Food sellers all smiles this season

While kuih seller Teh, makes a fresh batch of you tiao (Chinese crullers) to meet demand at the market.

THE election season has brought out huge smiles in food and beverage operators as there has been a brisk uptick in business during the campaigns and walkabouts by party candidates.

Wantan mee seller Goh Shin Fong, 40, said his business at the Chai Leng Park market in Seberang Jaya went up by about 20% after nomination day on July 29.

“Both the wet market and the food complex are seeing good business due to the visits from the candidates and their entourage,” she said.

Nyonya kuih seller Teh Meng Kok, 50, said his stall also recorded a hike in sales.

“Some of the patrons coming to my stall are workers at political party operation centre nearby while there are also candidates doing their visits to lobby for votes,” he said.

Another stall operator J. Dheena Jeganathan, 49, said there was a big demand for canned drinks and dry foodstuff.

“I am getting bulk orders every few days for drinks as the demand is quite high during the campaign period.”

Indian food seller, S. Kathirasen, 38, said he received orders for snacks and cakes from a political party operation centre nearby.

“They ordered food and drinks for two weeks for their staff who come in to collect the items in the evenings,” he said.

In Alor Setar, food operators are expecting more crowds as polling day approaches.

Eatery owner Muhammad Ikhwan Mohd Nasri, 30, said this had been the norm in every election season.

His eatery in Jalan Sultanah is near to several polling centres.

Tables at the food court near Chai Leng Park market are mostly full as election candidates and supporters go on their walkabout. Seen here is Independent candidate David Marshel (third, left) who is vying for the Perai seat. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

“My outlet will be full of people, especially those coming back from outstation to vote.

“I can feel business is picking up since nomination day. Party supporters from both sides of the divide came to my outlet to have breakfast and drinks before and after they go for their campaign rounds.

“I plan to add more tables and chairs on polling day, as I expect more people will come to my place,” said Muhammad Ikhwan, who plans to give out free teh tarik for those who come out to vote early.

Hawker Rossazari Rosli, 38, said people from other states had been buying pastries like cream puffs and churros from him in huge quantities over the last few days.

“Most of them were party volunteers from other states who came in groups to help out in the campaigning,” he said, adding that he would increase the production to cater to the increasing demand.