RM Corner: Where Food Unites People Of Different Races

By Razif Rosli

BATU GAJAH, May 17 (Bernama) -- In the early days of opening their restaurant here, the married couple who owned the eatery found it difficult to attract Muslim customers as many mistakenly assumed the food was non-halal because the husband’s appearance resembled that of a Vietnamese, while his wife was a Malaysian Chinese.

But that was in the past. Today, RM Corner, operated by Ramli Musa, 56, and Nur Misha Yoon Abdullah, 52, has become a gathering place where Malaysians of different races and religions sit together to enjoy Chinese-style dishes, especially the various noodle specialties.

Reflecting on their journey, Ramli said the restaurant began operating in 2005, shortly after they got married. However, during the first two years, they struggled to attract Muslim customers who were doubtful about the halal status of the food.

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“There was a time when people thought I was a Vietnamese worker. In fact, my wife was praised for being clever enough to hire a ‘foreign worker’ who could cook excellent Chinese food. Even today, I still laugh whenever I think about it,” he said in a recent interview with Bernama.

Ramli, who previously worked as a chef at a three-star hotel in Ipoh, also revealed that their restaurant was once “raided” by officers from the Islamic religious department following complaints alleging that they were selling non-halal food.

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“It happened sometime in 2010, but when the religious department officials inspected our premises, they were convinced that the allegations were unfounded, and in the end, they even stayed to enjoy a meal at our eatery,” he said.

It was only after that incident that Muslim customers began visiting the restaurant regularly.

Operating from Monday to Saturday, from 6.30 am to 2.00 pm, RM Corner has gained attention through social media and built a loyal customer base.

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“Here (in RM Corner), Malays, Chinese and Indians can sit together at the same table, chatting while enjoying breakfast. This is the Malaysia we want — harmonious and respectful of one another,” said Ahmad Sohaimi Jamaluddin, 67, a regular customer, adding that he enjoys both the atmosphere and the delicious food.

Another customer, 68-year-old Y. Augustine, said the family-friendly environment and affordable prices make RM Corner his preferred choice.

“Nowadays, people in our society don’t mind sitting together. As long as the food is delicious, reasonably priced and worth the portion size, people will come,” he said.

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Tronoh State Assemblyman Steven Tiw Tee Siang, who is often seen dining there, also praised RM Corner as a symbol of unity that should serve as an example to others.

“I see RM Corner as offering more than just food to fill the stomach… it is also a way to unite hearts.

“Usually, when people gather around the dining table, all differences disappear, leaving only feelings of mutual respect, affection and happiness,” he said.

-- BERNAMA