KUCHING: Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and Aidilfitri celebration restrictions, many shoppers are still flooding the shopping malls here.
Businesses like Syarikat Naazimudin that specialises in traditional Malay clothing, ranging from baju kurung, baju Melayu and jubah to songket and songkok, are benefitting from the continuous stream.
Nur Farhana, 24, a sales assistant at Syarikat Naazimudin’s outlet in Majma Mall, said business was good.
“We have been very busy for the past few weeks. Our customers would usually come with their family members and buy clothes that are of the same colour.
“I enjoy helping our customers select their clothes and I think as sales assistants, we do our best to make sure that they leave feeling satisfied with their purchase.
I’m thankful that business is booming again, even if we are tired by the end of the day.”
On the level of Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines compliance, Farhana said there was no issue as the new normal was embraced by the community in general now.
“Customers comply well with SOP. It’s natural now for them to scan the MySejahtera QR code and have temperature checks before entering the premises.
She said that the challenges faced by the company was mostly stock and logistics related.
“This can be frustrating because we are unable to provide some customers with the size or design that they are looking for.”
Meanwhile, Ulfa Seperi, 40, owner of Duiz Homebakery, said she had been able to generate better sales this year compared to the bleak situation in 2020.
“I’m thankful that my business is doing much better now. Most of my products have sold out, in fact, we had to turn down orders because we don’t want to run the risk of not fulfilling them.
“This is my second time setting up a booth at Kampung Plaza and Kampung Merdeka at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall. I noticed that visitors prefer to come here at night, so we are usually busy then.”
Ulfa pointed out that there was a concern on whether to produce her products in bulk due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation here.
This concern, she added, was shared by her peers for fear that their products would go to waste.
“The directives from our government cannot be predicted so we are scared to overproduce. If we were to overproduce and a movement control order (MCO) is suddenly declared, we will not be able to sell the products.
“I must admit that it is difficult to turn down orders and seeing our customers unable to get what they are looking for. However, we need to think ahead and do our best to prevent losses.”
On another note, Nur Nabilla, 27, said her family would be celebrating the coming Aidilfitri moderately.
“We are still worried about the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak. We hope that others will also remain cautious and remember to adhere to SOP,” said the civil servant.
She also pointed out the busy atmosphere at shopping malls contributed to the celebration’s excitement.
“I enjoy going to the malls during festive season…the hustle and bustle, the excitement of seeing fellow shoppers buying the things that they need.
“In a way, it feels good to know that people are doing their part to contribute to our state and country’s economy.
“Despite the large number, I appreciate how we are all following the SOP as expected of us. This shows that the new normal is something that everyone has adapted well to even though there may be a few who are not 100 per cent compliant.”
Ainaa Zafirah, 26, another civil servant, noted that the festive season often encouraged people to support local businesses.
She pointed out that the availability of bazaars or kiosks set up in shopping malls help local businesses to generate income during this difficult time.
“I think it is a great initiative from the respective shopping mall management, to provide spaces for local businesses to showcase and sell their products. This helps to boost their income as they are most likely affected badly by the pandemic.
“Moreover, it also allows local businesses to gain new regular customers, which is beneficial for them in the long run. I like being able to strike a conversation with the booth or kiosk operator so that I get to know them as well as their products better.
“I personally prefer being able to see the products in person and directly ask the sellers if I have any enquiries. Despite the availability of various online marketplaces, physical interaction during business transactions is still better.”
