discourse on race. One netizen also cited other examples which offered traditional Malay foods such as nasi lemak and grew into household brands frequented by all Malaysians.
Some referred to those who seemed to prioritise whether Bungkus Kaw Kaw outlets were certified halal.
One even suggested a ‘secret recipe’ conspiracy on why any non-Muslim owned businesses did not apply for halal certification.
The issue, though, was blatantly shot down by this netizen’s sardonic remark.
As a few others pointed out that this was not the point of the post which was to share successful entrepreneurial tips and not urge Muslims to dine at Bungkus Kaw Kaw.
With more than one lamenting this negative and fault-finding mindset that seems to be holding Malay entrepreneurs back.
While the intention of the poster was to simply highlight good business practices, the discussion inevitably descended into race polemics. The antipathy towards a successful non-Muslim owned franchise was evident in many comments which seemed to miss the point completely.
It can be argued that the post is a microcosm of the current state of the nation where the national discourse is focused on 3R (race, royalty and religion) issues.
When will Malaysians wake up and smell the coffee … perhaps one purchased from Bungkus Kaw Kaw … ikat tepi (literally, tie by the side)? – April 3, 2024
Main image credit: Bungkus Kaw Kaw Facebook
