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By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, July 14: A coffeeshop operator is continuing his act of kindness by offering free noodle dishes to elderly persons aged 60 and above, despite the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb Covid-19 being over for several years now.
The coffeeshop operator of MamaQ, who only wishes to be known as Mr Lau, 46, said his coffeeshop offers free noodle dishes including kampua, kolo mee, bihun (rice vermicelli) and kueh tiaw which are sold at RM6 per serving to all sexagenarians and those older, limiting to one serving per day.
“Even though MCO is over, but many are still suffering from its after effects with not much to go around. For us, offering a free meal for the elderly in need is just a small gesture.
“We also feel that it is time for us to give back to the society. There is always money to be made but how much is enough?” Lau told DayakDaily.
He admitted that he is not making any losses due to the free meals, as he is still making a profit from charging younger customers the normal prices.
Being sensitive, cheerful and sanguine, Lau understands that some elderly may be too shy to come forward to ask for a free meal. To them, he would take the initiative to offer them a free meal.
“There is also an elderly auntie, who is wearing a hat, and is either on her bicycle or pushing it, hanging around this area. I took the initiative to offer it to her because she seems to need it.
“I don’t expect any returns at all.
“But I am not that great as well. It is just that it is something small which I can do for others, so I just do it. So we don’t really do any promotion,” said Lau.
A beneficiary who is only willing to be known as Madam Siaw, 81, said her friend told her about it and a group of them went together to enjoy the free noodle dishes.
“Yes, I enjoyed the free noodle dish. My friends all decided to take away some food which they paid for after sampling the free dishes.
“They don’t mind because this is to repay the kindness of the business owner. We are all not lacking,” Siaw said, speculating that the elderly group may also like to patronise Lau’s business because they felt respected.
Prior to opening the coffeeshop at Tabuan Tranquility commercial area, Lau operated a barbecue buffet outlet nearby. But his business, which depended on family and friend gatherings became unsustainable following MCO and later, prohibition of gatherings despite the opening of economic activities.
While operating the barbecue outlet, Lau similarly dished out good deals for his older customers, such as offering a 50 per cent discount for those aged 50 and above, and making it free altogether for children below a certain age.
“After all, how much do you think an elderly person or a child can eat at one time?” Lau said. — DayakDaily
