This Popular FB Group Helps Malaysians Find Groceries While Supporting Local Businesses
They are sure to satisfy all your cravings!
By Alyssa Pong — 01 Jun 2020, 05:53 PM
If you are tired of cooking this Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) or simply just craving some local favourites, look no further than MY Food Directory and Delivery C19
Founded by friends Sara Jalil Low, Tevina Lee, and Jacy Wee, the Facebook group connects over 21,500 Malaysians to local food businesses.
Though none of the three founders have a background in the food and beverage industry, they realised the potential impact of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on food operators and suppliers, especially hawker vendors, and wanted to help.
From homemade halal curry puffs to bento boxes and ayam penyet, this group has it all
Members will even help you check items off your grocery lists as there are also sellers promoting their produce, frozen meats, and canned food for your pets too!
Simply search what you are looking for and posts from relevant sellers will pop up. Postings are even organised by location so your food is promised to be fresh on arrival.
Since its launch on 29 March, the group has reached a wide demographic of buyers and sellers who speak Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, and English
As described by Low on BFM in early April, "Interestingly we've got 78% women aged between 35 and 44, most of [whom] are English-speaking."
Since then, the founders have reached out to the Malay, Chinese, and Syrian community as well, encouraging them to post a photograph, their WhatsApp number, location, and price of their food items in the group.
With a large proportion of buyers being English- or Chinese-speaking, the admins of the group often offer to write assisted posts for sellers who speak Bahasa Malaysia in order to help them reach more buyers.
Sellers have even expressed their appreciation by offering to pay for the admins' meals
In that same BFM interview, Low talked about interacting with the sellers and the community they have created: "I think that is the most satisfying aspect of this Facebook directory…the sellers are very grateful."
The admins, who frequently check in with their small businesses and entrepreneurs, find that they make eight to 10, or even more sales a day.
As of today, the sellers themselves come from all walks of life
Some are small restaurant owners looking for ways to sustain their businesses, while others are parents cooking family recipes or people attempting to raise funds for relatives in need of care.
With no third party or middleman, buyers can directly support sellers by ordering off of MY Food Directory and Delivery C19, and receive some homemade goodies delivered right to their doorsteps!
Seller helps promote her aunt's cinnamon rolls to help fund relatives.
Image via Ruien Khor/FacebookGot a lot of places to recommend? Let us know in our new SAYS Makan Buddies Facebook Group!
