MUAR: THE Malaysian culture draws on various races. Hari Kemerdekaan is significant as people of various backgrounds, race and religion come together to celebrate the occasion in harmony.
This year’s celebration marks the 57th anniversary of Malaysian Independence.
Peter Yuo, 68, who owns a kopitiam with Isahak Samad, 64, and his wife Faizah Yusof, 56, have been operating their food and drink business at the same premises for almost 14 years in Jalan Petrie, here.
Yuo, affectionately known as Ah Yong among his customers, said the kopitiam was passed down to him from his father who started it about 60 years ago.
“My father had always encouraged me to respect other races and because of that, he wanted other traders to join him in running the kopitiam.
“So far, this kopitiam has had five Malay traders selling a variety of dishes including chicken rice, briyani and nasi berlauk over the years.”
He said his partners have stayed at his kopitiam for at least 15 years before leaving for other ventures.
Ah Yong said that his late father encouraged him to share the kopitiam with other races to draw in multiracial customers.
Isahak said he was a taxi driver for almost 30 years before he joined his wife to open a stall at Ah Yong’s kopitiam.
“I have been helping my wife for the past 14 years ago and so far, our business has been doing well. Many of our customers are those who work nearby.
“In Johor Baru, I do not see much of this harmonious culture. But in Muar, it is a tradition to have Malays, Chinese and Indians operating their stalls in the same premises,” said Isahak, who hails from Bakri, Muar.
Muar Traders Hotel chief security officer A. Batumalai, 43, said he is one of the regulars at Ah Yong’s Kopitiam and have been going there for lunch and tea for the past eight years ago.
“My favourite dish for lunch is the asam pedas by Isahak and his wife. As for drinks, I love Ah Yong’s signature coffee that makes me crave for more.”