KAPIT: The new board of directors for Kapit Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners’ Association (Kapit CSROA) fiscal year 2019 to 2020 led by Ma Thian Ho was officially installed in conjunction with the association’s New Year Dinner, 42nd Anniversary Gathering and the Installation of the 21st Office Bearers held here on Tuesday.
On hand to officiate at the installation ceremony were Malaysia-Singapore General Merchant Coffee and Restaurant Association president Datuk Ho Tze Meng, Julau MP Larry Sng Wei Shien and Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat and witnessed by members from Kapit and Song Bazaar.
Kapit CSROA chairman Ma Thian Ho in his speech congratulated Ho Tze Meng for being conferred “Datukship” by the Penang Governor. He pointed out that Ho Tze Meng is the first president of the association to be awarded the title “Datuk”.
He also congratulated the association’s advisor, Larry Sng Wei Shien who is elected Julau MP and also the Sarawak Pepper Board chairman.
After the 14th General Election, it was only eight months ago Pakatan Harapan (PH) runs the federal government at Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur. The new government, through the Ministry of Health has introduced the “No Smoking” ban at all coffee shops and restaurants, while the Ministry of Labour has imposed a hike on the minimum wages of workers from RM850 to RM1,050.
“The policies in principle are good but the implementation is in a mess. The enforcement officers keep on coming over to our premises giving confusing directives. Instead of creating hardship to the business community, the new government should focus on how to improve the economy of the country, ” said Ma.
He said during the current economic scenario, everybody has tightened his or her wallet.
“The operators of coffee shops and restaurants are struggling hard to earn a few ringgit
to settle the high overhead expenses. I hope the elected representatives would listen to the issues at the grassroots. Be our mouthpiece to voice out the issues in the parliament so that the government know our plight,” added Ma.
He also stressed that Kapit CSROA was the only platform capable of looking after the members’ interests.
“We are here to communicate with the relevant agencies like Labour Department, Statistics Department, Local Government and Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism.”
Ma’s committee include deputy chairman Ngy Tze Kiong, vice chairmen Soh Weng Chong and Neo Wei Kwong, secretary Kong Aik Ming assisted by Ma Thian Kock and treasurer Kong Chen Siau assisted by Teo Yui Lin. The other members are Wong Lip Seng, Wong Tze Seng and Yiong Hing Hoo.
