MBJB Orders Temporary Closure Of Mamak Restaurant After Couple Brings Pet Dogs Inside
The couple faced backlash on social media for their insensitivity.
By May Vin Ang — 30 Aug 2024, 10:39 AM
The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has ordered the temporary closure of a mamak restaurant in Bandar Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, after photos of a couple dining there with their pet dogs went viral
According to the New Straits Times, Seri Alam district police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak explained that the closure is to facilitate cleaning work at the restaurant.
He said that the restaurant owner has filed a police report about the incident at the Ulu Tiram police station, denying allegations that the restaurant allows customers to bring pets onto its premises.
"This case has been referred to MBJB and local authorities, and a closure notice has been issued to facilitate cleaning," said Mohd Sohaimi.
Photos on social media showed two individuals dining at the 24-hour restaurant at night, with two dogs sitting on the restaurant's chairs
The Facebook user who uploaded the photos said she witnessed the incident and immediately notified the restaurant staff about the situation.
However, she claimed that the staff ignored her and did not take action.
"When I confronted the couple, they claimed that the restaurant owner allowed them to bring the dogs inside," she said, criticising the couple for not respecting the sensitivities of Islam.
The Facebook post went viral, with netizens also condemning the couple's lack of basic courtesy in bringing their dogs to a restaurant
"This is not just about Muslim restaurants or not, most shops do not allow you to bring your dog unless it's a pet shop. Dogs can't simply be brought into any premises," said a netizen.
Another said, "I also don't like restaurants that allow pets. If you want to bring your pet, go to a pet-friendly restaurant so that everyone can be comfortable."
"It's not like I'd bring my cat out to eat either. Just leave your pets at home; it's not like you're eating for a long time," said another Facebook user.
A Johor MCA councillor told China Press that MBJB has the authority to issue fines to the couple involved.
