Malaysians love going out to eat and drink
However, the COVID-19 pandemic, which is in its 13th month now, has meant that going out and about is not a safe option. And amidst the four-digit daily COVID-19 cases, the government has re-imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO), which is now its fourth week. MCO is scheduled to end on 18 February.
While restaurants, including pubs and night clubs, hawker stalls, food trucks, food courts, and food kiosks are allowed to operate, purchase of food is only permitted through takeaway, drive-through, or delivery.
Meaning two people per household are conditionally allowed to go out, they cannot dine in.
Given that, a local chain of restaurants in Cyberjaya has come up with a drive-in service that allows people who still wanna eat out amidst MCO from the safety and comfort of their vehicles.
This drive-in service is being offered at the parking lot of Padi House restaurant, where people sit inside their cars and servers wearing face shields, face masks, and plastic gloves take temperatures and orders
Parked customers must have their temperature scanned and ensure that they have checked in via the MySejahtera app. For ordering and payment, while the restaurant practices online medium, the cash option is also available for those who are not well-versed with the technology.
The restaurant also has an online site where customers can preorder their meals.
Along with Padi House, its sister restaurant Tokio Cafe, which is located right opposite, is also offering the same drive-in service.
While Padi House serves Malaysian and Western food, Tokio Cafe serves traditional Japanese bento.
According to Padi House, the drive-in service is being offered so that more workers can have a job during the pandemic
In a Facebook post over the week, Padi House, while expressing gratitude for the response, stated that this seemed like a better option than to go with the option to cut their salary.
“We hope to serve those who are always in a hurry and doesn’t have a proper place to have a proper meal and for those who missed dine in,” read the post.
Meanwhile, the owner of Padi House, 45-year-old Leow Kim Ngan, who keeps a sharp eye from afar to ensure that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are observed, shared with Free Malaysia Today that the pandemic required them to think out of the box.
“Keeping silent just like during the first MCO is definitely not an option. In this second round of MCO, we have to find a way and continue to survive while minimising the spread of the virus,” he said.
Two customised food trays are provided, one of which fits in the narrow space between the driver seat and steering wheel
Padi House and Tokio Kafe
Jalan Teknokrat 5, Cyber 5,
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 11am – 10pm.
Head over to the Facebook page of Padi House for more information.