By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Jan 24 — Residents’ associations in Selangor are divided on home-based businesses, especially eateries and cafes, which have flourished since the Covid-19 pandemic.
While a home-based operation is a feasible starting point for many aspiring entrepreneurs to build capital and brand trust, their presence could be a blessing or a burden.
Many home-based eateries have turned to social media to promote their aesthetics and unique menus, drawing attention from Malaysians to potential issues with privacy, parking, and safety.
This is especially true as some of these businesses operate out of sleepy suburbs.
Speaking to Media Selangor, Denai Alam Residents’ Association chairman Yamin Salim said home-based eateries are not suitable for his neighbourhood and most Shah Alam suburbs.
“This is because most of these communities are gated and guarded, and local residents prioritise safety and privacy,” he explained.
“We prefer to control the people coming in and out of our communities. Not to mention that (gated neighbourhoods) could deter customers from visiting the cafes as it would be troublesome.”
[caption id="attachment_387569" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]
The storefront of home-based Liza Briyani seen in SS15, Subang Jaya, on January 22, 2025. — Screengrab via MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Yamin said while he is not opposed to Malaysians trying to legitimately earn a living, he emphasised the importance of considering neighbourhood harmony when running such businesses.
He believes home eateries are better suited to less densely populated areas where the local community is more accommodating.
On January 16, state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim announced the state government is considering streamlining guidelines for home-based businesses in light of their growing presence.
USJ 9 Residents Association president Anthony Gunapalan said he is not opposed to home-based businesses as long as they do not disrupt the harmony in neighbourhoods.
He added that there are several home-based businesses in his gated community, but there have been no significant complications.
“As long as these businesses do not disturb their neighbourhoods, it is okay. But something must be done if there is disruption,” he said.
“For instance, if they’re going to operate at odd hours, make a lot of noise, and significantly increase traffic, then I believe there’s cause for concern.”
