DESPITE entering Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan effective yesterday (July 7), several business operators in Penang have remained concerned over the relatively high number of daily new Covid-19 cases in the state.
Yeap, a hairstylist who works in a hair salon in 1st Avenue Mall, said business started off rather slowly on the first day and pointed out that more than the business, it was the rise in daily new Covid-19 cases that was more worrying.
“The situation now is clearly unstable. Although Penang is better off compared to several other states that have seen even higher daily cases, this will clearly reflect on the country’s ability to contain further spread of the infections.
“Although we are open, the business has not been the same and this is because many feel it is unnecessary to go out to get a haircut.
“Clearly, people are worried because the situation has not improved in many aspects. We never know when we will return to Phase One, but the decision by the government to allow businesses to operate is a good one.
“Something is better than nothing, but we have got to stay safe and be cautious, especially for customers who visit hair salons,” Yeap told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview.
Meanwhile for HK Photostat Trading owner Teoh Hooi Hoon, 44, a more systematic and innovative approach is what business operators require now to survive during this challenging period.
“This is our rice bowl. Closing and opening any shop to fit the restrictions are equivalent to us losing a job and trying to find a new one.
“I strongly believe the authorities need to draw a greater and more effective plan to ensure affected businesses don’t drown any deeper than they already have.
“My business has dropped tremendously ever since the restrictions were imposed. Thank you to the authorities for allowing us to reopen.
“As I said, it is hoped more collective efforts can be taken to sustain our lives and livelihoods,” said Teoh during the interview.
Ahmad Izat Arif Ilyas, 25, who works in an electronics store called ADM Technologies, said he feels sorry for tech-savvy individuals who have so often got their hands tied up and not being able to ‘feel’ the devices before purchasing it during this Covid-19 pandemic period.
“Yes, we have been on the losing side too, but due to online platforms, we were still able to generate some income. I feel for individuals hardly had the opportunity to feel their devices before buying.
“Hopefully with Phase Two now, customers will continue to stay vigilant so that we don’t return to Phase one due to our own negligence,” he said.
Penang entry’s into Phase Two was a success after fulfilling three key thresholds set by the Federal Government, which included a dip in the average number of daily cases, moderate use of beds at intensive care units (ICUs) and vaccinating at least 10 percent of its adult population with two doses.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Foong Chee Yin