KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, 66, better known as Chef Wan, has denied claims on social media that he was cheating his employees over their wages.
Chef Wan said his role in the Chef Wan Group of Restaurants CWGR) revolves around managing recipes and quality of food.
Issues pertaining to staff wages, he said, was handled by his business partner.
"From the onset of the cooperation, I had explained the situation clearly and sincerely. I have no say in staff wages, operations as well as the hiring and firing of personnel.
"I had asked my (business) partner and the general manager to explain to me if these (allegations) were true, as this involves my name. I was told that the allegations were false," he told Harian Metro.
Chef Wan acknowledged that there were instances of staff being let go or having their salary cut for poor performance, ill-discipline or even cheating the company.
"So there are a number of people who were unhappy and left. Some frequently got involved in spats, which had an impact on the quality of our food and service.
"Surely we're allowed to criticise them (the staff)? As an employer, should we give in to false allegations or even threats? I'm trying to understand the perspectives from both sides and establish the cause so that my reputation isn't affected," he said.
CWGR had previously issued a statement that the viral messages on social media were false. The company had issued a warning that it would not hesitate to take legal action against those spreading falsehoods.