GE15: Food trucks, hawkers expect to double sales during campaigning period

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — As the nation waits today for the Election Commission (EC) to announce the date for the 15th general election (GE15), petty traders, hawkers, and food truck operators nationwide expect their sales to double during the campaigning period.

"The general election will see a huge increase in business for petty traders and hawkers, especially the youth and those in the food truck business.

"We expect to see sales double during the campaigning period compared to the usual daily or weekend sales,” Datuk Mohamad Abdullah, the president of the Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association told English daily The Star.

He was reported saying that members of the association were recently advised to stock up on essentials to meet an increase in demand during GE15, especially in areas where contests are expected to be hot.

"Not everyone has the luxury of meeting up in hotels, and most will gather at the warungs and stalls instead.

"For example, instead of ordering 10 trays of eggs a day from suppliers, they may increase their supply to 50 trays.

"This includes ordering extra gas cylinders to meet brisk sales,” he was quoted saying.

Mohamad also warned members not to hike prices during the campaigning period.

"We will not defend those who hike prices if there are complaints made against them to the authorities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Food Truck Association president and founder Azlan Abas told The Star that some have been approached by political parties for their events.

"Some of us have been approached to see if we will be available during the campaign period.

"For us, it doesn’t matter which party is organising the ceramah. As long as there is a large crowd, we will find our way there,” he added.

He said most food truck operators expect to double their earnings during the campaigning period, based on the previous general elections.

Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of Parliament on Oct 10, paving the way for the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held within 60 days.

The EC is set to announce the nomination and polling dates today, with speculation being that election day will be held by mid-November to avoid the monsoon rains.