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Covid-19 : Surge in demand for online food delivery business

KUANTAN: The pioneer online food delivery service provider in the state capital - Food Valet - is bracing for busy days ahead during the two-week restricted movement order which begins tomorrow.

Its co-founder Shah Farid Rashid said he has been receiving a lot of calls from restaurant operators inquiring on how they could engage the services of the online food delivery platform to meet customer orders.

The 29-year-old said existing restaurants which were already part of their network had also contacted him to ensure there will be no glitches until March 31 and the process will go smoothly to ensure food arrives at the customers' doorsteps.

"Our partners (restaurants) have been asking on our operations during the two-week restricted movement order while some new restaurants have also requested to be included in our delivery services.

"Since food and beverage services are only allowed to provide take-aways, the operators need a platform to deliver the food besides walk-in customers.

"We expect more customers to utilise the online food delivery services and plan to increase the number of riders to ensure we are able to meet orders. Currently, we have about 25 riders," he told New Straits Times when contacted today.

Shah Farid said although Food Valet might have a packed schedule ahead to meet orders to deliver food, the team will ensure their riders remain in good health.

"We have adopted the required precautions including body temperature screenings and equip our staff with face masks to reduce possible infection exposure," he said.

Meanwhile, an online delivery rider said he and his friends have been busy since the Covid-19 outbreak as many customers prefer to remain at home or their workplace while placing their orders.

"Many people choose to remain indoors. I have been frequently receiving orders to deliver food to the students' hostel in Indera Mahkota and the hospital here.

"Delivery riders have been regularly advised by our superiors to take care of our health and ensure proper hygiene when handling the food and dealing with customers," he said.

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