THE Covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic upheaval, forcing many businesses especially the small traders to suffer tremendous financial losses.
Many of them are facing the possibility of shutting down their businesses since the full movement control order (MCO 3.0) has been extended indefinitely by the Federal Government until some criteria of the National Recovery Plan are fulfilled.
Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, there are exceptional small traders in Bagan Dalam, Penang, who are able to maintain their businesses and move forward by adjusting their business model.
For instance, florist Indrani Subramaniam, 52, took a bold step by transforming her floral shop into a grocery store.
“I started my floral business in 2017 and it was flourishing at that time.
“But when the Federal Government enforced several phases of MCO since last year to curb the spread of Covid-19, my business went on a downward spiral. Floral business is considered as a non-essential sector.
“At that time, I knew my business was not going to last long and I must do something.
“Luckily with the advice and assistance from Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy, I managed to apply for a licence from Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to start selling groceries as well in my shop since last year.
“And thank God, the Government also has given permission for the florists to operate during the lockdown beginning June 12. This is good news for me as I can now sell both groceries and flowers,” she told Buletin Mutiara when met at her shop at Jalan Kampung Benggali in Butterworth recently.
Indrani also thanked Satees and her loyal customers for supporting her business until now.
“Without them, I’m helpless. And I’m glad that I can sustain my business in the current situation,” said Indrani, who operates the shop together with her husband and son.
Similarly holding to the principle of not giving up, a soya bean drink seller Chin Chan Khiang, 60, decided to fully utilise the social media platform to promote his business.
“I have been in this business for more than 20 years and have encountered plenty of obstacles. I have overcome them all and certainly I am not going to give up this time around.
“So, I promoted my business through WhatsApp and Facebook with the help from my son, who is also helping me at the shop.
“And so far, I have managed to keep the soya bean business flowing.
“Although it’s not like pre-pandemic, I’m still grateful that the orders are still coming in every day,” he said at his shop at Jalan Kampung Benggali.
According to Chin, his soya bean drink is different from the others in the market.
“This is because our soya bean drink is made using a traditional method to maintain its freshness. And our customers love it so much.
“We also maintain the price of our soya bean drink for the past eight years.
“Our large-sized bottle of soya bean drink is priced at RM4.20, medium RM2.80 and small RM1.20.
“We decided not to increase the price as we don’t want to trouble our customers. As long as we can sell and make a bit of profit, that should be more than enough for us.
“Customers also can call us at 016-4336663 to order our soya bean drink,” he added.
As for Idris Noor Mohamed, 50, he started to sell nasi dalca (lentil rice) from his food truck after being retrenched as an express bus driver last year.
“Life was hard back then. I need to think about how to put food on the table for my family.
“I did not consider the Covid-19 pandemic as an obstacle to moving forward. There is always a way. Like the inspiring quote, when one door closes, another opens.
“So, I decided to start a business by selling nasi dalca instead. The idea came when I was working part-time at a local catering service provider shortly after being retrenched.
“Furthermore, nasi dalca is always my favourite since I was a kid. And I know very well how to make it. Plus, the dish is quite popular among the Penangites. So, I see an opportunity there and I took it.
“Also, I want to thank YB Satees for assisting me to join a special programme organised by his service centre to assist small traders like myself get a business operating licence.
“A big shout-out also to a few of my friends who lent me some money to start my business. Without them, I would not be where I am now,” he said.
Idris said he also used food delivery platforms such as foodpanda and GrabFood to market his food and further boost his sales.
“I am grateful that so far the response from the local community in Bagan Dalam has been very overwhelming.
“This is proven when my nasi dalca is sold out within a few hours. And I’m very thankful for that,” said Idris, who runs the business with the help of her daughters.
Known as ‘Nasi Dalca Mamu Idris’, his food truck could be found at Taman Mewah in front of 99 Speedmart convenience store.
It is open every day from 10.30am until the food is sold out.
Idris also could be reached at 017-4467264 for orders.
As an elected representative in Bagan Dalam, Satees said he always does everything he could to assist petty traders in the constituency during the pandemic.
The special programme that his service centre conducted to assist the small traders on how to obtain an operating business licence was held at Butterworth Digital Library last year.
“It is important because many petty traders nowadays do not know the correct way to apply for an operating licence.
“So, our objective is to make it easier for them to apply for a licence.
“Once they get their licence, they can trade legally without worrying about any action from the authority.
“And we planned to organise another programme again this year once the current situation permits us to do so.
“After all, this programme definitely will help more small traders in Bagan Dalam, Butterworth and nearby areas to get their licences and later on to spur the local economy here,” Satees explained when met at his service centre.
Under the last programme, Satees said the small traders were put through a three-hour food-handling course. After that, all of them were needed to get their typhoid vaccination, which was part of the requirements to get the licence from the MBSP.
The course was provided by a training school recognised by the Health Ministry while the typhoid vaccination was conducted by a local health clinic. The costs for both were fully borne by Satees’ service centre.
They just needed to pay RM30 when they submitted the application form to MBSP, which would take about two weeks to process.
Satees said from time to time, he would promote the local businesses in his constituency through his Facebook page to boost their sales.
After all, he said most of them depend on their daily income to make ends meet.
“I have also personally requested the MBSP not to take any action against the small traders who operate without a licence as long as they do not disturb others.
“I am very concerned about their plight during these tough times. They can come to my service centre anytime to be assisted.
“Rest assured, we will do our best to help,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud