Kuala Lampur, April 25 -- It is difficult to agree with the suggestion by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) to the government that eateries must shut before midnight and to repeal their 24-hour operating licence. This call by CAP lacks constructive solutions.

As diversity is the hallmark of Malaysia's composition, different individuals from different industries and communities have their own unique needs.

24-hour food outlets provide significant convenience for certain segments of society, for example early risers and tourists, and, in particular, employees assigned to night shift duties. These people are assured that they have access to meals and beverages at odd hours. Hence, the services of 24-hour food outlets are crucially ...