15/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 15, 2025

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Night-time economy ripe with potential for growth

Consumers call for healthier options beyond fast food PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers are calling for more options to support the night-time economy, but caution that around-the-clock operations may not always benefit traders. Siti Nureha Arsyi Juned, 27, a customer service representative working night shifts, said extended hours would give healthier food alternatives. “Right now, places open at night are usually fast food outlets, convenience stores or tomyam stalls. If more eateries opened, people like me would have better choices than burgers or fried chicken.” She added that late-night facilities are also needed. “A 24-hour gym would make a huge difference. Night shift workers could exercise without crowds. When I used to go at 5pm, gyms were always packed.” Still, Siti Nureha admitted businesses may struggle. “From a business owner’s perspective, customer numbers aren’t high enough to cover electricity, manpower and water costs.” Nurul Syahirah Ahmad Kusairi, 28, a data analyst, agreed, saying the risks may outweigh the gains since not all sectors operate 24 hours. “You could have more tomyam stalls, but night shift workers are often in a rush. Hot food stalls take longer, while mamak restaurants are quicker. Fast food helps sometimes, although it’s not ideal.” Both women stressed safety must go hand in hand with any expansion. “At 3am or 4am, the roads are full of mat rempit running red lights. We have to be extra cautious just to avoid them. More police patrols could at least scare them off,” said Siti Nureha. She added that healthcare support is also vital. “Yes, there are 24-hour clinics, but in real emergencies hospitals are more suitable. We might also need more staff working night shifts in both clinics and hospitals.” Malaysia, particularly Johor, is already showing the potential of a thriving night time economy. The state has emerged as a hub for data centre investments – industries that never sleep – after firms relocated there following Singapore’s moratorium on new projects from 2019 to 2022.

monitoring relevant departments. Ultimately, this would ensure Malaysia not only benefits economically but also sets a strong example in safeguarding worker welfare and safety, regardless of working hours.” On the ground, businesses are seeing the benefits. Don Ridhwan Don Ramli, 38, manager of Q Bistro Bukit Jelutong – a popular mamak chain in the Klang Valley – said 24 hour outlets serve as a “support system” for night shift workers. “These places are often the go-to spots, especially as stopovers or meeting points for certain groups, particularly students and workers on night duty. They can also be considered safer spaces compared with other locations.” But Don Ridhwan stressed that enforcement is key to keeping the scene safe. “Police patrols would help prevent unwanted incidents such as intoxicated customers. Health officers should also carry out surprise visits outside regular hours, instead of limiting inspections to daytime.” Meanwhile in Kedah, street burger vendor Muhammad Afiq Hamid, 37, said his stall in Padang Serai still attracts steady crowds even though it is tucked in a residential area. “Most of my customers are neighbours. Although many of us fall under the B40 group, sales have been encouraging,” he said, adding that he pockets about RM200 a night from just three to four hours of work. “I do this as a side income, since I work at a factory in Seberang Jaya, Penang, during the day. Food delivery companies have approached me to join their platforms, but because I run the stall alone, I’ve had to turn them down.” Afiq said enforcement at night is decent but pointed to infrastructure gaps as a big issue. “It’s about public safety. I’ve witnessed enough accidents while running my burger joint. The government must maintain infrastructure in areas outside the city, like in Padang Serai.” by including spending at night markets – contributed about 15% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product in 2023. Nur Sofea suggested Malaysia look to Taiwan’s model, where night markets have been transformed into major tourist attractions, generating strong economic returns. She said Malaysia could adopt a similar approach by upgrading infrastructure, raising vendor standards and promoting selected night markets that highlight the country’s multicultural identity through food and culture. “Perhaps these efforts could be strategically aligned with Visit Malaysia 2026, which celebrates the richness of Malaysian culture, and supported through the RM550 million allocated for the tourism sector under Budget 2025.” – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

consider a similarly structured policy, possibly even appointing a “night mayor” to streamline governance. “However, the idea of appointing such a figure requires deeper and more careful consideration. Its success depends on clearly defined jurisdictions, adequate resources and an inclusive governance framework. “This ensures the role does not become an added bureaucratic burden but instead acts as an effective facilitator and liaison between stakeholders to drive a sustainable, safe and beneficial night-time economy.” Such a policy, he added, would be a chance for Malaysia to introduce night-specific safety measures. “They could include mental health programmes, health incentives for gig workers and mandatory training with stricter

o With Gig Workers Bill passed and 24-hour services thriving, govt should harness after-dark business sector with structured policies, safety measures and community needs: Economist

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

vibrant late-night activity, the recent passing of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 and the rapid growth of 24-hour services. He pointed out that the idea is hardly new. London, for example, has a Night Time Commission to guide sustainable growth and shape the vision of a 24-hour city. “This commission was tasked with advising on the sustainable development of the city’s night-time economy and shaping the vision for a vibrant 24-hour city,” Mohamad Idham told theSun via WhatsApp. He said Malaysia should

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s nights are buzzing – from mamak stalls packed at 2am to delivery riders zipping through quiet neighbourhoods. An expert says it is time the country treats this after- dark hustle and bustle as serious business. Economist Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said Malaysia has strong potential to develop a comprehensive night-time economy policy, thanks to its

Consumers say this proves Malaysia is well-placed to grow its nocturnal economy, provided businesses, authorities and policymakers strike the right balance between opportunity, safety and sustainability. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE Lawmakers split on concept of evening businesses

Mohamad Idham said there is strong potential to develop the night-time economy but there must be adequate resources and safety measures. – SYED AZHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

PETALING JAYA: The proposal to develop a comprehensive night-time economy in Malaysia, inspired by policies adopted in global cities, has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid welcomed the idea, noting that such policies have proven effective elsewhere in managing nightlife, boosting tourism and improving safety after dark. However, she dismissed the need for night mayors – a practice seen in Amsterdam, Sydney and London – arguing that local councils and existing mayors should shoulder the responsibility. “Each council understands the unique social dynamics and cultural sensitivities of its own area. What works for a nightlife-heavy city like

athough they remain concentrated in urban hotspots. “Back in the 1960s, night markets were mostly found in city centres and tourist destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor,” said KRI researcher Nur Sofea Hasmira Azahar. The report also noted that global studies show tourists frequently search for terms related to “shopping” and “food experiences” when browsing destination websites. “This trend closely aligns with Malaysia’s tourism landscape, where the top three categories of tourism expenditure are shopping, accommodation, and food and beverages. Based on such developments, night markets could contribute significantly to spending in food and retail.” According to KRI, tourism –

imposing surcharges on operators to fund monitoring and services during night hours, subject to legal amendments. Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof took a more cautious stance, stressing that Malaysia is not yet ready for a full-scale 24-hour economy. “In my opinion, Malaysia is not yet ready to implement such a concept. We need thorough studies that consider business demand, worker welfare and safety, infrastructure and logistics, social impacts and whether residents’ quality of life could be affected.” Adding context, a July study by Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) titled “Night Markets: A Bigger Role to Play in Tourism” highlighted that night markets have been part of Malaysia’s landscape since pre-independence,

Amsterdam or Sydney may not automatically apply in Penang, Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru. “Local councils already have the mandate to regulate entertainment, licensing and community wellbeing. Strengthening their capacity, rather than creating another bureaucratic layer, may be the more practical solution,” she told theSun via WhatsApp. Machang MP and former cabinet member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal also acknowledged the potential of a night-time economy but questioned the need for new positions to manage it. “I don’t feel it’s necessary, as night time economic activity is not as complex as daytime operations.” He suggested existing regulations could be sufficient, with the option of