Catering business keeps single mother going

KUCHING: The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people economically.

But AmyRozila Saili, a single mother of three here, is doing quite well in her home-based small catering business. 

“I started venturing into the catering business in 2015,” said the 35-year-old woman who used to work in a private hospital as a medical secretary.

She offers a variety of food and snacks in her small catering business, such as soto ayam, bergedil, choco jars and cookies.

“My soto ayam and bergedil are well known and many people have ordered from me,” said Amy.

“However, this business is uncertain when it comes to revenue. In a week, I only get between RM100 and RM300. But I am still passionate about this business.  

“At the beginning, there was not enough model (capital) to start the business, but slowly, it was enough for me to continue,” she added.

One good thing about the pandemic, she said, was that it promoted awareness about the importance of health and personal hygiene.

“Now, all sectors and industries emphasise good health and hygiene when doing businesses.

“Of course, the pandemic affects us all financially. When many people lose their jobs, business is less productive because purchasing power is less,” she explained

“When the movement control order (MCO) was imposed last year, everyone was afraid to sell and buy things, Alhamdulillah, today, business is good, just in a ‘new normal’ way,” said Amy.

“I hope my catering business can help me survive as a single mother. I also hope my friends who are in business will not give up. 

“The pandemic will not be over that soon.  Hence, the public must adapt to the new norm to make a living to support themselves and get through this pandemic,” she added.