By Mohd Zaid Mohd Noor
CHUKAI, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- A coffee shop that has been operating for more than eight decades is not merely a place for locals to enjoy a cup of coffee, but also a witness to history and a symbol of unity among the multiracial community from before the country gained independence to the present day.
Kedai Kopi Hai Peng, which began operating in 1940, was founded by Wong Sang Hai, who hailed from Hainan, China. Since its opening, it has attracted customers from various races and backgrounds, making it one of the meeting places for the community in Chukai.
Its owner, Richard Wong Tien Loong, 38, said since its opening, the coffee shop has provided a place for Malays, Chinese and Indians to sit at the same table while enjoying coffee and toast.
He said the unique atmosphere remains today, with the coffee shop bustling with customers from various races and backgrounds.
“I am happy that the coffee shop founded by my grandfather 86 years ago remains a place where people from various communities in town meet and come together,” he told Bernama at Kedai Kopi Hai Peng here.
Wong said he took over the management of the coffee shop from his aunt in 2014, and the business has continued to grow and remains a favourite among customers from within and outside the district.
“The continuity of management across several generations has enabled this coffee shop to continue operating to this day, while retaining its identity as one of the longest-running coffee shops in Chukai,” he said.
Wong said the name Hai Peng means ‘seaside’ in Chinese, which is linked to the identity of Chukai as a coastal town.
He said the coffee shop started as a simple wooden structure before being rebuilt more than 30 years ago, although its identity and location have remained unchanged.
“Besides Hainanese coffee, which is our signature, customers can also enjoy breakfast dishes such as kaya toast, half-boiled eggs, nasi lemak and several types of traditional kuih,” said Wong, who has 14 employees, all of whom are Malay.
Meanwhile, long-time customer Datuk Seri Mohamed Rahim Hussin, 67, said he has been patronising the coffee shop since 1979 and is delighted to see that it continues to draw customers from diverse races.
He said he initially chose the coffee shop as a breakfast spot because there were not many eateries in town at the time, but its comfort, atmosphere and unique character have made him a loyal customer ever since.
“Every time I come here, I see customers from various races sitting at the same table and enjoying their meals together. I also often invite friends from different backgrounds to meet here while discussing various current issues,” said the businessman.
Mohamed Rahim said he hoped the coffee shop, which holds many memories and has become part of Chukai’s development history, would continue to be preserved and passed down to future generations so that its story, traditions and unique character built over more than eight decades would not be lost to time.
Another customer, Peter Lau, 64, from Chukai, said his father often brought him to the coffee shop for breakfast from the age of five as their home was located not far from the premise.
The hardware business owner said his father used to visit the coffee shop to enjoy coffee while meeting his friends from the Malay and Indian communities.
“I am happy to see the friendly atmosphere remaining to this day, with customers greeting and shaking hands with one another regardless of race whenever they meet at the coffee shop,” he said.
He said in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 celebrations (HKHM 2026), the spirit of goodwill demonstrated by people of various races at the coffee shop could inspire patriotism and strengthen unity among Malaysians.
“This atmosphere also reflects the harmony and mutual respect that form the foundation of our society’s strength and resilience in safeguarding the country’s independence and the blessings that it brings,” he said.
A. Thevanthiran, 51, from Kuantan, Pahang, said he often brought his family to the coffee shop for breakfast despite having to travel a considerable distance.
“My family feels comfortable enjoying the food and drinks here, and we are also attracted by the fact that this coffee shop is always filled with customers from various races,” he said.
He also regarded the interactions among customers at the coffee shop as an example of harmony for his children, particularly during the National Month celebration.
-- BERNAMA