KUALA LUMPUR: Business operations heaved a sigh of relief when the country entered the transition to endemicity phase as it also boosted their outlet's operations and performance.
Group senior manager (human resources and administration) Ben Leong of Neway Management, which operates CEO Karaoke outlets, said business in the entertainment sector during the Covid-19 pandemic was a rough journey.
"We had to close a few outlets during the outbreak, and also rebrand all our Neway (karaoke) outlets to the 'CEO' brand".
"The karaoke business was the first industry to close and the last to be back in business," he said.
However, with the relaxation of the standard operating procedures (SOP) and the reopening of international borders the karaoke business had rebounded.
Leong said bringing back clients into their outlets has been smooth as Malaysians enjoyed karaoke activities.
"After nearly two years of quarantine, most Malaysians utilised karaoke to reconnect with family and friends.
"I am delighted to say that the business has grown well beyond our expectations since the endemic began," he said.
CEO Karaoke had recently opened four outlets in Klang Valley, namely at Fahrenheit88, SS2 PJ, Premier Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya.
"Hopefully our business will keep expanding. As such, we wish to get more backing from the government on tax rebate and reduction in licence fees."
Leong's sentiment was also echoed by NU Sentral's Machines store leader Nurhaikal Shah Siswanto as the technology devices industry was a sector which was moving at a slow pace during the pandemic.
"Throughout the pandemic, the number of customers was falling."
Nurhaikal described the endemic as being a blessing in disguise for the Apple product reseller.
"Since Malaysians can again shop in physical stores, our sales data has shown fantastic results.
"It is simpler for us to draw back consumers since most people are busy hunting for Apple products every day, either smartphones or accessories.
"Since everyone uses electronics for daily use, I expect the industry will bounce back rapidly," he said.