Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email As usual, when I go Banting, will drop by a cendol stall to have a bowl of cendol. Had a bit of time to talk to the owner and was surprised to hear that many of the customers (especially the older ones) ask if its Muslim – owned. She ceased to put a “pottu” on the forehead, worried business would drop. She joked that soon may need to adorn a tudung (head cover) to ensure business continuity. Admittedly, the stall is located in a Muslim majority area, thus she’s totally dependent on them for sales.
I understand, of course, that for the Muslims there’s a need to verify the “halal”ness of the food, so I guess its a valid question. This also made me think. With the population imbalance becoming more obvious, small scale food industry by Indians may see a decline in sales. With a small population, we can’t run a stall or restaurant depending solely on non-Muslim customers. Thus, the need to apply for Halal certificate. Of course, then you will need Muslim workers and so on. But if its a one-man show, like the Cendol seller, what is the options? Does she need to get a Halal certificate for selling cendol? Need to check on this. I don’t think she can afford to hire an employee to maintain the stall. So how? Look for another business? Easier said than done. These people can’t simply relocate to another area to do business. Competition is high, cost is involved.
Then there’s problem of business safety. She’s always worried that sooner or later, her place will be “taken over” by others. She got a proper business license, but still the rule of jungle apply in many places. Even though government changed in Selangor, at ground level, things are based on who you know, who is in power etc. This is the problem faced by the working people who run simple business. Need license. Have license also need to pay extra. Pay also no guarantee business location is permanent.
I hope can give her some advice the next time I drop by. Constructive comments welcomed.
Entrepreneurs face discrimination not only on religious grounds, but also on racial ones. Take this comment by a regular commenter at deminegara, the “Pro-Unity” bloggers who want “Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua”:
“KijangMas Dear
I have consciously started checking out whether the shop owner is Malay or Chinese when I stopped at the R&R along the highways. I was about to pay for my purchase when I realised the cashier is Chinese. I put back my tidbits and went over to the other shop where the workers are Malays and purchased from them. The reason I went in to the first shop was because the shop is really stocked up with a lot more variety of goods. But who cares? I will support Malay enterprises from now on. I also have to be extra observant to note that Malay workers may be working for Chinese owners.”
Not forgetting that Malay entrepreneurs also face prejudice from others, I believe we need to work towards:
1) a system that does not discriminate on racial or religious grounds. For example, licences, permits & halal certificates must be available to all entrepreneurs who meet the criteria etc. There should be no institutionalised discrimination. All who work hard should have equal oportunity.
2) Awareness (amongst all Malaysians) that any discrimination is morally wrong. Currently, this is not the case, aided by BN policies & media like Utusan. Examples of such attempts: this and even this can be taken as attempts to legitimise discrimination.
This problem needs to be solved at a high level, and the only advise I can think for your friend in Banting is this: Ensure your product is the best in value for money, quality, hygiene & customer service. Smart customers will come back whatever religion you are.