KOTA KINABALU – Local eateries in Sabah have reported a much-welcomed upsurge in customers as many Sabahans take advantage of the relaxation of movement control order (MCO) restrictions to dine-in.
Sin Wan Pan Mee Coffee Shop co-proprietor Chong Yau Min said many customers have visited the shop – located in Donggongon – since morning to dine-in, thanks to the easing of lockdown rules on eating at restaurants as announced by the federal government.
“We recorded about 70% increase in sales today, including orders of drinks by diners. Previously, we get only about 40% of sales from takeaway food.
“Yes, the relaxation for dining-in is much welcomed. Our restaurant abides by the government’s entire standard operating procedures, including social distancing and a maximum of two dine-in customers per table.
“Truthfully, we were barely scraping by under MCO 2.0. I don’t think we can survive another shutting down of dine-ins by the government, as we have many costs to pay, including rent, staff wages and so on.”
When asked whether he and his family will be taking a long break for Chinese New Year, Chong said they cannot afford to this year due to the MCO and current poor business environment.
“Our business will be closed for only three days – first, second and third day of CNY. We will be open for business on the fourth day,” he told The Vibes.
Checks at a nearby Indian Muslim eatery, the Maimunah Curry House, also saw a modest increase in sales.
Manager Mustafa Akbar said their sales increased by an estimated 20% today due to the relaxation of MCO rules.
“We usually get between 30% and 40% of sales from takeaway orders. So, the extra 20% increase is welcomed.
“At the moment (afternoon), there aren’t many customers, and it is the first day of the relaxation. There will be more people in the evening.”
He also agreed that hard economic times meant less people eating out.
“Times are bad, so not many are willing to eat out, especially those from the lower income group. But, of course, we will be open every day, including during the CNY holidays.”
In the Lintas commercial area here, a dine-in customer, who calls herself Mrs Chin, said she is pleased that the government relaxed rules on dining-in at restaurants.
“My son and I initially wanted to take-away food, but when we saw diners seated at the restaurant, we decided to eat-in instead.”
However, a takeaway customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she prefers takeaways as she feels safer eating at home.
“There is no reason or a dire need for me to dine in restaurants at the moment. I feel safer when I eat at home, so dine-ins can wait.” – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
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