Consumers attracted to telco devices shops, bookstores today

By Kamariah Khalidi

KUALA LUMPUR – Computer and telecommunication devices shops and bookstores have become the focus of consumers today after the government allows these premises to operate again.

Based on an observation by MalaysiaGazette at a renowned business complex that sell various communication devices in the capital, consumers are seen to start flocking the premises right after they open to purchase equipment for home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) and to get their devices repaired.

Nevertheless, only about 50 percent of the shops were open for business today.

Several general workers were also seen to be cleaning and sanitising the business complex while the consumers were closely monitored in terms of the adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOP).

According to housewife, Fariza Anuar, 37, she felt a sense of relief after knowing that the bookstores and computer shops are allowed to operate as she needed to get several items for PdPR.

“I come to purchase the laptop adapter that has broke down for some time. Thus, the reopening of this sector is a great relief for many parents out there especially those who need to get things for their children’s virtual classes.

“I felt stuck earlier thinking of where to purchase the replacement parts and such. Reopening these shops is a convenient for all,” said the mother of two.

Meanwhile, an intern, Muhammad Aliem Abd Razak, 21, shared that he prefers to purchase equipment or gadgets by visiting physical stores compared to doing online purchase.

According to him, there have been various cases of online purchase frauds recently.

“I don’t really trust online purchases due to the fear that I would be cheated or the goods I purchase would be faulty. Thus, I have been waiting for these shops to reopen so that it would be easier for me to choose and buy what I need,” he said.

Meanwhile, an employee of the private sector, Muhammad Asymawi Ramli, 28, said that the approval to operate given by the government provides a relief to the work force or parents who need to prepare for PdPR,

To him, many people have been waiting for the sector to reopen after they receive various financial aids earlier.

“The telecommunications devices shop and bookstores are very important. Perhaps, parents who have received the government’s aid earlier would like to purchase a tablet for their children.

“Not many people could afford to purchase printers thus, they need to go to the bookstores to get their materials printed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of Print@Pustaka ABS Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Azman Awang said, consumers start to visit his shop right after it opened its door at 9.00 am.

According to Azman, most of his customers were there to purchase stationery.

“I was relieved after hearing the announcement on the approval to operate again after a closure of more than one and a half month.

“The clients came non-stop since morning to buy items for PdPR,” he said.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that all computer and telecommunication shops, bookstores and stationery shops are allowed to operate throughout the National Recovery Plan (PPN) beginning today.

He said, the approval was made through the National Security Council (MKN) meeting after considering feedback from students, parents and educators. –MalaysiaGazette