Penang sees a hive of retail activities following MCO relaxation

GEORGE TOWN: After a month of closure, the reopening of remaining businesses in the retail sector saw large crowds packing clothing stores and eateries.

At a shopping mall here, shoppers were seen making a beeline for its departmental store for some last-minute shopping just before Chinese New Year, while others took the opportunity to dine in at the food court.

Among them was freelance designer Michael Tan, 45, and his wife Celine Yeap, 32, who were both happy to be able to dine in again at the mall's food court after spending the day buying essentials for the celebration.

"Thankfully, there is still a slight festive mood after the month-long restrictions and closures.

"Allowing dine-ins make outings convenient for us, as long as all standard operating procedures are complied with," said Tan.

Cafe owner Chiang Kee Chuan, 40, said although dine-ins were limited to two persons per table, he was still grateful that they were now allowed.

"We are grateful. I expect business to improve with this new dining rule. This might help in recovering some losses incurred from the closure earlier.

"Those on holiday and couples looking for a place to eat can now come.

"From the usual 20 tables, we now have 12 tables that can sit 24 customers," he said.

It was reported that the remaining businesses in the retail sector are allowed to reopen beginning Wednesday (Feb 10).

Also allowed are restaurant dine-ins, but limited to two persons per table and with physical distancing of at least 1m in place.

The 18 types of businesses in the retail sector which can resume operations include clothing, fashion and accessories shops, second-hand shops, photo studios, nurseries and florists, gifts and handicrafts, cosmetics, sports equipment and antique stores.

Meanwhile, restaurants were busy preparing orders for families who would be having their reunion dinners at home.

At a restaurant in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, its manager Alex Teoh said it would not be opening up its dining area, although dine-ins were now allowed.

"We feel that it's not worthwhile, as orders for our Chinese New Year packages are pouring in. So far, we have received about 100 orders for the reunion dinner package itself.

"We will continue to focus on takeaways and delivery orders.

"We've closed up entry into our dining area and customers can only walk in until the counter to collect their pre-ordered food," he said.

Checks at another restaurant nearby found its dining tables empty, while its manager Albert Lee and several staff members were seen packing yee sang dishes into containers and boxes for customers.

"Every year, we are almost fully booked for Chinese New Year, but it is quiet this year.

"There are more orders for Chinese New Year meals coming in for takeaways and deliveries," he added.