Poor food business on first day of MCO
KOTA KINABALU: Food operators are seeing a drop in business on the first day of the Movement Control Order 2.0 (MCO 2.0) that started yesterday.
Eng, who owns a stall selling various types of cakes, buns and Chinese New Year biscuits in Damai, said he made less cakes yesterday as he anticipated a decline in sales.
“We are usually sold out by 11am, but there are still some cakes left today.
“We still have customers who stopped by today but I am uncertain about tomorrow or throughout the MCO because people are opting to stay at home.
“If I wasn’t selling Chinese New Year biscuits, I wouldn’t open my stall for business today,” he said.
Eng has been selling cakes at Damai, a popular spot where locals go to for food and drink, for more than 10 years.
He said the MCO did affect his business a lot.
“Look, there is hardly any people here,” he said, gesturing at the empty walkways where previously tables and chairs were set up.
“All of us bosses here are waiting for customers.”
Meanwhile, Kuo Man Restaurant co-owner Chu Vui Kok said the number of takeaways has decreased as people opted to cook at home.
“Most people are staying at home.
“We do get some customers who buy takeaway food.
“It is better than not being able to operate at all,” he said.
On the other hand, East Coast Food Court person-in-charge Ronnie Chin said business has plunged to three percent of the normal sales volume yesterday.
“Only seven out of 16 stalls are open today,” he lamented.