HAWKERS and traders at Perak Road Market are appealing to the Federal Government to allow them to operate an hour earlier, from 7am instead of 8am, because of sluggish business during the ongoing full movement control order.
They are making the appeal through Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer who both visited the market this morning.
Ong said most of the hawkers are dependent on customers who would come in early to buy breakfast.
“They are seeing a significant drop in the number of visitors.
“And they would like the Federal Government to relook at the policy and grant them to start business an hour earlier alongside with the Perak road morning market that operates at 6 am,” said Ong.
The Perak Road Market has reopened on June 18 after it was shut due to Covid-cases detected among its traders on June 11.
Rayer urged the residents in the Perak Road neighbourhood to visit the Perak Road Market to support their business.
“The market is safe now as all the disinfectant work has been carried out thoroughly. So please come and visit the place.
“These small traders need your support to sustain their business,’’ said Rayer.
Vegetable seller Marimuthu Velayan@Sarojini, 59, said an earlier start would be convenient for all, both marketgoers and traders.
“I come here around six o’clock. Normally, I do not take my breakfast before leaving my house and would only eat after I reach the market.
“Since all food stalls only open after 8am, I am unable to buy food for myself. I must wait until the stalls here start to operate. To compound my problem is that I have gastritis,” said Marimuthu operates the stall together with her elder sister Muniamal Velayan@Dhanam.
For Ooi Siew Tuan, 61, who has been selling Hokkien mee at the market since 1975, her business has been affected by more than 50%.
“My usual business hour is from 6am to 11am, and now after operating from 8am, we have fewer customers coming in.
“I hope that the authorities will look into our plight,’’ said Ooi.
Another trader, Yap Sooi Tan, 55, said he might not open his coffee stall daily for business as there are not many customers.
“My business has plunged by 80%. If it continues like this then I have no choice but to only open my stall on certain days.
“If the Federal Government change the operating hours to an earlier time, then it will help us a lot.
“Those working people will normally come here to get their breakfast before heading to office but now, they are unable to do so due to the time limit,” said Yap.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan