Poor business: Some of the stalls selling swimwear, souvenirs and food at Teluk Kemang.
PORT DICKSON: It was a sweltering Sunday but the heat did not put off picnickers at Teluk Kemang, a hugely popular stretch of the Port Dickson beach.
From morning till late evening, the beach was crowded with visitors, who also went for a dip in the sea.
However, the happy scene did not translate to good earnings for the traders selling food, souvenirs and beach accessories.
“Many families come to the beach on weekends for picnics and swimming, but they bring their own swimming gear, food and drinks,” said Nor Shamimie, who has been running a stall selling beach items for the past one year.
“They would be at the seaside for most of the day, yet they don’t really spend extra money to shop at the stalls.”
What few customers there were would also “bargain excessively”, she added.
“They would name a price that is below cost,” said Nor Shamimie, 35, who started the stall to supplement her family income after her husband lost his job during the pandemic.
He is now a lorry driver.
Her predicament is shared by most traders there.
Ayunita Norma, 27, who operates a stall selling items such as kites, rattan and bamboo products, said her daily earnings had taken a hit.
Previously, she could earn between RM500 and RM600 daily, but now it is tough to even get RM100 a day.
“Even during weekends when there is an influx of visitors, my earnings can barely reach RM500,” she added.
Ayunita believes people have become more budget-conscious, refraining from shopping even when they are on leisure trips.
Soon Chia Weng, 30, has been selling swimwear and clothing at Teluk Kemang for six years.
“There has been a decline in business and a spike in the cost of goods.
“The increase in competition, especially near prime beach spots, has affected my business,” he added.
Soon expressed hope that the municipal council would enhance the beach environment and provide more parking spaces to attract more tourists.
Over at PD Waterfront, which is 13km away from Teluk Kemang, trader Kak Zira said it is worse on rainy days and during the monsoon season.
“This would further dampen business prospects, affecting my ability to meet my monthly family expenses,” said the 35-year-old, who sells toys, bubble blowers and trinkets.
The mother of three, who has been running a stall at the PD Waterfront for 12 years, would sometimes get her children to help out at the stall.
She hopes there would be more government support so that she can maintain a consistent income.
Mohammad Imeran Shah, 25, who operates a beach bike rental business at PD Waterfront, said there was a slight increase in business when outdoor activities resumed after extended lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I hope for more government initiatives to improve the local infrastructure and attract tourists,” he said.
