THE economy is reopening and crowds are starting to return to shops and eateries, but earning a living is not any easier for hand-to-mouth workers in the B40 community.

While relieved that Selangor and the Klang Valley have moved into phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) on October 18, the aftermath of the epidemic is still challenging as many of them remain jobless, they told The Malaysian Insight.

Some are finding it hard to resume their small businesses due to a lack of capital and hope the government would provide aid to help them restart or expand.

Single mother Dumasari Syarif, 43, said more capital would help her home-based business making and selling Malay cakes to support her four children.

She makes about 100 packs of kuih a day and delivers them to various shops on her motorbike. She used to have a shop to work out of but rental is now too expensive.  

The resident of the Danau Kota flats in Kuala Lumpur said she worked from 3am to 12am, six days a week.

“Even though I have a business, I still need financial support. I have to pay for the house, my children’s needs.

“There is hardly any rest for me as even on my day off, I have to do house chores and settle personal needs,” she said.

Azlina Bakhtiar, 52, who lives in the people’s housing project (PPR) in Lembah Subang, said while some of her neighbours have resumed work or were rehired, many others have not been able to find work.

“Those who lost their jobs or their businesses need capital to restart.

“In fact, there’s less purchasing power now and shop rental has increased. There is also competition as stalls are concentrated around the area.

“Although the economic sector is now open, it doesn’t mean that there are jobs,” said Azlina, whose small business with her husband selling nasi ayam kukus ended when items from her shop were stolen.

She now supports the family by doing multiple-gigs such as plus-size modelling, babysitting and making flower arrangements.

She even enters various contests to try her luck at winning cash prizes.

The competition she spoke of is the mushrooming of more small food stalls in line with job losses.

Single mum Norizam Mohd Nor, 47, who lives in Desa Mentari 3 in Selangor with three children, said the same, noting that many in her flat who lost their jobs as flight attendants have set up stalls selling sushi.

Other neighbours in her flat have lost the jobs they held at small factories, hotels and wedding planning businesses.

“They are new to starting food businesses and find it a struggle because it takes time to make sales and be trusted by consumers.

“Help the poor for the sake of the economy. Giving us funds to help our business will help the economy in turn,” she said in appealing for government aid to help small businesses.

Rosita Md Nor, 39, urged the authorities involved in the process of approving business permits to be sensitive to the plight of B40 applicants.

“Give help and support to those who are trying to get a business licence,” said the member of the management committee of the Damansara Bistari flats in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Rosita said many of her neighbours have been unable to pay the monthly apartment service fee of RM77 for some time and have accumulated an outstanding amount.

“Please do not impose another lockdown again, many have their jobs and income affected, especially those who are or became self-employed.”

Norizam from Desa Mentari 3, meanwhile, observed that many low-cost flat dwellers are also struggling with mental health issues from the strain of having to look for food.

Donated food supplies sent by charity organisations to the flat’s food bank finish quickly, and there are those in the neighbourhood who do not have enough to eat, she said.

“Some are also unable to accept the fact that they have lost their businesses. We are warning those we know against taking any shortcuts (to get loans).

“I am involved in an initiative to find funds to get food packs for our community because I don’t want to see any suicide cases,” Norizam added.

Likewise, Azlina in Lembah Subang said she is part of her block’s committee and has volunteered together with her daughter to help mild Covid-19 cases in the lower categories who are under quarantine.

Azlina said they monitored these positive cases and helped them get food so they do not have to go out.

“There were residents with pink bands walking out to get food, so we created an online group where patients can voice their needs and we help them.

“We also help to throw away their trash and ensure sanitisation around the building, whether lifts or stairs, to curb the spread of the virus.

Azlina hoped that organisations would consider providing motivation talks for the residents, as many in the community are in need of encouragement. – October 25, 2021.