Reports by HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM, RAHIMY RAHIM, NURBAITI HAMDAN, JOSEPH KAOS Jr, ALLISON LAI, JUSTIN ZACK, CLARISSA CHUNG, CHEONG JIN WEI and NG ZHE QUN
PETALING JAYA: With people avoiding crowded places including restaurants as a precaution against infection, many have resorted to food delivery service.
Amanda Tan has cut down eating in public places since the beginning of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“I am a little bit paranoid and I try to avoid going out and eating in public places and going to the cinema.
“I ordered food via delivery services. It is a bit expensive but I do not want to take any risk, ” said the 29-year-old engineer who lives in Bandar Utama.
Analyst Muhammad Khalil Ilham, 33, has also been ordering food through mobile delivery services as it is fast and convenient.
“When I go out, I will use the mask and try as much as possible to avoid places with too many people like shopping malls.
“When I return home from work in Petaling Jaya, it is easier for me to just order my food and get it delivered to my doorstep, ” he said.
A food delivery service company that declined to be identified said sales had slightly increased since the start of the outbreak but was not sure whether it was due to it.
“We cannot be sure if the increase has any relation to the outbreak, but we have seen an increase in food orders, ” said a spokesperson.
A Grab spokesperson, meanwhile, said the company was focusing on ensuring the safety and well-being of its partners and users.
“We have put in place precautionary measures in accordance with local health authorities’ guidelines.
“We stand ready to support the government in their efforts to minimise viral transmission, ” said the spokesperson.