The Penang government’s plan to ban foreigners from being the main cooks of popular local dishes is simply ridiculous and will make Malaysia a laughing stock in the eyes of the world, Malaysian celebrity Chef Wan said.

Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, said the move, mooted by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was certainly misguided and short-sighted.

"Wouldn't it be better to train them properly and supervise them to do a better job?" Chef Wan is reported as saying in The Star newspaper today.

He said foreign cooks could even become ambassadors of Malaysian cuisine once they return to their country or went elsewhere to work.

The DAP-led Penang government last week mooted the ban to help protect the state's food heritage and reputation for good street food.

Lim said that the local council was currently gathering feedback from members of the public on the matter and the ban could come as soon as early next year.

According to research conducted by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP), there are more than 119 foreign workers working as cooks in the 68 hawker centres in Penang Island.

Chef Wan said rather than seeing it as a problem, Penangites should be proud.

"In all my years of travel, I am so proud to see other nationalities cooking Malaysian food," Chef Wan said.

A well-travelled celebrity chef who often promotes Malaysian cooking overseas, Chef Wan had last made the news in February when he slammed Malaysia Airlines for serving a “naked” version of the iconic nasi lemak on its flights.

He complained that the nasi lemak served was devoid of the customary sliced cucumbers, fried nuts and anchovies.

Let's agree to disagree, Lim tells Chef Wan