SELLING products and goods via social media platforms may be a new norm in this Covid-19 era, but it is not for all – at least for several durian sellers in Penang.
They are experiencing little impact through online selling.
Durian Cap Kaki owner Tan Chee Wei, 38, said before the restrictions took place, his customers were mostly from other countries like China, Indonesia, Singapore and others.
“My business is still not doing so good. I find selling my durians online not as good as having walk-in customers.
“To me, durian is a kind of fruit where people would tend to derive more joy when they are able to stop by a store, have a quick ‘makan’ and go.
“Unfortunately, they are not able to do so now, resulting in traders like us (durian sellers) suffering losses after losses,” Tan told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview.
Tan inherits the family business which was previously helmed by his father and has been running it for 30 years now.
Sharing a similar plight was another seller, Shamsuri Marzuki, 25, who said his business has been slow for the past few months as the majority of his regular customers are hindered by travel ban being from neighbouring districts and states.
“It has been difficult to survive without having my regular customers supporting me during the season.
“I hope this Covid-19 issue would come to an end soon. Not only me, I am very sure other forms of businesses have been badly affected during this period too.
“This is my fourth year operating as a durian seller and I can emphatically say the business has been the worst this year,” said Shamsuri.
Another durian seller, Chew Chee Wan, 53, who is the owner of Durian Cap Tupai in Relau, said his sales has dropped 50 percent so far but was able to still generate some income by selling online.
“I have to admit that it has not been the same but by trying to sell online, we are still able to row the boat, rather slowly.
“Responses through online selling were definitely not very good, but it is better to have something than nothing.
“Hope everyone will be able to cross districts and states in the near future. For that to happen, it is hoped the Covid-19 cases will drop soon. That is entirely up to the people as well,” Chew said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud