THIS month heralds our nation’s 64th year of independence, which leads to Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
This is truly a period of national pride and unity, which brings all Malaysians to come together as one.
In the face of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, however, all these have come to a halt. This year marks the second year we have not been able to gather in solidarity to celebrate Malaysia as a nation.
In the wake of the unprecedented pandemic, nowadays we often read about or hear of local neighbourhood businesses having to close down, as they no longer remain profitable.
Unlike bigger chain restaurants and establishments, these small businesses do not have a big pool of savings and alternative income streams to fall back on during pandemic times.
Many in the food and beverage business have been affected, with quite a number of local neighbourhood favourites closing shop due to dwindling sales.
While online delivery services are available, due to the profit-sharing business models of many food delivery platforms, small business owners actually do not make much money from their daily sales. Many lament that the amount they make is not even enough to cover operating costs, while others had to make the tough decision to stop operating.
Though we may not be able to celebrate as a nation during this Merdeka and Malaysia Day, this does not mean we cannot still display the Malaysian spirit during this period.
Instead of coming together in celebration, as Malaysians we can instead put on a show of support for fellow Malaysians in need.
One way is by supporting struggling local businesses that have been adversely affected by restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Upon hearing the cry for help from these merchants, Maybank took the initiative to launch its Sama-Sama Lokal digital platform last year to enable these merchants to establish an online presence and connect to a wider group of customers.
This platform offers zero commission, zero sign-up fee and zero platform fees – which means Sama-Sama Lokal merchants get 100% of their profits.
Merchants are also supported with subsidised delivery. Sama-Sama Lokal partners with multiple delivery partners, which means wider coverage even for shops in further localities. This greatly helps local neighbourhood merchants struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic and is a lifeline for small businesses struggling to establish an online presence.
In a continuous effort to support more merchants and to make the experience even more seamless for both merchants and customers, Maybank has made upgrades to this platform, such as real-time delivery updates as well direct ordering via the M2U app.
Hon Kee Porridge found a helping hand in Sama-Sama Lokal.
Some merchants who have already signed on have seen improvement in sales.
A representative from Hon Kee Porridge in Kuala Lumpur shares the outlet’s experience: “Sama-Sama Lokal really helped us a lot in terms of margin because of its 0% commission. Sometimes they run promotions and this has helped boost business because customers from far who would not usually consider ordering from here will order.”
The 0% commission has helped Rasai Machan keep prices similar as in-store.
Another local merchant, Rasai Machan, a university cafeteria serving a combination of Sri Lankan and South Asian cuisine, concurs: “I have to thank Sama-Sama Lokal because they have 0% commission. So the prices on the platform are the same as that in the restaurant, making it easier for the university students and other customers to order.”
Nasi Dalca Bawang Penang appreciates how easy it is to order with the live order notification and rider tracking function.
For Nasi Dalca Bawang Penang in Kuala Lumpur, the live order notification and rider tracking function makes ordering simple: “This is a good platform for entrepreneurs to sign up for and it also benefits customers who purchase via the app.”
For those struggling to gain a footing in the online and delivery market, join the family of Sama-Sama Lokal merchants here.
In true Malaysian spirit, Maybank has launched its Sehati Selokal campaign to bring together all Malaysians in solidarity and unity to lend a helping hand to each other as a community and as a nation.
Let’s all come together in the spirit of nationality this season as Malaysians to support and lend a hand to our friendly neighbourhood businesses and fellow Malaysians in their time of need with Sama-Sama Lokal:
● RM10 off orders + RM10 off delivery fee
● Minimum spend RM30
● Promo code: SELOKAL
Click here to order now: https://maybank.my/SELOKAL
(Terms and conditions apply)
