KUCHING: The ongoing haze in the city has definitely affected food sellers and coffee shop operators, particularly those in non-air conditioned settings.
Nila
A food shop owner, who only wished to be identified as Nila, said the Open Air Market where she operates from has been quiet and less-frequented by
the public since the haze hit the city.
“Ever since the haze began to worsen last week, I have not received many customers coming to have their lunch. Usually, those who are working in offices would have their lunch here.
“I am sure that they (customers) are thinking about their health, hence the decision not to have their lunch outside in the open,” the 30-year-old told The Borneo Post when met Saturday.
Nila also noted that transportation providers had also suffered a drop in business during the haze, saying many of the van drivers waiting at the Open Air Market would leave for home before noon due to lack of passengers.
Thian Ah Tong
Meanwhile, food and drinks seller Thian Ah Tong, 70, said he too has suffered a big drop in sales with fewer customers frequenting his stall at Kuching Waterfront.
“Usually on Saturdays, (Kuching Waterfront) is filled with people and I receive a fair number of customers.
“But today, there is no one in sight. You can see for yourself, the waterfront is practically empty,” he said.
As for 34-year-old Mohd Zapril, who works at an open-air coffee shop near Kuching Waterfront, he conceded that there has been a noticeable drop in the number of customers since the start of the haze.
Mohd Zapril
“It (drop is customers) is definitely due to the haze as there is no other reason for the customers to suddenly stay away. The haze makes people not want to leave their homes to avoid getting sick.”