It’s business as usual for some retailers and small businesses

GEORGE TOWN: Although he usually takes a break on weekends, a stationery shop owner here will open for business today hoping to cash in on the flurry of excitement on polling day.

The 53-year-old, who wished to be known only as Lee, said with more people coming to vote, he hoped business would be better.

“My shop is usually closed on weekends but I might open on polling day.

“I sell raincoats and umbrellas too, so I’m counting on voters coming to buy them if it rains.

“I am also considering selling bottled mineral water in case the weather gets too hot,” he said, adding that business had been slow since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lee also said he would be casting his vote since his shop was near his voting centre in Bayan Baru.

SME Association of Seberang Prai president Francis Wong said business would be open as usual on the eve of polling day as well as on polling day.

“We can’t just stop operations. We have plans to keep up with and we are nearing the end of the year, which is usually our busiest time.

“We will have to replan our working schedule if we stop operating for two days for GE15,” he said.

Wong, however, said he had granted leave to his staff voting in other states.

“It is everyone’s right to cast their vote.

“As employers, we will have to make arrangements for our operations to carry on as usual.

“We can hire part-timers or get our staff to work on rotation,” he said.

A Malaysia Retail Chain Association spokesman said most retailers would be open for business as usual despite the polling day.

“I have checked with some retailers and they said they are open for business as usual on Nov 18 and 19 but are expecting low sales.

“Staff are allowed to go vote on a rotational basis,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Penang Turf Club has readjusted its November programme at Batu Gantong and brought forward today’s races to allow members of the racing fraternity to go out and vote.

“We have rearranged our programme so that the seven races can be held earlier to allow the owners, jockeys and trainers to vote on polling day,” said a club spokesman.

The Federal Government has declared Nov 18 and 19 as public holidays for GE15.