They thought the worst was over with the introduction of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) in June.
With business starting to pick up again since, little did three business owners in the Klang Valley suspect their business would once again take a turn with the sudden announcement on the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
The CMCO in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya is from tomorrow until Oct 27 following a spike to Covid-19 cases in the Klang Valley.
Muhamad Jufairuz Muhamad Junaidi, who ferries children to school, says his income will be affected.
“There are parents who still owe me and some said they won’t pay this month as their children attended school for only nine days,” he said.
“As the sole breadwinner in the family, I need to activate Plan B by being a food delivery rider throughout the CMCO.
“It is not new as I did the same during the MCO. I did not expect to do it again, but when push comes to shove, you just have to get going,” said the father of three from Hulu Langat.
Debbie Liew, who operates Polpetta Cafe in Petaling Jaya, said they hope to survive the next two weeks through food delivery.
“In anticipation of the CMCO we have given out leaflets with our menu to our customers. They are mostly office workers who will still be working from their offices throughout the CMCO.
“Customers can either pick up or we can send the food to them if they are nearby but we will also allow customers to dine in according to the SOPs set by the government,” said Liew whose cafe started in 2014.
Liew hopes the CMCO will not be extended after Oct 27 as it would be difficult to cope.
“Business was steady during RMCO. We can only hope for the best right now,” she said.
Patricia Lim, who runs Cerise Alpha which specialises in handcrafted chocolates, cakes and coffee in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, said they were caught with their pants down by the CMCO announcement on Monday.
“It was rather sudden but we will remain open as the government has said the economic sector can continue operating,” said Lim.
“Our regulars include those from nearby offices and if they are coming to work, we will be here to support their needs.”
Besides take-out, Lim said they are willing to deliver to customers if there is demand.
Today, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that food operators including restaurants, stalls, food trucks, food courts, grocery and convenience stores will be allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm.
To purchase food, Ismail said drive through, delivery and take-away is encouraged but dine in are allowed with only two to a table.
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
ANWAR TELLS KING HE HAS THE NUMBERS …
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, after an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah this morning, said he had presented to the King a list of a convincing majority of MPs who support him.
“I appeal to the rakyat and to politicians regardless of affiliations to be patient. We leave it to the wisdom of His Majesty to make a decision.
“Now is not the time for celebrations. There are no winners or losers today. The real victory is when we are successful in making Malaysia a progressive, prosperous, fair and harmonious country for all her citizens,” Anwar said.
… BUT ISTANA NEGARA SAYS ANWAR DID NOT PROVIDE NAMES OF MPs TO BACK CLAIMS
Istana Negara said in a statement Anwar mentioned the number of MPs who support him but did not submit their names to strengthen his claim.
During the 25-minute session, the King advised Anwar to respect the due process of the law in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
CHINA WILL ASSIST MALAYSIA WITH COVID-19 VACCINE
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Covid-19 vaccine from China is in the advanced stage. Its Foreign Minister Wang Yi has given the assurance that the first country China will assist is Malaysia.
Muhyiddin also said investigation papers against a minister who broke quarantine rules have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers. He said there are no double standards in enforcing the law and the law doesn’t differentiate between ministers and non-ministers.
He also said he does not want to comment about Anwar’s meeting with the Agong as he wants to manage Covid-19 and the economy.
