GEORGE TOWN – Some 20 second-hand bookstores at the heritage landmark of Chowrasta Market are facing a dilemma due to the dampened economy resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
On average, those who have been in business since the 1980s said that they now earn less than RM20 daily due to their dependence on local and international tourists, who are scarce nowadays due to movement restrictions and closed borders.
A second-hand book trader, Mohamed Assalam Gulam Mohamed, 37, said that, despite the slowdown, he had no choice but to continue the family business.
“This is the only job I have.
“The fourth generation is handling the shop now, so I have to continue even though there are no patrons,” he told The Vibes.
He said that he was thankful that the state government and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have helped many traders affected by the slowdown.
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“The state government has given RM500 aid each to small traders, while the MBPP has given us an exemption from paying the rent for three months last year.
“Even though the shop rent is only RM150 a month, I still can’t afford to pay that amount,” Assalam, who said he has more than two million books in his shop.
Another used bookstore trader, Nasir Ahmad, 55, said that he hopes the government will allow interstate travel soon.
Having been in business for the past 35 years, Nasir said that 70% of his those who patronise his shop are tourists
“If I advertise a book on social media, it does not draw any response because most of my buyers are book-lovers who spend hours to see, read, and buy books in my shop,” he said.
Nasir said that, despite not having visitors, he still opens his shop every day.
“If I sit at home, it will be more stressful, so it is better for me to open the shop,” he said. – The Vibes, March 6, 2021
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