Continuous supply
With uncertainties about what the curb will bring, Afandia Budullahman, who runs a chicken rice and Ayam Penet shop with his family at Marine Parade Central Market and Food Center, says he can still continue to do business. I am particularly relieved.
Mr Afandi said he didn’t know where the chicken came from because his father deals with that aspect of the business, but his Malaysian supplier for 14 years still supplies him with chilled chicken.
He previously lamented that the use of frozen chicken did not give the ideal taste, the texture when served was poor, and the aftertaste was poor.
On Wednesday, Afandi told CNA that his trusted supplier had found a solution for delivering chicken.
“We want minimal hassle, so he’ll take the hassle and find a supplier. Anyway, he’s not only doing (this) for us, but many stalls and I’m doing it for the store, “he said.
Fresh market situation
Things were relatively quiet at the fresh market visited by CNA.
At the Beo Crescent Market around 9am Wednesday, there was little foothold due to changes from the normal crowd observed by CNA before the chicken exports were banned.
However, Halal chicken stall Nur Muhammad Meat Enterprise told CNA that customers are still buying frozen chicken.
“I’ve been selling frozen chicken for 20 years, no problem, but last time it was 1kg S $ 5 and now it’s S $ 10,” said stall owner Nur Muhammad, 33.
“But for frozen goods, prices have already risen during the period of Hari Raya,” he added, explaining that he had already seen prices rise before the export ban came into effect.
Still, some food stalls seemed to be affected. At Kim Heng Frozen Foods, a lot of frozen chicken was still on display.
The stall, which wanted to be known only as Mr. Tan, said it has had fewer customers since the export ban began a week ago.
He said the stall next to him, the Sweehen Fresh Chicken Shop, which CNA had patronized several times before the export ban, had been closed for about a week.
“People don’t like freezing. Without stalls selling pork, fish and fresh vegetables, there are (less) customers. People still prefer fresh chicken,” Tan said.
And those who choose frozen chicken will buy chicken from some supermarkets that are slightly more affordable, the 60-year-old stall said.
When asked how to deal with the drop in customer numbers, Tan said, “You just have to get used to it.”
“There is no choice, so people may eventually come back. You can’t rely on Malaysia,” he added.
