VENDORS from the famous Chowrasta Market gave mixed feedback on the effectiveness of GrabMart, an on-demand everyday goods delivery service, during the ongoing movement control order (MCO 2.0).
Several of them shared their reaction when Buletin Mutiara interviewed them about the GrabMart service at the iconic market in Penang Road today.
The app was introduced to the stall owners in Chowrasta Market, one of the oldest markets in Malaysia, last year.
Meat seller Abdul Rashid Abdul Hameed, 52, said the response so far in terms of the service has been quite encouraging, and it is widely being used by the younger generation.
“While young people are more proficient in using this app, there are still the elderly ones who prefer to physically be present at the market to buy the food items.
“If you ask me, since MCO 2.0, quite a few of my regular customers, especially those working in the government sector, have opted to use GrabMart,” he said during the brief interview session at his stall.
Abdul Rashid has operating his business there for over 20 years now.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the programme in July last year, said the initiative was aimed at enhancing digitalisation for business transactions among traders as well as encouraging people to adapt to digital platforms.
The delivery process is the same as GrabFood but instead of delivering food from restaurants, everyday goods from stores can be delivered to the doorstep.
Meanwhile, Cheng Wee Kin, 35, a spice and sundry goods stall owner, said since the online service was introduced at the market, the response has not really been encouraging.
“I still heavily depend on customers to walk into my shop.
“As long as markets can be open for business, I am thankful for that. I just hope people will continue to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.
Shahjahan Asan Aliar, 59, a fishmonger, said the GrabMart service was a huge boost and timely, knowing the unprecedented situation we are all in now.
“I could earn as much as RM50 to RM100 per day through the online platform, and there were times I hit the RM300 mark per day.
“I would encourage Penangites to continue using the platform, and for those who have yet to use it, please do try it. It is really useful, especially if you are working from home,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting