Chicken vendor in Bukit Sentosa Night Market Site.
(Source: Facebook / Ibnuadam Al Mustofa)

RAWANG – The rise of COVID-19 cases in Selangor has always been discussed among citizens and what has happened in Selangor brought huge impacts to the economic sector.

With such circumstances, it seems like there will be no sign of the numbers dropping as there are no actions being taken, despite it being concerning.

In Bukit Beruntung, with few manufacturing and automotive sectors available, people who live there have to find other ways to generate income.

It is understandable that street vendors can easily be found on roadsides in small towns as a means to fend for them and their families.

During this year’s Ramadan, the economy sector has risen up a bit as Bazar Ramadan is open with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) announced by Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS).

According to Megat Azammudin Megat Azizulhadisyam, 32, the rise of COVID-19 cases in Selangor has made his family feel unsafe and terrified whenever they go out just to buy groceries.

He also said that he pities the street vendors who struggle to survive during Ramadan in this pandemic.

On the other hand, Mashitah Omar, 32, a housewife stated that COVID-19 cases in Selangor has changed her family’s lives drastically.

“My husband, who worked as an engineer at Perodua, had been demoted as an admin officer due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

“We used to have a great life where we could fully prepare our children with many meals, but now, we can only serve a smaller amount of food for the family. Now, I am helping my husband running a small business by selling cookies for Hari Raya from home,” said Mashitah.

Latest breakdown of COVID-19 cases by district in Selangor.
(Source: Selangor State Health Department)

Selangor, especially in Gombak, has shown a worrisome number of cases as most areas are in a red zone. This proves that the fate of Selangor’s economy can be in danger and Selangor will probably face total lockdown, just like what had happened in Kelantan.

Vendor, Che Jalimah Che Tam, 60, who runs a stall selling soybean drinks and tau foo fa under the tree near the bridge at Bukit Beruntung, said that the rising cases of COVID-19 in Selangor has made her worry all the time because she often receive few customers.

“I am already old, but I have to sell to support my family. My children will help me at the stall whenever they are free.

“I do hope that the government and district council can collaborate and figure solutions to drop down the numbers. Or else, small vendors like me will not survive if Selangor faces total lockdown like before,” said Che Jalimah.

In contrast with Shaharom Seman, 45, a vendor who runs a business selling roti john during Ramadan, he said that this issue is common among the citizens of Selangor.

“If we, the citizens do not implement it (SOP), then there is nothing we can do except to pray for our safety. I think that no matter what happens, Selangor’s economy will remain the same as it is.

“I do pray and hope COVID-19 cases will decrease in number but looking at how Selangor citizens behave towards it, I do not see any hope for Selangor to be in the yellow zone,” said Shaharom.

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