KUALA LUMPUR – Although many expect the Chinese New Year to be a vibrant affair, market traders are seeing subdued crowds and a drop in sales even though many Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been lifted.
The Vibes visited a wet market in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here and spoke to business operators who said despite a slight increase in business, crowds were nothing like what they experienced during pre-pandemic days.
Fondly known by customers as Madam Yap, the 56-year-old stall owner selling noodles, sauces, and dried goods for the past 37 years, told The Vibes that her business was not drastically affected.
“Business is definitely a little better now compared to last year when we were under the movement control order (MCO), but the improvement is nothing major.
“It is rare now to see the market packed with people, even with approaching festivities,” she said, adding that she currently runs her shop with the help of her 24-year-old son, Chin, who lost his cafe job during the lockdown.
When asked about the recent increase in the price of goods, Madam Yap said her wares have also seen a slight rise in price, albeit nothing as volatile as those trading in daily goods.
“If my suppliers raise their prices, I have to raise my pricing as well. What to do?”
Another experienced trader who asked to be referred to as Uncle Sam has been operating his fruit stall in the market for 19 years now with his wife, and is hopeful that the year of the tiger will bring prosperity for all.
“The market was closed for two weeks during the MCO, and things still haven’t really picked up yet. The buying power of the people has been weak ever since the start of the pandemic.
“People used to buy my mandarin oranges in bulk but this year, they were not in such high demand,” the 73-year-old said, adding that this could be due to people cutting back expenditures on items deemed unnecessary.
Uncle Sam said while the prices of his fruits have not increased dramatically, he does not intend to raise his prices as his business would suffer as a result.
“I cannot sell my fruits if they are too expensive. Customers move around and can compare my prices with other sellers,” he said, adding that he focuses on ensuring his products are of high quality to attract loyal customers.
Lee Kem, a regular at the market, said while the atmosphere during the Chinese New Year celebrations was much more cheerful, the muted crowds are a far cry from the once bustling market.
“With the easing of the SOPs, many more gatherings were held this year and the overall feeling was a definite improvement from the slump we were all in last year.
“However, there are not as many people shopping now. Before the pandemic, it was very difficult to get a spot in the market’s parking area. Now, there is ample parking any time of the day,” she said, adding that she perceives this to be an indication of businesses slowing down.
Currently operating a home-based food business, the woman in her 60s used to run a restaurant that she was forced to shutter during the lockdown.
As a business owner herself, Lee highlighted how others in her industry are facing a catch-22 situation as operators attempt to balance customers’ demands with the increasing cost of staff wages.
“When you run a business, you will always need help. Staffing issues are always an unhappy thing because while consumers are not happy with the increase in prices, business operators still need to pay their workers.” – The Vibes, February 9, 2022
