KUCHING: The roads and parking lots in Satok near here were unusually empty yesterday.
Normally, traffic would be congested from the Satok Bridge towards Jalan Satok in the morning with everyone rushing to work and so forth.
Day One of the movement control order was gloomy, wet and quiet when New Sarawak Tribune wandered around the area.
Many had closed their shops, except for some small businesses selling kuih and food for breakfast in Gita, Jalan Astana and Jalan Ajibah Abol.
A hawker who wanted to be known as Rohani said she was aware of the order.
However, she explained that her stall had always catered for takeaways, even before the whole Covid-19 situation.
“I was told that restaurants and cafés are allowed to open for takeaways.
“This includes my food stall…we only cater for takeaways.
“Most of the food here are for breakfast such as Nasi Ayam, Mee Kolok and biscuits,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
The mother of two opined that the two-week order would be too long for small businesses like hers.
“I am well aware of this virus. As much as I support this drastic move, on the other hand, I hope the authorities and the state government would be able to help us…those who only own small businesses.
“I’m just selling kuih. Can you imagine if I close for one week? It would be hard (hit on income),” she expressed.
On the stimulus package that included giving aid to workers forced to take unpaid leave, she said it would be good if such aid was also given to those who own small businesses.
“I can guarantee that my sales will drop.
“Although it is the school holidays now, business has not improved,” she lamented.
Rohani’s daughter Seha said food delivery was a good move, however, it might be unnecessary in her family’s case, whose income came from selling kuih only.
Another seller in Jalan Astana said he had to open his stall to earn money.
“I know about the restriction, but I have to feed many mouths at home. It is not that easy for people like us to close up,” he said.
