FOOD delivery riders are the main people out and about today as they rushed to fulfil the orders of those staying at home as ordered by the government.

“It is a bit busy today for us riders. Many restaurants are closed and people have limited choices. I received at least 20 food orders in four hours, which is a lot,” said Foodpanda rider Noor Azmi Rashid in Shah Alam.

He said Shah Alam was unusually quiet today.

“It is so quiet. It is as though everyone is asleep. You count the cars on the road and there is almost nobody in the streets.”

Shah Alam’s three shopping centres, PKNS Mall, Alam Sentral Mall and SACC Mall were closed as were the nearby eateries.

The only outlet open was Kentucky Fried Chicken in the PKNS mall, but it was catering for takeaways and deliveries.

In SS2, Petaling Jaya, a queue had formed outside McDonald’s for takeaway dining.

A Grab Food rider who was waiting in line said he was busier than usual, but had noticed that the Covid-19 movement control order was not stopping some people from stepping out.

“My orders are a lot more than usual but people are also coming out to buy lunch,” said Zaim Latif.

The movement control order until March 31 prohibits people from leaving their homes except to buy food and essential items, and in emergencies. 

All businesses and offices must also close, except for those selling food and essential services.

Driving was a breeze today, including on the Federal Highway, which was free of its usual stream of behicls.

A ride from Shah Alam to Petaling Jaya took only 15 minutes.

In Petaling Jaya, restaurants were also mostly closed. The sole outlet that was open catered only for  takeaways and deliveries.

The popular hawker centre facing the Petaling Jaya district police station were also shut while Petaling Jaya Municipal Council and its surrounding area were deserted.

A nasi campur stall owner there said he will close down for the next two weeks.

“I know some restaurants are open for takeaway but I don’t think I will do that. My customers usually eat here, plus, offices are closed. Many are working from home,” said Abdul Ghani Sidek. – March 18, 2020.