BAU: While many complained of poor business during the movement control order (MCO), it was the opposite for hawkers operating at the Pasar Tamu here.
The hawkers who were interviewed by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday said their sales shot up compared to before the MCO.
Besides vegetables and jungle produce, fish and other seafood products like prawns and squids are also being sold at the market.
A fish monger Jesica Mikin, 40, said she made far better sales during the MCO, adding that her sales could reach RM1,000 or more daily.
She attributed the higher sales to the closure of the nearby Pasar Tani as well as unlicensed hawkers were not allowed to operate during the MCO. Hence, consumers had no choice but to buy edibles from them.
“I have been doing business here (Pasar Tamu) for more than 10 years and this is the first time I am making good sales every day during the MCO,” said Jesica.
She said all fish mongers at the market did not increase the price of fishes, prawns and squids they sold.
“The prices are the same as before the MCO,” said Jesica, who suggested that the Pasar Tani should cease operating and hawkers from there be allowed to operate together at the Pasar Tamu.
Meanwhile, vegetable seller Suzana Tuha, 55, from Kampung Skio, Bau also said her sales increase by more than double during the MCO.
“There are many customers coming here every day especially in the morning.
“Business here is good for all of us trading in the market. There is currently no competition from unlicensed hawkers and those hawkers at the Pasar Tani,” she said.
Suzana said she made RM200 to RM300 sales every day during the MCO.
Meanwhile, a quick survey around Bau town found that most of the shops are closed, except for food outlets and supermarkets.
