BENTONG: Anticipating an influx of people during the Pelangai state seat by-election campaign, a couple decided to temporarily relocate their food stall business from Kajang, Selangor, to Felda Chemomoi here.
Their move proved to be timely. Operating from a makeshift garage, the couple - Wan Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab and Maziah Basuri, both 36 - have been making sales ranging between RM800 and RM1,300 a day since Sept 23.
Abdul Rahman said they had been operating the food stall selling char kuey teow, laksa, chicken rice and cendol durian at Kajang Perdana for more than three years.
"We used to earn a few hundred ringgit a day. When my wife and I found out about the by-election, we discussed the possibility of setting up our stall here. Furthermore, my wife is from Felda Chemomoi.
"It was quite a risk as we knew there would be many people during the campaign but unsure if customers would accept our dishes well.
"I started my business here on Sept 23 (nomination day) and will remain here till Sunday(Oct 8). We plan to return and resume business in Kajang on Monday," he said when met.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman, whose wife is a voter in the constituency, said they utilised a garage in front of his mother-in-law's house to set up their temporary stall, and the location proved to be a hit.
"The stall is about 100m from Dataran Chemomoi, where most political programmes, including ceramah, are organised. Even the prime minister's event on Oct 1 was held nearby here. Our customers include party workers, supporters and the locals.
"I am incredibly grateful to God for giving me and my wife this opportunity to do business here. The support has been very encouraging, especially during the weekend.
"We have also added some new menus, including patin tempoyak, which is a signature dish in Pahang," he said, adding there were no plans to extend their stay here and would return to Kajang on Sunday.
His wife Maziah said they usually operate between noon and midnight. Still, the dishes will usually be sold out by 10pm.