KUCHING: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-traders – especially new businesses which are categorised as non-essential service – that are compelled to stop operations throughout the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) are taking the brunt of the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), having to bear huge losses.
Most of them expressed frustration over the closure as well as the inability to find other sources of income to meet their commitments, including debts, wages and liabilities.
They are appealing to the government to allow them to resume operations as SMEs and micro-traders can also contribute to the recovery of the local economy.
Aivin Beauty Spa owner Aini Janir, said she took the initiative to sell various products online in order to pay bills as well as cover other necessities.
“As an SME, there is no denying that my business has been badly affected since the reimplementation of the MCO.
“Additionally, I lost my fixed income as beauty spas were categorised as non-essential service.
“Therefore, to cover daily expenses as well as other commitments, I sell beauty products like face masks, skincare sets and more,” said the 30-year-old.
She is using government assistance (for SMEs) to pay her shop’s monthly rental.
Aini, who owns a beauty spa at MJC Batu Kawa, is hopeful that the government will allow them to resume operations during this MCO.
Since she has started adopting the new norms at her spa, she has no problem adhering to the (SOPs) if her business is allowed to resume.
She provides hand sanitisers at her spa to make it easier for customers to sanitise their hands before entering the premises and when they want to leave the premises.
“Therefore, I really hope that small entrepreneurs like us, who mostly belong to the B40 category, will be allowed to resume our business as we are also able to contribute to the local economy,” she said.
Meanwhile, Amyelia Samat, a hair salon operator, said she was a bit depressed since the MCO was re-implemented as her income had plummeted because her business, which was categorised as non-essential service, was not allowed to operate.
She has applied for various government assistance but to this day she has not met with any success in her application.
“Therefore, instead of not having any income, I decided to sell hair care products, contact lenses, handbags and others to cover daily expenses as well as to pay my shop rental and salaries, among others.
“It is our hope that the government can reconsider allowing hair salons as well as other SMEs to resume operations.
“I also don’t have any problem complying with the SOPs because my salon has indeed been practising the new norms since the MCO was introduced.
“In this regard, I once again appeal to the government to allow us to resume our business as it is our main source of income,” said the 30-year-old, who is also the owner of Ammiey Salon located in Metrocity Matang.
Those who are interesting in helping these two enterprising and determined entrepreneurs get through their rough patch can purchase facial and hair beauty products by contacting Aini (016-2782121) or Amyelia (017-5060300).
They are also contactable on their Facebook accounts, Aivin Beauty Spa Kosmetik (Aini) or Kosmetik & Mini Saloon (Amyelia).
