KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — An Umno senator caused a stir on Twitter today after he suggested that 24-hour restaurants could be the cause of “social problems”.

In a posting on the microblogging site, Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who is also the head of Muslim missionary group Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), said he proposed to the Dewan Negara today for a review of Putrajaya’s policy allowing such 24-hour eateries.

“I raised in parliament today the need for govt to review its policy allowing restaurant to operate 24 hrs in order to curb social problems,” Asyraf said on his Twitter account @drasyrafwajdi, referring to the Dewan Negara sitting.

“None of developed countries allow 24hrs operation based on many studies made on the subject matter,” he added later, in reply to Twitter user @signtel.

The user @signtel had asked Asyraf to clarify what sort of social problems he was referring to, and the effect that decision would have on late-night shift workers who require food at irregular hours.

“Would like to hear your reasons in brief. Not everyone has the time to cook at home nor should they be forced to,” said another user called Tariq Maketab at his account @tmakalpha.

Asyraf has yet to explain his argument that such outlets could be the cause of social problems.

The suggestion however did not go well with some users who felt that the senator’s call to review the policy on opening hours could be misguided.

“Curbing social problems thru early education&constructive continuous public engagement.Not limiting restaurant operation time,” said entrepreneur Datuk Rais Hussin on his account @raishussin.

“Kahkahkah we should also close 24-hour petrol station. Or else people will fill up to go to pubs,” said user @vonlibertad sarcastically in Malay.

Asyraf’s supporters, however, heaped praise on the senator, with some saying they felt the move should have been carried out long ago.

“Agree! Not just social problem, but cleanliness. Not enough time and manpower to clean premises … Besides that, entertainment until the morning lulls the youths and affects productivity. Be strict! Don’t let Malaysia be a destination for vice,” said user @sidang_GIB in a series of Malay tweets.

Although many restaurants open for 24 hours in Malaysia, the trend is synonymous with mamak eateries mostly operated by the Indian-Muslim community.

Mamak outlets are frequented by Malaysians in the wee hours as among others a spot to watch telecasts of foreign football matches, and Muslims eating their ‘sahur’ before fasting.