Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has emerged as a 'white knight' for foodies worried that they may be deprived of midnight bites.
 
The premier today announced that 24-hour eateries will remain following public outcry over plans to limit their operating hours.
 
"With regards to 24-hour restaurant operators, we will maintain the opening (hours) of the restaurants.
 
"As such, there should not be concern that the eateries will be prevented from opening to the public," he said during a visit to Kampung Baru mosque in Kuala Lumpur this evening.
 
Earlier this week, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim ( photo ) said there were proposals to have eateries close by midnight in residential and rural areas.

Meanwhile, when pointed out that the proposal was made by Shahidan, Najib said it was only the minister's view on the matter.

"But the government has decided not to change the current way of doing things (for eateries to be open for 24 hours)," he said.

Will be harder for people if prevented

Asked why the decision was made, Najib said the current situation provided more comfort to the public.

"Apart from this, those who do business will earn what they are supposed to get.

"If we prevent eateries from opening for 24 hours, it will be harder for the people," he said.

Meanwhile, asked on the renovation of the mosque, which was funded by the 1MDB Foundation, Najib simply said that he has observed how the congregation here is satisfied with the mosque's renovation.

"I have prayed here twice, I can see how things are different now; it's more beautiful, more comfortable and more spacious.

"There is a hall and soon the mosque will be air-conditioned," he said.

Hopes Kg Baru mosque will be a landmark

Najib also expressed hope that the mosque will be a landmark for Kampung Baru.

"It's my wish that this mosque becomes a landmark for Kampung Baru, in the re-development context of Kampung Baru which we are planning for," he said.

The re-development of the mosque costs RM20 million where part of it was due to contribution by the 1MDB Foundation.

Najib had defended his pet project saying it contributed to Islamic development in the country.