Hafizah either puts the packed food at the doorstep of residents or passes it through the grille door as precaution against infection.
NOT everything about the movement control order (MCO) is negative.
There are some positives as discovered by those living at Palm Spring Condominium in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
Some of the residents there found an alternative income, got to know their neighbours better and have formed new friendships during this time.
This started with the demand for home-cooked food during the restricted movement as some did not have the time or expertise to prepare meals.
This is perhaps due to household chores as well as taking care of young children and elderly parents, among other commitments.
A few residents at the condominium have ventured into the food business to fill their time and earn a little income during the movement restriction period.
StarMetro speaks to two of them.
As her office cannot operate during MCO, Hafizah decided to delve into the home-cooked food business.
Hafizah Ayob
As her office cannot operate during MCO, the 31-year-old quantity surveyor decided to delve into food business.
“I have nothing to do at home, so instead of doing nothing, I decided to cook and sell my food to neighbours.
“Initially, I thought my customers would be mostly Malays, but it turns out my Chinese neighbours are my biggest customer group.
“They told me they liked Malay food very much but didn’t have many options nearby until I started selling,” she said.
She moved into the condominium only four months ago, so delivering food to her neighbours provided a great opportunity for her to meet them.
“We get to know our neighbours because of food delivery. I ask them for feedback and they are happy to give their input on how to improve.
“We exchange stories, the community becomes stronger,” she said.
Hafizah said she took the necessary precautions when delivering food, by wearing a face mask and practising social distancing.
“I either put food at the doorstep or pass it through the grille door.
“Some still prefer to pay in cash but I advise my customers to transfer online if possible,” she said.
She said she would not be able to cook daily after she returned to work but planned to continue selling food during the weekends.
Annu started cooking and selling food following a friend’s suggestion.
R. Annu
The 34-year-old will writer started cooking and selling food after a friend suggested the idea.
“A week after the MCO, it was hard to find food even for myself. Food became expensive too, especially when you order in. So, I started cooking my own meals,” she said.
Her customers transcend racial background and she offers Indian, Chinese and Malay dishes.
“I have to thank my mum, who is Chindian. I learned cooking from her. I have a lot of positive feedback from my customers,” she said.
On safety precautions, Annu said she wore a mask and gloves when she delivered the food.
One of Annu’s home-cooked meals delivered to a customer.
During Tamil New Year last week, she thanked her regular customers by offering them new year dishes she cooked free of charge.
“All this while, I was busy with work, I did not know much about my neighbours because I rarely had time to see them.
“We have a community group but I’m not an active participant.
“But when I started this food business, I got to know my neighbours and we became good friends,” she said.
Annu said cooking had now become a pastime for her and it gave her much satisfaction.
