KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 -- The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) disagrees with the argument that 24-hour eateries create job opportunities for Malaysians.

In a statement today, the association said most of these eateries employ cheap foreign labour.

"The argument that 24-hour food outlets create jobs for Malaysians is a red herring to confuse the issue.

"Most of them employ cheap foreign labour, which together with the construction and manufacturing industries adopting such practices, has a depressing effect on our workers' wage levels.

"That's the reason for our workers seeking employment outside the country," association president Mohideen Abdul Kader said.

While CAP welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulk...