Vive la France: A proud fan gesturing next to the flag of France which he hung at his home in Kuala Lumpur. France will face Argentina in the World Cup Final. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/ The Star
PETALING JAYA: With FIFA World Cup heading towards its final matches this weekend, mamak restaurants and eateries are preparing for a deluge of fans turning out at their premises to witness the crowning of a new champion.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said its members were “100%” ready for the incoming crowds.
“We are ready for this exciting weekend with extra tables and chairs. Some workers have also been requested to work overtime given the current labour shortage that the industry is experiencing,” he said.
However, he noted that only 40% to 50% of their restaurants operated for 24 hours to cater to customers watching the matches in the wee hours of the morning.
“The atmosphere at mamak restaurants (throughout the tournament) too is not like before with the crowds also being smaller,” he said, adding that watching World Cup matches at mamak outlets used to be more festive years ago.
Jawahar, who owns the Ali Maju Restaurant franchise, added that only five of his 15 restaurants operated round the clock during this period.
He added that a cable television service provider also provided promising deals to Presma members during the World Cup season.
Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim also said its association members were ready for large crowds catching the final matches.
“Our sector is always prepared (for the crowds) with special food and beverage promotions.
“There are also mini-games organised on match days, such as ‘Guess the score’, to keep our patrons entertained.
“We also hope these promotions can encourage more people to come out and watch the game in groups to share the excitement together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gamblers Rehab Centre (GRC) chief operating officer Bryant Leong said at least 10 calls were made to the centre since the start of the World Cup in late November, with one individual even losing up to RM60,000 for a game.
“The volume of calls are similar to previous instalments (of the World Cup), where we usually receive them following the finals.
“This year however, we received calls as early as the group stages with one case resulting from the match between Saudi Arabia and Argentina where a person lost up to RM60,000.
“This saw his family member calling the centre to ask for help,” he said.
Leong added that he expected calls to double following the final between France and Argentina which is scheduled for Sunday.
He also noted how calls to the centre usually came from family members of individuals with gambling addictions.
“Most of the time, these individuals are not first time gamblers which saw their loved ones having to intervene.
“Meanwhile, those who lost big amounts (for the first time) through betting are usually bailed out by their family members,” he said.
He added that gambling was an addiction, and advised the public to refrain from placing any bets, no matter how small.
“These individuals usually think that the only way out is to gamble more (to resolve their debts), which leaves them in a deeper hole.
“That is why GRC provides counselling classes (to individuals coming to the centre) to educate them on more optimal ways on resolving their debts, alongside reiterating the bane of gambling,” he said, adding that those seeking help could call or WhatsApp the centre at 013-336 2933.
The match for third place between Croatia and Morocco will be held on Saturday at 11pm with the final between Argentina and France on Sunday at the same time.
