KUCHING: Thinking of moving around to sell your food and beverages on the go? Then food truck or food cart business is the answer.
The food truck business is a new trend in Kuching, and it is starting to bloom already.
Just so you know, the food truck business started in America during the late 1800s.
Sarawak Bumiputera Food Truck Association (SBFA) chairman Mahathir Ibrahim said that there are 25 food trucks and 20 foodcarts in Sarawak today.
Mahathir is also one of the founders of the first food truck of Kuching Food Kartel which sells charcoal bun burgers in 2016.
“Since then many were interested to own a food truck, which prompted us to establish the association,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, yesterday.
He said the association seeks to assist those interested to do the business in obtaining a business-operating licence with the local authorities.
Here Mahathir explains how food trucks and food carts industry works.
How to run a food truck or food cart business?
Mahathir: First, the food truck operator should have a company to register the food truck if they are going to buy the truck because it is a commercial vehicle.
It is a commercial vehicle and it should be tested at Puspakom in every six months.
What is the difference between a truck and a cart?
Mahathir: A truck, you can just drive. For a cart, it needs a car to tow it.
Where do you get these food trucks or food carts?
Mahathir: Either from a local supplier or from Peninsular Malaysia. Normally, operators would get secondhand food trucks from Peninsular Malaysia.
How much does a food truck or food cart cost?
Mahathir: It’s anything between RM70,000 and RM100,000 for a new truck, depending on the accessories.
Secondhand trucks are available, one costs about RM35,000 exclusive of transportation from the West Malaysia.
The best part of owning a food truck or food cart?
Mahathir: It does not stay put in one place, you can always move around anywhere any time.
Any challenges?
Mahathir: Just like any other businesses, there is always the up and down, so learn to manage and sustain. Business at night is much better compared to day time because of parking issues.
But the food truckers and food carters are recommended to run their business near government offices or universities either once or twice a month.
Another challenge is the need to maintain the lorry which requires a certain amount of money, including renewing vehicle’s insurance and road tax.
Want to own one?
Don’t worry loans are provided.
Mahathir: There are loans from Mara, Perbadanan Usahawanan Nasional Berhad (PUNB), Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS), and we will guide you on what to do.
In your truck, we the supplier Raya Khas Marketing are ready to help you.
But in the meantime, the association is open to Bumiputeras only. However, non-Bumi are always welcome to seek advice from them, Mahathir said.
Mahathir can be contacted at 012-8965815.
