WHETHER dine-in is allowed or not, people must understand that life is always full of alternatives.
For instance, when we are not allowed to sit and eat at our favourite restaurant, we can always opt to tap into the various food delivery applications to bring the food right in front of our doorstep.
Well, if several food stall owners can be mindful of how catastrophic the Covid-19 pandemic can be, it should not leave a gap of compromise among the public as well.
Having officially entered the nationwide movement control order (MCO 3.0) from today (May 12), Buletin Mutiara visited two food destinations in the George Town area, namely Esplanade Park and Cecil Street Market to gain insights from the operators there.
Hadi Char Koay Teow owner, who operates at Esplanade Park, said the public must now learn to heavily practise ordering food online to avoid overcrowding at food premises.
“Physical distancing is very important and if food delivery applications are made available for us, it is our responsibility to normalise the habit of using it,” he said, asking to remain anonymous.
“To be honest, at the end of the day, if we portray a lacklustre attitude, then sorry to say, the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases will not slow down.
“Trying to stay healthy during this period definitely comes with a number of sacrifices to be made.
“For example, not being able to enjoy your favourite food at your preferred mamak stall may seem like a small sacrifice, but definitely not for Penangites.
“Yes, nothing beats the feeling of sitting in a food stall enjoying a cup of teh tarik with mee goreng, but unfortunately, the ball is currently still in Covid’s court.
“Stay safe every one. Only go out if you have to, and please do use food delivery apps. It is the most convenient and safest thing to do now.”
Another operator at Cecil Street Market, M. Mallika, 61, has urged those who are unable to walk in for takeaway, can still support her business by buying online.
“I rely on my customers to put rice on my bowl. I still have three children who are still studying.
“My husband recently met with an accident and is unable to work for now. I need to keep rowing the boat for my family regardless of the difficult situation now,” Mallika told Buletin Mutiara at Cecil Street Market today.
Operating for more than five years, she sells mee goreng and mee rebus there.
In the same market, a coffee stall operator, who wanted to be addressed only as Ong, said his business had started seeing slow sales since May 10 but is hopeful that through his regular customers, he will still be able to see light at the end of the tunnel.
“It is back to square one for most of us (food stall operators), but with the help of food delivery applications, and by God’s grace, it is hoped we can see through this round three of the MCO.
“Please stay safe every one. We all must eat to stay alive, can’t deny that for sure. But what we can do is, at least for those with the convenience of smartphones, order your food online by still showing your support for us,” Ong said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting