Finding the Silver Lining: Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Small Food Business

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of human life and forced many businesses to close. In attempt to manage the outbreak, many countries have executed series of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) and non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI). Small food operators in Malaysia endeavor to keep operating their businesses, with strict policies imposed by the government. This study reviews the literature pertaining to the impacts of COVID-19 on business, specifically small food businesses in Malaysia and identify their survival strategies during the crisis. Major shift from traditional towards online approach, using modern technology such as food apps was an eye-opening strategy. The online platform provides great opportunities for food businesses during the current emergency, adding the financial aid from Malaysian Government. The current pandemic offers a unique opportunity for food business operators to identify another dimension expanding the business model and begin to adapt into modern technology.