Amirul Azhan Aznan, who has sizzled on the field as a defender with Perak, could soon be the “char kuey teow king” of Ipoh.
The suspension of the M-League has given Amirul the time to concentrate on his char kuey teow business, which he shares with his mother.
His restaurant, AN 23 Char Kuey Teow, has been operating in Ipoh since 2015.
The Movement Control Order (MCO), however, has not stopped Amirul’s food operation.
Selling only eight of their usual 30 main dishes currently, Amirul helps his mother by taking orders and doing deliveries.
“The restaurant is owned by my mother. Following the MCO, we are taking a different approach to maintain operation.
“I take orders from customers and also do deliveries.
“We are focusing on only eight dishes from the main menu compared to the usual 30.
“The response has been encouraging despite the MCO.
“Sometimes we do not have enough hands to cater to all the customers.
“Most of our customers are Perak fans.
“It helps to promote the restaurant," said Amirul.
Aside from char kuey teow, AN 23 also serves a variety of fried rice dishes.
Amirul, who has been with the Bos Gaurus since 2016, plans to open up his own restaurant after he hangs up his boots.
“After the first week of MCO, I sat down and thought about my future. I could not believe what has happened.
“Now I realise that I need to have multiple plans should something like this happens again.
“I have realised that nothing is secure for a footballer. We have to be ready for all possibilities,” he added.