MALAYSIANS love their festive holidays. Amidst all the downtime and visiting friends and relatives at open houses, there is one bugbear – closure of shops especially eateries.
This was the issue articulated by digital marketer Niresh Kaur (@nireshkaur) on X (formerly Twitter) when she very pointedly asked why Chinese-owned businesses were closed during Hari Raya which fell on yesterday (April 10).
Malay shop closed I understand la. Chinese shops what’s your problem? 😭
— Niresh Kaur (@nireshkaur) April 10, 2024
A weeping emoji at the end of her one-liner query suggests she has been greatly inconvenienced by this festive shutdown.
The post has since gone viral, attracting 737,600 views at time of writing and having prompted a flurry of responses. The poster further added that she was looking forward to some open house invites as she is famished with the shops being closed.
Many netizens responded by saying Chinese shops were closed as the proprietors themselves were busy visiting open houses and stuffing their faces with Raya goodies.
This netizen feedback certainly reflects Malaysian priorities.
One netizen explained that having to pay higher wages during national holidays meant many businesses decided it is more cost-effective to close the premises during these celebrations.
He further reckoned that it was good for the workers to have some downtime. He went on to express regret at starting his own business as it meant that he has to work 24/7 and has not enjoyed a Hari Raya break for many a year.
Some netizens supported the view that not wanting to pay higher wages was probably the reason.
Some asserted that the Chinese also balik kampung (retuning to hometown) or taking the opportunity for a timely vacation, especially with a long weekend available if the business were to close on Friday (April 12) as well.
One netizen further explained that some took the opportunity to take advantage of cheaper air fares to non-balik kampung destinations during these holidays.
Some pointed out that it was the same scenario during Lunar New Year with Malay folks also off and balik kampung, citing a need to strike a proper work/life balance.
Ultimately, some said closure of shops was probably to accommodate Muslim staff.
A few comments perhaps reflect the new attitudes of business owners who are not focused on profit alone, preferring to take their collective feet off the pedal once in a while. Festive holidays would be ideal to do so as large numbers have balik kampung.
A couple of comments probably summed it up best by highlighting that observing holidays is the one thing Malaysians are united on.
FocusM hopes everyone is enjoying their Raya holidays and long may this tradition of sharing the joys of festivities continue. – April 11, 2024
Main image credit: Baby Hut Kota Damasara/Instagram
