Loco over coconuts: A customer showing the coconut jelly in Jalan Datuk Keramat, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: While the east coast and southern states are battling to stay dry from the incessant rain, the weather in the three northern states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis is a study in contrasts.
The afternoon scorching sun is sending more people seeking shelter and respite from the heat at shopping malls and air-conditioned eateries, while dessert and cold drinks sellers are enjoying brisk business.
Joez Coconut director Joel Jeyachandran, 38, who operates a shop in Jalan Datuk Keramat, said business has picked up since early this month due to the hot and humid weather.
“Most of my customers are locals, with a few tourists. They buy drinks to quench their thirst even in the morning as the heat can be unbearable at times.
“Previously, customers would only come for traditional coconut juice later in the day. This has changed now because of the heat.
“Since the weather now is mostly hot during the day, customers prefer my coconut shake and coconut jelly, which offer a more modern blend and better cooling effect on the body.
“Each day, I can sell 400 to 500 shakes and about 300 jelly servings,” he said.
Cendol seller Muhammad Yasmin Kadir, 42, said his business usually peaks at around 1pm to 3pm, the hottest part of the day.
“But now, it seems that even by 11am, the sun is already burning. I open my shop at 10am and sometimes customers would already be waiting for me to serve them. Business is slow in the evening when the weather dips and is not so hot,” he said.
Drinks seller Michael Chua, 32, said his customers were mostly tourists since his stall is located in the heritage enclave.
“It is hot in the city and most of the foreign tourists are sweating profusely,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) daily weather forecast showed that Penang and Kedah would be sunny in the morning, followed by rain and thunderstorms in the evenings from Dec 28 to Jan 3. Perlis will be sunny and without rainfall throughout this period.
However, most states in Peninsular Malaysia are expected to receive an average rainfall of between 50mm and 900mm except Pahang and Johor, which will receive a higher-than-average amount of 300mm to 900mm this month.
In January, most of the states would be receiving less rainfall, averaging between 50mm and 450mm, and a further reduction in February to between 50mm and 300mm only, said MetMalaysia.Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen reminded people to stay hydrated and avoid excessive exposure to the hot sun.
“Outdoor activities should be scheduled for early morning or evening rather than during the hottest part of the day,” he said.
