By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 4: Kuchingites have taken a step forward to move their Ramadan business activities online and continue selling during the Covid-19 outbreak.
A Facebook page called “Bazaar Ramadhan Online Kuching, Sarawak” was created today (April 4) and in just a few hours, nearly 4,000 members have joined the group.
According to the page admin, the group was created to enable an online platform for Ramadan bazaar, following the significant disruption on lives, economies and societies brought about by the Covid-19.
“The platform is open to any businesses, hawkers, traders, bazaar stall operators in various areas throughout the capital city, as well as consumers to trade and promote their products.
“Runners or those providing delivery services are also encouraged to promote their services in the group to facilitate in delivering products to customers,” the page admin said.
Meanwhile, the DayakDaily writer observed that it cannot be denied that the dramatic spread of Covid-19 has brought the nation to a near standstill and with movement restrictions in place. It is a tough time for businesses particularly those small local enterprises to survive and ensuring life continuity.
“This is the time for people to shop local and support Sarawakian business, even if it is restricted online. This in a way will help to support and motivate traders and entrepreneurs trying to make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In this economic uncertainty, businesses and entrepreneurs needed to do things differently, adapt to change and act fast if they want to stay in the competition and most importantly sustain their livelihood.”
Fortunately, technology is powering people to make changes in this unprecedented tough time and small businesses should take advantage of the current situation to grow their online presence.
Furthermore, embracing digital transformation augured well with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s mission and vision to transform the Sarawak’s economy to a digital one.
Meanwhile, the federal government has emphasised that Ramadan bazaar will not be allowed as long as the movement control order (MCO) is enforced. It however pledged to look into the matter when the MCO is lifted.
Ramadan is expected to start on April 23, but it has yet to be decided whether the MCO will be extended amid a continued detection of Covid-19 cases across the country.
Yesterday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said mass gatherings should be discouraged for the next six months to one year after the MCO has been lifted, as the country recoil from the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the advice, several states in Malaysia announced that Ramadan bazaars will be cancelled this year including Kedah, Selangor, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Sabah. — DayakDaily
