Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the proposal was now open for feedback until May 10 on its website www.mpsp.gov.my.
At a full council meeting on March 30, it was proposed that foreign workers and permanent resident holders be banned from working at all eateries and markets.
Besides that, other businesses, including grocery stores and supermarkets, must hire at least 30% of local workers in their businesses.
Maimunah said the move was to prevent foreigners from setting up shop illegally.
Besides the ban, a new requirement to have all business signage to have Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese and Tamil translations will be also be introduced.
Maimunah said those who do not adhere to the language instruction will risk having their business licences revoked.
Currently, there are 31 markets and 66 municipal markets with 5,500 traders operating in the Seberang Prai area.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had also imposed a similar “foreign cook” ban in 2014, with enforcement starting on Jan 1 last year. This came after a one-year grace period was given to traders to prepare for the move.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had said the move was to preserve the authenticity of the state’s local flavours.
However, foreign kitchen helpers are permitted on Penang Island.
On the business signage ruling, an MBPP spokesperson said they will also enforce it, but not so soon as the fine print was still being worked out.