Hasan Arifin (Umno-Rompin) said the government should also stop building new shopping complexes as a way to encourage families to spend more time at home.
Foreigners are surprised that our shopping complexes are open till 10pm, he said.
“If we go to Western countries, shopping complexes are closed by 7pm,” he said during the 2017 Budget debate on the urban well-being, housing and local government ministry.
Hasan said by closing early, Malaysians might also not have to depend so much on foreign workers.
To this, Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) said Malaysians have dinner after working hours in shopping complexes.
“Who goes to shopping complexes during working hours? Your suggestion will affect locals more than foreign workers,” said Kok.
She further added that Middle East tourists prefer shopping at night too.
To this, Hasan said foreigners who visit Western countries adapt to their culture of having shopping complexes close by 7pm.
“Nights should be family time. Eat at home with the family.”
To this, Kok said: “You are a boring person, Rompin MP.”
Hasan disagreed with Kok stating that it was time to change the culture of eating out or roaming in shopping complexes till late at night.