MIRI: The Covid-19 pandemic is no damper on Nur Akmar Madon’s enterprising spirits and her decision to start a restaurant here.
While the coronavirus scourge has led to shutdown of many businesses in the country, Nur is one person who dares to take risks and push through adversity and bolster herself.
Her restaurant, the Grand Dahlia, in Paragon Hotel, Lutong near here, is proof of here enterprising spirit.
“People might think that launching a new business seems illogical if not downright insane during this time, but for me it’s during this difficult time that we need to forge ahead and move forward,” Nur said when Wednesday (Aug 19) night after the soft launching her restaurant.
Assistant Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting officiating at the opening.
The restaurant has been operating since Aug 3. Most of the workers had experience working in other restaurants but ended up jobless after they were laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Family-owned Grand Dahlia serves both western and Asian cuisines at affordable prices. It offers live entertainment by talented local singers.
“We want to create a relaxing mood for our customers while they enjoy their food, so we decided to have good music while they dine,” added Nur.
The restaurant also provides catering services.
Nearly 60 guests were present at the soft launching.
Meanwhile, in his short speech, Ting thanked Miri folk for their help to curb Covid-19.
“Your continued support in complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) has helped to contributed to efforts by the city to gain ‘green zone’ status. Congratulations! And thanks to you all, Miri has had no new cases of Covid-19 in the past 101 days,” he said.
Ting said despite the virus pandemic bringing the tourism industry to a standstill, the state government, nevertheless, has implemented various initiatives and programmes to boost domestic tourism.
“Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recently launched the ‘Sia Sitok Sarawak’ campaign to revitalise Sarawak tourism, whereby the locals will get the opportunity to explore and tourism products and destinations within the state,” he said.
Ting described the campaign as a vital initiative to help boost domestic tourism.
“It is indeed a difficult period for all of us, but we must stand together to win the battle against Covid-19,” he said.
