We already know that ‘Circuit Breaker’ has disrupted usual Hari Raya festivities, but not everyone may be aware of other ways the occasion has been affected.
For Mr Rohaizat who sells flowers at a cemetery, no visitors means no business for months.
Thankfully, he has been able to find an ingenious way around the issue, with the help and approval of the authorities.
Member of Parliament (MP) Amrin Amin shared Mr Rohaizat’s situation on Facebook today (21 May).
In his post, he explained how Mr Rohaizat and his business partners, Mr Abu and Ms Siti Shahida, who run a flower kiosk at the Muslim cemetery, have had no customers recently.
Since ‘Circuit Breaker’ measures started, cemetery visits have been prohibited to prevent groups of people from gathering.
As a result, $2,000 worth of flowers that they had pre-ordered for the Hari Raya visitation season are now unsold.
Hoping to make up for the costs, they turned to alternative avenues.
Working with the National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Jurong MP Tan Wu Meng, Mr Rohaizat now has permission to take his business online.
Keen parties simply have to contact him via WhatsApp at 8488 7254.
Mr Rohaizat and his business partners will then lay the flowers on the respective graves as requested, on behalf of the families.
Mr Rohaizat’s ability to adapt to changes during ‘Circuit Breaker’ is worth our praise and admiration. We’re also heartened that our leaders have personally reached out to offer him valuable assistance.
Hopefully, other business owners who may be struggling in this period can receive such help if they need it too.
For families who are unable to visit deceased relatives’ graves this Hari Raya, this innovative idea is a useful option.
At least this way, they won’t miss out on a precious ritual, while supporting a local business at the same time.
Featured image adapted from Sqfeed Journal and Facebook.
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