KUCHING: Many business owners have welcomed the government’s decision to allow various non-essential sectors to operate in Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Sarawak’s phase two of the NRP permits all economic sectors including services such as electronic and gadget shops, printing shop and others to operate from 6am until 10pm.
The majority of business owners told New Sarawak Tribune that they were relieved to be able to resume operations and added that all businesses must adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) provided by the government to ensure a safe operation.
NUR ROZIELA ABDULLAH, 50, Satex Textile Supervisor
I am glad that we can resume our normal operations. In our line of business, it is preferable for our customers to see and feel the texture of the material. We had a lot of difficulties regarding this in the past, and our sales were plummeting since then but today we are really happy because they can choose for themselves and hopefully, our business will get back on track.
BRYAN CHUNG, 42, A.K Lighting Manager
I used to be really worried about paying my staff, electricity bills, and store rent because there were fewer sales during MCO. Now that the government had permitted us to function normally, it seemed like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Although we advertised our business on social media, it is not the same as having our shop open. I believe our customers want to see the lamps and chandeliers up close before buying them.
MOHD AZANI SOLEHIN, 20, Red Bundle Supervisor
I am thankful that we can get back to business. It felt like we have been doing online business for far too long and still, it has not been nearly as exciting as meeting the customers physically. The current SOPs are sufficient in my opinion, but I hope the government will continue to monitor all facilities to guarantee that everyone follows the SOPs in order to reduce the risk of infection.
WAN ZAIDIL WAN JAPAR, 29, Owner of Monakie Printing
I am relieved to be able to resume my printing services, as I am sure many of my customers were waiting for us to reopen. Since everything was restricted and controlled during MCO, it was very difficult for us to accommodate a large number of orders at a time. I hope that all businesses will comply with the SOPs and remain flourishing during tough times.
ELISA AZURA ALI, 40, Azura’s Hamper & Gifts Supply Owner
I applaud the government’s decision to reopen business sectors like ours, which were severely impacted by the pandemic. We have been completely reliant on individual gift requests since MCO and I am hoping that the government can coordinate aid to all small business owners in order to alleviate the strain on us.
MOHD HILMY, 35, M.H Carwash & Car Care Owner
Despite the fact that our business has slowed as a result of the pandemic, I am grateful that we are still authorised to operate. Since not everyone wants to wash their car on a daily basis, I think the situation at our premise is fine. A drive-through car wash, for example, might be done by us in the future to minimize direct contact. However, I continue to believe that SOPs must be followed to ensure that no virus is propagated.
