THE new wave of Covid-19 infections in Kedah, though largely limited to the jail in Alor Star, has affected businesses, prompting fears that the state might come under some form of lockdown.

Businessmen told The Malaysian Insight that such a lockdown, even if it is only enhanced movement-control order (EMCO), would cause further damage.

This, in turn, would impact badly on the state economy, which had been under pressure for the past three months caused by the Sivagangga cluster, Sungai cluster and now, the Tembok cluster, they added.

Kedah Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Tang Eng Kiang said the prison cluster was under control, and as such there is no need to impose any restriction state-wide.

“Even if other states like Sabah and Selangor have blocked some areas, the situation here is still under control.

“There should be no lockdown because the confirmed cases are all prisoners.”

Though the Kota Setar district completed 14 days of EMCO on September 25, businesses that expected economic recovery have lost hope with the rise of the prison pandemic.

Tang said both locals and foreigners are worried about the daily three-digit number of confirmed cases in the state and this is reflected in the consumption performance.

“Most people stay at home and people from the outskirts do not come over to shop. So, there is less business and we lack confidence.

“After September 25, business generally improved but because of the spike in the prison cluster, people lost their confidence and become afraid to spend.

“The government has also strengthened the implementation of standard operating procedure (SOP).

“For safety reasons, the public dare not walk around and consume. If they can save, they will save. This brings another round of economic pressure for businesses.” 

Tang said he had met with Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Noor on October 6 to discuss the situation in the state and was told that the state government will implement relevant projects soon to promote business.

Tang said, however, the pandemic must be brought under control before results can be seen.

No diners

Kedah Hawkers’ Association president Ong Kee Tea said the soaring number of confirmed cases has greatly affected the food business.

“When they hear that the Covid-19 situation is so high, people seldom eat out, and people from other places dare not come. After the EMCO in September, many places were deserted and there were even fewer people after 8pm.”

Although the EMCO may have helped control the pandemic, it nevertheless has had a great impact on the economy and businesses, he said.

Ong, who owns Nasi Lemak Ong, a well-known Chinese nasi lemak shop in Alor Star, said he experienced a 70% decline in business due to the pandemic.

“People are restricted from coming out during the two weeks of EMCO. Everyone was afraid so they chose to cook at home.”

He said in the past, the shop prepared many meals but at this stage, even after the prepared portion is halved because of slow sales.

“All industries are experiencing a decline in business, especially in Kota Setar. Not just restaurants, but all types of stores.”

The Covid-19 infections in Kedah have also impacted on coffee shops.

Kedah Chinese Coffee Shopkeepers’ Association president Long Shi Aun said consumers have stopped dining in, prompting the owners to rely on takeaway services.

“This is just another way, this is a new normal.”

Kedah General Merchants Association president Ong Soon Yee said even a small increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases would affect grocery businesses.

“Although the cluster now is inside a prison, everyone is impacted. Everyone is afraid to shop and dine in restaurants.”

Despite this, Soon Yee said grocers can still survive because they’re not panicking.

Kedah on Saturday recorded 27 new cases, all from the prison cluster. There are 1,295 active cases in the state, with six deaths. – October 12, 2020.