KUALA LUMPUR: Thrilled that a VIP will be visiting Pusat Penjaja Madani, roti canai maker Karim Nordin arrived at 3am today, an hour earlier than usual, to ensure everything was in order.
Karim was excited that a prime minister was visiting the hawker centre in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, where he has been operating KRC Roti Canai since 1977.
"This is the first time a prime minister is coming here. So we have to present him with the best.
"I am happy that my wife and I got to serve him roti canai for breakfast," said Karim, 61, who runs the stall with his wife, Hairani Hussin, 60.
Hairani, who sent the roti canai over, said Anwar was courteous and thanked her.
"Before he left, he looked at me and thanked me again. I am happy."
Noraeinzah Haron, 47, who served the drinks, said Anwar preferred to have kopi O over teh tarik.
"I was very nervous when I was pouring the kopi O as all eyes, especially his officers and bodyguards, were on me."
Azman Kastumi, 59, served the prime minister his famed 'nasi lemak berlauk'.
Azman, who took over the stall from his mother 23 years ago, was glad that the food court had become brighter and cleaner after upgrading work.
"It is more presentable now. Anwar coming here today will definitely make this place an attraction for KL folk and tourists."
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall's Lestari Niaga@Kuala Lumpur initiative aims to improve petty traders and hawker stalls in the Federal Territories.
Pusat Penjaja Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman was first built in 1974 with 20 stalls.
The upgrading work, which began in March and was completed in April, included roof repairs, painting, rewiring, installation of lights and fans and pipe system replacement.