AFTER journeying through a tough period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, traders in Little India finally could see the silver lining as their businesses slowly picked up pace.
A couple of merchants were approached by Buletin Mutiara for their views in light of the current situation.
Umayal Textiles Sdn Bhd owner Datuk Asok Kumar said his business recorded a 40% drop in sales since the movement control order (MCO) was imposed in March, but a gradual increase was notable after interstate travel was allowed in June.
“For me, Covid-19 not only affected my sales, but also restricted my usual routine which is to travel to India to personally handpick and purchase materials to be brought back to Malaysia.
“It is a sentiment I have been carrying for years but I have remained positive and the signs are improving now as our sales have picked up since July,” said Asok during an interview session with Buletin Mutiara.
Asok also said shipping charges have increased tremendously, but added that with Deepavali around the corner, he is expecting to recover sooner than expected.
“These few months of closure were the longest ever in the history of the shop since it was opened in 1968 as we would only close for three days in a year for Thaipusam and Deepavali,” he added.
First of its kind in Malaysia, Umayal Textiles is a popular textile merchant that sells a range of colourful and eye-catching traditional Punjabi suits, sarees and the famous men’s wear known as ‘jippa’.
VKN Jewellers & MD Sdn Bhd, a family-run business, decided to sell online when its business was slightly halted and today, it is glad that the response is relatively encouraging.
“We run this as a cultural business because other than our usual daily orders, we also receive regular orders for weddings, naming ceremonies, birthdays and anniversaries,” said Yuvabalan Sivasamy, one of the company directors.
“Our sales were quite low in April and May, but slowly gained momentum in June. It got better in July and we are expecting it to get even better as we near Deepavali.
“I would like to thank the Penang state government for cautiously opening the various sectors in phases, and I hope the public will continue to adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the goodness of all.”
Yuvabalan also urged customers to thoroughly follow social distancing and wear face masks when visiting such premises for the safety of everyone.
Operating since 1936, VKN Jewellers specialises in producing gold jewelleries, which include services such as repairs and remodelling too.
According to Yuvabalan, the current rate for gold per gram is RM266. The highest quality of gold sold in the shop is the 22 carats 916 gold.
The items made and sold here are mostly of South Indian styles.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan