Penang Hotels and Hawkers During the World Cup

MFA | July 5, 2010 | 0 Comments

GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA – The World Cup may be a boon to many but not Penang’s famed hawkers – they have reported a 30% drop in business as football fans stay glued to their TVs at home.

Penang Hawkers Association chairman Lam Tong Yin lamented that even the popular hawker centres in New Lane and Macalister Road were hit, with empty seats even during peak hours as most customers preferred to watch matches in the comfort of their homes.

To make matters worse, he said those who patronised hawker stalls to catch the live telecasts did not “order many drinks”.

Lam, who also heads the Federation of Hawkers’ Association of Penang & Seberang Prai, said it was not good for business if customers just watched the matches without making repeat orders.

Gurney Drive Hawkers’ Association vice-chairman Aaron Lim Eng Hock echoed his views, saying he expected business during the second round of the tournament to be worse with more fans staying at home to watch their favourite teams in action.

“Things are not so bad now as the school holiday season has helped to bring in tourists.

“It has sort of cushioned the impact,” he said.

For hotels, it is a “win-lose” scenario.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter president Marco Battistotti said most hotels in Penang registered higher beverage sales of between 10% and 15% but a 5% lower dining business over the past week.

“The other good thing is that hotels are enjoying a 75% to 80% occupancy rate due to the holiday season, compared to about 60% last month,” he added.

Upper Penang Road Sdn Bhd (UPRSB) managing director Terrence Wong said tenants registered strong sales based on a survey in the food and beverage boulevard on June 11 and 12.

“With the exception of Monday and Tuesday which saw business dip by about 10%, business for Upper Penang Road was normal for the rest of the week,” he said.

UPRSB owns and manages the properties along Upper Penang Road.

SOI 11 manager Howie Tan said customers would usually dine at Upper Penang Road before returning home to watch the later two matches.

“Business usually drops after 11pm,” he added.

Restoran Kapitan owner Abdul Wahab Mohamed Hanifa reported normal sales despite the ongoing football fever.