Image credit: The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Retailers are hoping that they can make up for lost time now that they are allowed to open for business during the second phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Lim Seow Xi, 33, who runs a hair salon in the George Town area, said he will work out the formalities before opening his doors to the public.
“This is the only source of income for my family, and for the past few months, we had no income.
“After such a long time, it feels nice to get back to work,” he said, adding that his regular customers have called up to make appointments after the Phase Two announcement on Monday.
Malaysia Retailers Association general manager Evelyn Cheong said Penang going into Phase Two will be good for the state’s economy after the prolonged closure.
“Reopening retail outlets in phases will help the economy recover.
“We are hoping for all the retail businesses to reopen as that will help the economy and those running these businesses,” Cheong added.
While many rejoiced at the reopening of retail outlets, Cheong reminded everyone to focus on stringent compliance with the standard operating procedure to keep the virus at bay.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow said that small businesses can now look forward to better days ahead.
“These are people who have probably invested their savings in their business.
“The only way to survive and save the economy is to reopen, even if it means in stages,” he added.
A representative for Gurney Paragon Mall said they were ecstatic to be moving into Phase Two of the NRP.
“We will ensure the safety of shoppers remains our priority. We will only allow people registered as low risk for Covid-19 to enter the mall.
“For now, we are unsure how many outlets in our mall will reopen but from the list, bookstores, computer and IT equipment, electrical shops, car wash and hair salon outlets are allowed to reopen,” the spokesman said.
Penang has been allowed to enter Phase Two of the NRP as of today.
Given the green light are recreational activities that do not incorporate physical contact or those where a minimum distance of two metres can be maintained such as jogging, general exercise, cycling, tai chi, fishing, equestrian, biking, hiking, archery, one-on-one tennis, skateboarding, individual motorsports and golf.
Other activities allowed are shops selling computers, telecommunication devices and electrical appliances and car wash businesses.
Morning wet markets that sell six essential commodities – specified as vegetables, fruits, poultry, meat, seafood and essential retail items – can also resume and operate from 7am to 11am daily.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/07/sigh-of-relief-from-retailers