KUCHING: There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many industries and sectors in the state.
Nevertheless, everybody has to adapt to the new normal to make ends meet.
Last Saturday (Feb 13), the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced the extension of the current conditional movement control order (CMCO) to March 1.
The economic sectors will continue to operate under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
What about the people who have temporary jobs or are involved in gig economy? How do they make money and survive during this tough time?
To answer that, I interviewed Ramadani Anwar Sabaruddin, 23, a freelance graphic designer who works from home and takes orders from clients to create banners, logos, etc.
“My business is not that badly affected as many of the clients still approach me, thanks to the use of the social media platform,” he said.
He said the CMCO had less impact on businesses in Kuching and that employers were aware employees needed permission letters because of the ban on interstate movements.
“They have been providing their employees with permission letters, thus helping them in their businesses.
“It is not the first time CMCO is being implemented, so I believe that businesses and industries can survive this also,” said Ramadani.
“The state government has done a great job in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in Sarawak. Since daily cases are rising over time, the extension of the CMCO is an appropriate and accurate approach to take.
“I hope the public can help the government by staying at home and following the designated SOPs,” added Ramadani.
Mohammad Zulhilmi Bolhasan, 24, a small bundle businessman in Lawas, said that the CMCO made it hard for people to move from place to place.
“Fewer people come to our stall in the night market and sales are dropping,” said Zulhilmi.
“The extension of the CMCO means people cannot go out a lot and travelling is prohibited.
“To adapt to the situation, I use the social media platform to run my business and stay connected with the customers. That is how I can continue on with the bundle business,” he added.
Zulhilmi hopes that the state government will look after small entrepreneurs during this tough time.
Zulhilmi’s stall at a night market in Lawas. 
Zulhilmi’s stall filled with used clothes for sale in Lawas.
