M’sians Flock To Pawn Shops On First Day Of CMCO, Many Selling Valuables To Stay Afloat - TheSmartLocal Malaysia - Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide

Pawn shops with long queues during CMCO

With news of the Movement Control Order (MCO) easing up in Malaysia, many have shown that they have been diligently following orders with concern for what it entails. So when the force of Conditional MCO hit on 4th May 2020, viral photos of crowds outside emerged.

But these crowds have since been proven to not be without reason, as many were workers returning to their jobs and others pawning off their valuables to support their families during these tough times.

Queues seen at pawn shops throughout Malaysia

According to a report by The Star on 5th May 2020, a pawn shop in Ipoh saw 70 customers queuing up at its store on the first day of CMCO.

It included many struggling Malaysians, including a single mother who dropped by to pawn valuables in order to support one of her kids who suffers from asthma. The story was first shared on Twitter by user @theiliaqilah, who found out that the woman works as a cleaner and is said to have been without an income for over a month now.

Pawn store in Ipoh that had over 70 customers in line, including the single mother.
Image adapted from: @theiliaqilah

Malay Mail also reports on 5th May 2020 that several others lining up at pawn shops around Ipoh have been pawning off their jewelries as well to help restart their businesses and support themselves after job losses.

Pawn shops throughout Malaysia are seeing long lines.
Image adapted: Kula Segaran

Long lines have also been spotted across other reopened pawn shops in Petaling Jaya and Klang. But not all were there to pawn off valuables, with pawn shop owners saying that there were many who came by to pay off interests and redeem pawn tickets as well.

Rest assured, these owners have made certain that temperature checks, sanitisation of hands, and recording of individual information is taken so Malaysians can have safe access to their stores at this time.

Malaysians trying to get back on their feet during CMCO

It’s hard for us to look at crowds and not be worried about another cluster forming, which is why many were concerned about the lines seen at these pawn shops and resuming businesses.

But with businesses playing their necessary parts to keep to SOPs, we hope Malaysians can continue to keep safe and healthy while practicing social distancing and finding ways to stay afloat at this time.

Keep updated with COVID-19 news in Malaysia