KOTA KINABALU – Arwin Singkang, 39, and his wife, Wan Juliza Wan Deraman, 37, used to run a booming tour company before things went south due to the pandemic.
In less than a year, they have had to close down the business, lay off workers and sell most of their company assets, including three tour boats, boat engines and 16 rental cars.
But as one door closes, another opportunity comes knocking.
Now, the couple have turned to selling fish door to door to earn a living in the city. This is all thanks to Arwin’s hobby of posting live videos of his fishing activities.
He joined the tourism business in 2014 and in four years, he was able to set up his own company, Borneo D’ Bayu Travel N Tours Sdn Bhd.
But the travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic had made it tough for the business to stay afloat.
“All the workers had to be laid off as we were unable to pay salaries, rental and operational costs.
“We did receive the one-off government assistance of RM3,000 and got a discount for rental fees, but it wasn’t enough to cover other business expenses.
“We had to sell our tour boats and cars during last year’s lockdown.
“Although it was hard to swallow, I have to accept that the business I built from scratch is no more,” he told The Vibes.
All that is left is for them to continue their fish business to cover financial commitments and provide for their family, Arwin said.
He said he got the idea to sell fish as he is a fishing enthusiast, and often posts live videos of his fishing activities on Facebook.
Several of his friends then began contacting him via social media to buy his catch.
“After the tourism business fell through, I often went fishing at sea, with the catch only sold to those I know.
“I gained a lot of viewers, mostly from here, and they buy my fish. I then deliver the fish directly to them,” said Arwin, adding the deliveries are now his family’s only source of income.
Besides having to head out as early as 6am to make his rounds in nearby residential areas to sell his fish, he also cleans the fish based on customer requests.
“The price varies, depending on the size and types of fish. I am lucky that what I’m doing now is well accepted by my customers,” said Arwin, adding that he has to source additional fish from fishermen due to high demand.
He said although profits are not what they were before, it has been enough to sustain his family’s needs for now. – The Vibes, February 21, 2021
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