Singapore Limit Access In and Out of Country, Here's The Fate of Secondhand Business in Batam

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - It is no longer a secret that Batam is a paradise of secondhand goods imported from neighboring countries, Singapore.

The geographical condition of Batam, which is not far from Singapore, causes a number of secondhand goods businesses from Singapore in Batam to grow rapidly.

Moreover, the tit for tat, consumers in Batam are also quite interested in secondhand goods imported from neighboring countries.

So, what will happen to this business after Singapore implements a 'semi lockdown' policy in the country?

The policy turned out to be a bad impact in the procurement of secondhand goods from Singapore in Batam City.

One example is the resale market located at Sungai Jodoh, Batam.

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Sungai Jodoh is one of the biggest resale markets after Batu Aji.

Many used goods from Singapore are sold such as clothes, shoes, bags or bicycles.

Aldo, one of the supermarket owners of secondhand goods outlets from Singapore when found by TRIBUNBATAM.id said that his store felt difficulty in procuring the goods.

"Since the existence of the pandemic itself has clearly had an impact on us. Visitors began to diminish. But during Singapore's lockdown, it had more impact on us," he said.

Aldo admitted that no goods had entered at all and only sold old stock.

Nevertheless, secondhand outlets in Sungai Jodoh looked empty of visitors.

Many outlets choose to close and stop selling until an uncertain time limit.

The same thing was said by Regar.

One of the owners of secondhand goods outlets at Aviari Batu Aji Market in Batam.

Regar added that its sales turnover decreased to reach 70 percent.

"Conditions like this, not many come, let alone buy. There is no stock. Sell only those that are still there. Dizziness will also open or close. If we close, we want to eat from where. in the shop, "he said.

Regar claimed that he could no longer import goods from Singapore.

"Singaporeans are being laid off again. Access in and out there is also again restricted. It's very difficult," he concluded.

The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic seems to have a devastating effect on human life, especially trade. (TRIBUNBATAM.id/ Rebekha Ashari Diana Putri)

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