JOHOR BARU, Nov 11 — The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) is looking at adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies across its member outlets nationwide to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
Presma president Datuk Mohamed Mohsin Abdul Razak said the use of AI and digital platforms such as QR codes is part of its long-term strategy to lower reliance on foreign labour.
“The association is in discussions with several technology companies that can provide a comprehensive system, from opening premises to managing daily restaurant operations.
“With the adoption of digital technology, restaurants can operate more efficiently by managing orders, controlling inventory and monitoring staff performance.
“This initiative is seen as being in line with the government’s call for the local food industry to improve its existing service delivery system,” he told reporters after a meeting with Johor Presma members at the Avenue M Hotel here today.
Mohamed Mohsin, who was recently elected to lead Presma, said several companies are offering complete restaurant management systems.
He said these were typically A-to-Z solutions that included digital ordering and automated payment features.
“However, the cost is quite high,” he said.
On digitalisation, Mohamed Mohsin said some mamak restaurants have begun using QR code systems for food and beverage orders, but customer acceptance remains low.
He believed this was because most local customers were still more comfortable with the manual ordering method.
“From our experience, mamak restaurant customers still like to be served face-to-face, but we are trying to change that culture so the local food sector can move towards being more efficient and modern,” he said.
He said Presma is evaluating suitable digital systems for adoption, noting that operators may require between five and 10 years to fully transition without disrupting daily business.
“That is why we are requesting the government to temporarily facilitate the approval of hiring foreign workers as an interim measure so the industry can transition in stages,” he said, adding that the foreign worker replacement system has been frozen since 2019.
Mohamed Mohsin also dismissed claims that local restaurants were unwilling to hire Malaysians.
“We have nothing against hiring Malaysians, but there is very low interest among locals who want to work in our member restaurants.
“So while waiting for the full implementation of AI and digital systems in our member restaurants, we still need enough foreign workers to continue operating,” he said.
Presma is the main national association representing Indian Muslim eateries commonly known as mamak restaurants. It currently has more than 3,000 registered members, with about 12,000 restaurants operating nationwide.
