Some cheer for workshop and laundrette owners

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AS transportation is a key process in our everyday lives, it is vital to ensure that vehicles get proper maintenance in order to stay functional. For that to happen, we need our friends from the workshops to be of service.

 

The Federal Government’s decision to reimplement the movement control order (MCO 2.0) has seen several sectors shut their doors once again.

 

Fortunate enough, vehicle workshops are one of the many businesses allowed to operate during MCO 2.0. So is the laundry service.

 

Buletin Mutiara visited several premises under the said categories above on the island and mainland to interview the owners on the current of MCO 2.0 and how it has affected their respective businesses.

 

Most of the operators are thankful that their businesses can go on as usual, albeit slowly.

Ah Bok

 

Bok Tyre and Battery Sdn Bhd owner Lui Heo Teck, better known as Ah Bok among his regular customers, said the Federal Government was wise this time to see the need and importance of his type of service to the people.

 

“As the population of vehicles increases in the city, the need to maintain it becomes ever important,” Lui told Buletin Mutiara.

 

When asked if his business has suffered any drop during MCO 2.0, Lui said it was not as bad as the first MCO last March.

 

“Last year, throughout the MCO period, my shop suffered around 35% losses in revenue, but it has slowly improved.

 

“I have nine staff members and since last year when we were hit by this pandemic, none of them has suffered any pay cuts,” he added.

 

Operating for 28 years now, the workshop operates from Monday to Saturday (9am – 7pm) and is located in Bayan Baru.

 

One of the staff cleaning the rim of a tyre

 

A laundrette, called BG Speedy Laundry (self-service) within the same vicinity as the vehicle workshop, saw people abiding by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) when using the available washing machines.

 

Meanwhile, in Seberang Perai, most of the laundry shops and vehicle workshops are operating as usual based on the business hours allowed by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) from 6am to 8pm every day.

 

They have also taken some preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 infections by controlling the number of customers entering their shops to prevent overcrowding, practising physical distancing and carrying out some disinfection works at their premises.

 

For laundry shop owner Norashikin Abdul Aziz, 35, her shop encourages customers to perform cashless payment in order to minimise any direct contact to control the spread of the virus.

 

Laundry shop owner Norashikin Abdul Aziz

 

“In our shop, they can pay by using their debit or credit cards or just by using their e-wallet, such as Boost app.

 

“We also strictly practise all SOPs as outlined by the authority.

 

“Only one customer can enter our shop at any one time to prevent overcrowding since our laundry shop is small. Others will have to wait outside.

 

“Of course, they will also need to wear a face mask and scan the QR code before entering.

 

“We also sanitise our shop three times per day to ensure cleanliness.

 

“Our customers do not have to worry when they come here to do their laundry services. Rest assured, we do not take the SOPs for granted.

 

Norashikin (right) is seen here observing a customer while he fills out his details before entering the shop as part of the SOPs.

 

“So far during the MCO, my business is brisk, and we are grateful for that,” said Norashikin when approached by Buletin Mutiara at her shop in Seberang Jaya today.

 

For motorcycle workshop owner Ho Chong Jin, 44, the MCO reimplementation has left a huge impact on his business.

 

“My shop has suffered about 40% losses in revenue during the second MCO.

 

“Prior to this, on average, I had between 15 and 25 customers per day.

 

“Now, I can only get about 10 customers per day.

 

“But still, I am grateful that I am able to pay my three workers here full salaries.

 

Motorcycle workshop owner Ho Chong Jin

 

“So, I really hope that everyone will follow the SOPs so that the MCO can end soon,” said Ho, who has been in the same business for 18 years.

 

As for vehicle parts shop owner Faizal Mokhtar, 37, he said he is thankful that his shop can still operate during the second MCO compared to the lockdown in March last year.

 

“I still remember the time we were not allowed to open until they (Federal Government) loosened up the restrictions soon after the cases were brought under control.

 

“And I am glad that this time, we can operate as usual despite the reinforcement of the MCO.

 

“Overall, my business is still affected during this trying time, but it is not as bad as before.

 

Vehicle parts shop owner Faizal Mokhtar, 37

 

“As for now, I only do some minor repairs instead of major ones due to the limited spare part items I have.

 

“I just do car repairs with the spare parts that I have stocked at the workshop.

 

“However, I will try to restock the items in the upcoming days for my customers’ convenience,” said Faizal at his shop in Bandar Perda today.

 

Story by Kevin Vimal and Riadz Akmal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar