Image credit: EY
JOHOR BARU: Local businesses, from coffee shops to printers, are set to capitalise on the general election, with many already receiving bookings for their services or goods.
Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar said small and medium-sized businesses were looking forward to another upswing in orders for the 15th General Election (GE15) after getting a taste of this in the state election in March.
“During the state election, many businesses profited thanks to the political campaigning activities leading up to polling day.
“As for GE15, several businesses have already received bookings for services such as food and beverage, transportation, tents and printing even before Parliament was dissolved.
“The moment the Prime Minister announced the dissolution, deposit payments were made,” he said in an interview.
The incoming business, he added, was much needed by the SMEs as they had been hit hard by the long period of border closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With GE15 set to take place soon, businesses are also looking forward to a stable political climate, which will then spur more investments from foreign investors,” said Sivakumar.
Johor Baru Small Business Association president Tey Tian Hwang said local businesses such as eateries and coffee shops would usually benefit as political candidates and their entourages go down to the ground to hold their ceramah, meet voters and campaign.
This is especially true in smaller towns and remote locations.
“I believe other businesses will thrive too, such as printing services and accommodation providers.
“I was made to understand that some political parties are seeking printers who can sub-contract these to overseas companies to print items such as party flags, logos and banners, as these can be done way ahead of time.
“Local printing shops will still be the go-to places for last-minute or more urgent printing jobs such as candidate posters and flyers, which are usually carried out after the official announcement of the candidates,” said Tey.
Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia president Abdul Halim Husin said most political parties had their own contractors to supply the necessary products and services.
He said he expected local businesses to enjoy the spillover effects from GE15, such as orders for T-shirts, banners and bunting.
“The increase in business is welcomed, but there is a risk of the SMEs not getting paid on time or at all – this is their main concern.
“Some political parties tend to practise the ‘hire first, pay later’ method, which affects small businesses that need the cash flow for their operations to run smoothly,” he added.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/17/local-businesses-cashing-in-on-ge15