JOHOR BARU – In the days before Covid-19 reared its ugly head and changed the lives of many, Jalan Susur was a bustling economic and commercial centre, hosting various eateries and a large number of motorcycle repair and accessories shops.
Located just a mere 7km away from the Malaysia-Singapore border, the road was where some 350,000 Malaysians who travelled to Singapore daily via motorcycle had their vehicles repaired, and where they had a meal before or after a hard day’s work.
Its popularity amongst locals and Singaporeans meant that it offered far more than a delicious meal, or work done on motorcycles – there were also sexual services offered by prostitutes soliciting customers right behind these very same shoplots.
However, since the pandemic hit Malaysian shores and its border with Singapore were shuttered, the roar of motorcycle engines along Jalan Susur has reduced, and those who depend on the commuters for an income are struggling to survive.
For instance, WK Motorsports Parts and Accessories saw its income slashed by a whopping 75%, and reduced from being a two-lot operation to just renting one shoplot.
Even then, the owner, who requested anonymity, told The Vibes that she is still struggling to keep her business afloat.
“Just to survive, we had to scale down to just one lot.
We made around RM200,000 from sales a month before. Now we barely make RM50,000, which is not enough to cover costs,” she said.
Hoping for govt assistance to keep business alive
Samad Kassim, who operates Restoran Sabarina, pointed out that the motorcycle workshops used to see customers up until 4am daily.
However, with the border closure, he said many of these workshops have also closed down.
With the lack of motorcyclists visiting the area, he also sees fewer customers patronising his eatery.
Business is really bad now since workers here can’t enter Singapore. Today, from morning until evening, we only saw one or two customers.
“We are basically running at a loss,” Samad told The Vibes during a brief conversation.
However, the small-time entrepreneur has not lost his optimism, as he believes his business will recover once the border reopens.
Unfortunately, seeing how the new Omicron variant has infected the globe, Samad is not confident that he will be seeing his hope come to fruition any time soon.
In the meantime, he hopes that the government could provide cash assistance for the struggling businesses here.
Authorities ‘disturb more than they help’
Similarly, Restoran Makanan Kami Tentu Sedap owner Eddy Gan took note of how many of his competitors were unable to make rent and had to wind up their operations.
He admitted that he was rather fortunate and could survive simply because he owns the premises in which he operates.
“We are really dependent on the Johoreans going to work in Singapore.
“There are no residential areas nearby, and there’s a main road right opposite, so we really depend on the passing traffic.
Most businesses here, including me, are just trying to survive until the border opens,” Eddy said.
Asked if there has been assistance from either the state or federal government for the businesses here, Eddy said that “they disturb more than they help”.
He cynically observed that the government’s presence in the area only comprises enforcement authorities who come to check for Covid-19 standard operating procedure compliance – which he said he found hypocritical, although he did not elaborate further on why that is the case.
Touching on the upcoming Johor polls on March 12, the restaurant operator believes a change in government would not result in a change of his economic circumstances.
“I don’t want to waste time lining up to vote. There’s no point voting if they are going to end up switching parties,” Eddy said.
‘Some days I can’t even make RM50 for rent’
Behind the automotive workshops, resides a small squatter community, where some of its members are sex workers.
In addition to once being a vibrant automotive hub, Jalan Susur was also known for having an active illicit flesh trade.
The prostitutes, who mainly serve locals and Singaporeans, have also seen their incomes diminish.
Indonesian Yatie (not her real name) said there were days when she was not able to make rent for the room she uses to entertain her clients.
“I used to get at least five customers per day before the pandemic. Now it is difficult to make enough to eat, and there are days where I can't make RM50 for rent.
“Our customers are mostly people working in Singapore, so if they do open up the borders, I can make some money to send to Indonesia,” Yatie said.
Another former sex worker, Norah (not her real name), has been a resident here for three years after moving from her hometown in Kuantan, Pahang.
Norah says that she has quit sex work and now makes a better income doing odd jobs in the area.
She agrees that other sex workers are having a tough time making ends meet these days.
“This used to be a top area for sex work. But because of fewer customers in the area, many of the sex workers here have left.
“Now, maybe there are two or three sex workers here,” Norah said. – The Vibes, February 14, 2022
