MELAKA: A 37-year-old souvenir seller harbours hope that his business will rebound to pre-pandemic levels after he turned out to be the only gift stall holder to reopen at the iconic Stadthuys Building at Bandar Hilir here.
With the state moving into Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), Ahmad Kamal Ariffin took the opportunity to promote his products to domestic tourists who flocked to the historic city on Sunday (Sept 5).
The other souvenir stalls, which used to number in the dozens, had yet to reopen as of Sunday, the second day the state was in Phase Two.
“I’ve missed seeing tourists walking around here and today, I am happy to see a few.
“Selling souvenirs at Stadthuys is a trade passed down to me by my father as my family has been doing business here since the late 1990s,” he said when met on Sunday (Sept 5).
Ahmad Kamal said his stall was closed for many months due the impact of Covid-19 and various movement restrictions.
“I really miss the good old days where we were overwhelmed with foreign tourists and enjoyed brisk sales,” he said.
Long time no see: A couple believed to be Europeans seen touring the historic city on Sunday.
Ahmad Kamal said he had to work in food delivery when his souvenir stall was closed.
“I had to feed my four children. My youngest is only six months old,” he said.
Under Phase Two, businesses allowed to resume operations included photography and photo services, used goods, florists and nurseries, crafts and souvenirs, and antique shops.
A check on Sunday found a few individuals walking around tourist hotspots in the historic city.
Among them was a couple, believed to be from Europe, who were seen touring the city.
Checks at the Pantai Puteri and Pengkalan Balak recreational seafronts also saw hundreds of beachgoers picnicking at both sites.
However, many shopping complexes saw only a moderate turnout as not many of their tenants had reopened.
