KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 -- When Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice in Pudu announced its permanent closure earlier this year, the news was met with a mixture of surprise and resigned acceptance.

The bulk of it came from regulars who had been patronising the restaurant for the better part of two decades - before it received a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.

But confusion also followed.

A similarly-named establishment in Taman Connaught, Cheras, acknowledged the closure, but put out a statement saying that it would continue operating as usual, while Heun Kee in Pudu maintained that it has no other branches.

The opening of Yan Kee quite soon after, serving the same food in the same exact premises, only added further to the confusion.

Is th...