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JOHOR BARU: The decades-old stores in the heart of Johor Baru are still in business despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the support of the locals.
Commercial operators said that while they had suffered losses due to the movement control order (MCO) and restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, such as the closure of the border with Singapore, many were able to weather the storm thanks to local customers.
Pang Kuok Sing, 29, a cook at Hua Mui restaurant in central Johor Baru city, said its history and popularity with the local community had helped him survive difficult times.
“Most of our customers are regulars. They have been coming here for years.
“Although it was initially affected during the MCO, the business recovered with the support of the local population. They made up for lost customers on the other side of the Calzada.
“Lately we have also received many clients from other states.
“They come here when they are on vacation in Johor Baru,” Pang said when they met at the tent along Jalan Trus.
Hua Mui Restaurant on Jalan Trus has many regulars.
He said the business had recovered by at least 70% since the MCO’s recovery began.
“The crowd on the weekends is still quite encouraging despite the absence of visitors from other countries.
“People still head straight to the store on the weekends,” he said, adding that they made sure to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), including wearing masks and observing physical distancing.
Joseph Lim, 32, who is the third-generation owner of a bakery here popular for its banana cake, said that during the MCO, he had turned to the online platform to sustain the business.
“We sold banana cakes and our other items online and this helped us maintain high sales, with many new customers placing orders,” he revealed.
He said that while the queue outside his store might not be as long as it used to be, the amount of business was pretty decent.
“We have been able to attract a good crowd of Malaysians. Among them are some new faces, even from other states like Sabah and Sarawak, ”he said.
Ahmad Ismail, 39, a second-generation owner of a warung near Jalan Mahmoodiah, said the store used to receive customers from all over the world, including Germany and Japan.
“When the pandemic hit, we lost business but we recovered thanks to the locals.
“Business has recovered by about 70% and now we are also receiving customers from other states, including those in the Klang Valley who are looking for food here,” Ahmad said.
Pang Kuok Sing
He said the store, which has been around since 1936, offers customers a nostalgic feel, with photographs of old Johor adorning the premises.
“This is our way of showing the rich history of Johor to visitors,” he said, adding that the store was also adorned with old movie posters.
Sisters Wong Oi Fah, 74, and Wong Oi Ling, 64, who have been selling herbal teas at a store here for decades, said their century-old business was still receiving customers despite the pandemic.
“As soon as we were allowed to reopen the store during MCO, loyal customers have come here to get their fix of herbal tea or to buy to go.
“Although the absence of visitors from Singapore has affected us, we can continue to support local customers,” they said.
Kopitiam owner Tian Tau Choo, 60, said he was able to retain around 60% of his customers.
“This outlet has been around for more than five decades and those who grew up in Johor Baru come here for breakfast.
“While we have not fully recovered in terms of business, it is still much better compared to the initial phase of the MCO, when there were hardly any customers,” Tian said.
Johor Baru Business and Hawkers Association President Roland Lim said businesses serving locals were doing quite well amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Businesses that depend on Singaporean shoppers, such as outlet malls and restaurants, are facing tough times, with some being forced to close their stores,” he said.
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