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JOHOR BARU (THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – Decades-old stores in the heart of Johor Baru continue to operate despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the support of 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 customers.
Pang Kuok Sing, 29, a cook at Hua Mui restaurant in downtown Johor Baru, said the restaurant’s history and popularity among the local community had helped it survive tough times.
“Most of our customers are regulars. They have been coming here for years.
“Although initially affected during the MCO, the business recovered with the support of the locals. They made up for the loss of customers on the other side of the Calzada.
“We have also received many clients from other states lately. They come here when they are on vacation in Johor Baru,” said Mr. Pang at the restaurant along Jalan Trus.
He said business has recovered by at least 70 percent since the MCO’s recovery began.
“The crowds on weekends are 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, including wearing masks and observing physical distancing.
32-year-old Joseph Lim, who is the third-generation owner of a bakery here popular for its banana cake, said that during the MCO, he had turned to an online platform to stay in 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 made up of Malays. There are some new faces among them, even from other states like Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Ahmad Ismail, 39, a second-generation owner of a warung near Jalan Mahmoodiah, said his store used to receive customers from all over the world, including Germany and Japan.
“When the pandemic struck, we lost business but we recovered, thanks to the locals.
“Business has recovered by 70 percent and now we are also receiving customers from other states, including those in the Klang Valley who are looking for food here,” Ahmad said.
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.
Coffee shop owner Tian Tau Choo, 60, said he was able to retain about 60 percent 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 are doing quite well amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Businesses that rely on Singapore shoppers, such as shopping malls and restaurant outlets, are facing tough times, with some being forced to close their stores,” he said.
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