GEORGE TOWN: Hawker Chin Foo Khong recently raised the white flag after running out of food and money but he is not ready to give up yet.

       The 59-year-old, whose fried carrot cake stall came to a standstill after travelling stopped due to Covid-19 restrictions, is now selling dumplings, soya bean jelly and traditional herbal dish, guilinggao, from his house to keep his family of four going.

       Before the first movement control order in March last year, business at his stall in New Lane, a famed hawker street on Penang island, was enough for Chin to raise his two children, aged 15 and 21.

       “The place is billed as Penang’s most famous food haunt among local and foreign tourists.

       “But with international border closure and interstate travel banned, there was hardly any business at all.

       “There were days when we could not even sell a single plate and all our ingredients went to waste.

       “We still had to pay for the rental and utility bills.

       “I had used up most of my savings by then,” said Chin, who cannot stand for long hours and only helped to take orders while his 53-year-old wife was in charge of the wok.

       At one point, Chin said he ran out of food and could not afford to pay the house rent anymore.

       “After we put up the white flag, people immediately sent us dry food like rice, noodles, biscuits, bread and instant drinks.

       “We were so touched and grateful for their kind gesture.

       “It shows that Malaysians still care for one another,” he said.

       Today, Chin and his family sell their wares from their house at 81, Lorong Macalister.

       “We are selling dumplings at RM6.50 each and desserts at RM2.50 per box. Although business is slow, we are thankful for the support from friends and relatives.

       “Since my movement is limited, I cannot offer delivery services.

       “Customers come over to the house for pick-up,” said Chin, whose speech and movement are impaired after a stroke some six years ago.