Chefs, housewives, bankers and retirees getting into the business
OLIVIA MIWIL
KOTA KINABALU
news@nst.com.my
It has been only three months but a former restaurant owner and chef believes his calling lies in the mobile food truck business.
After a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, overseas and locally, Effardy Ghani, 33, found his latest venture an eye-opening challenge with vast potential.
"The mobile food truck industry in Sabah is relatively new in Sabah, but it is gaining popularity, especially among youth.
"This business has potential, provided the entrepreneurs know how to market themselves and are disciplined," said Effardy, who sells gourmet western food, with the help of several staff.
Besides having his former restaurant regulars patronising his food truck, Effardy uses social media to reach out to more people by informing them of his stops around the state capital.
He also gives out merchandise and has a photo booth for them to collect their pictures of having food at their truck.
Colleges, gymnasiums, and even private parties in Menggatal and Kapayan area are on his food truck route.
He, however, avoids stopping at places which have other competitors, such as hawkers and restaurants.
Despite the limitation on places he could go, Effardy said the business had been profitable.
"It depends on us, if we prepare RM1,000 worth of food, then that usually will be the sale for that trip."
In Sabah, the concept of mobile truck businesses has been around for many years but on low-key approach, with minivans visiting limited designated locations.
The operators would supply cooked food to workers at factories, construction sites or workshops, while some would also supply groceries, fish, vegetables and even pastry to residential areas, targeting housewives and children.
Since last year, KW machinery Sdn Bhd, a company that supplies heavy machinery, had ventured into supplying mobile food trucks.
The general manager, Doreen Teoh, said the idea to include the mobile truck inspired from a book by China business magnate, Jack Ma, who advocated a shift into "mobile" business concept, which would be more affordable during these two years of economic downturn.
"Initially, there were many challenges to convince people to try this business.
"We tried to make it happen by various means, including providing daily rentals and trials for potential entrepreneurs to try out the business.
"Besides selling out trucks, between RM60,000 and RM85,000, we also provided training and motivational courses to ensure the sustainability of their business,"she said.
The training provided covered business plans, food-handling procedures and health requirements, among others.
To motivate the entrepreneurs, the company looked into the reason for their running business, such as having to support a family or children studying overseas, to encourage their clients to stay in the business.
He said besides experienced entrepreneurs and chefs, they had buyers ranging from housewives, bankers and retirees who had passion to sell food or earn extra income.
"There are many people who want to do business, but are worried about starting big, and want to cut down the risks.
"Compared with a minimum start-up cost of about RM30,000 for a shop lot, the one-time investment in a food truck has lower risks and commitment, and is easier to manage," she said, adding that mobile truck could also boost the tourism industry.
On the branding of their clients' business, the company took to social media under the account BOW (Business on Wheels) to inform people about the activities and draw the crowd for their clients.
Besides food, the truck can also be customised for other types of businesses, depending on clients' requests.
"Some ask the truck to be modified into a mobile salon, a pedicure-manicure salon, and photo booth, among others."
Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman recently endorsed the mobile food trucks as opportunities for people to venture into business.
The state government decided to form the Food Truck Cooperative to assist prospective business owners.
The Federal government took note of the mobile truck business potential as an alternative source of socio-economic development in 2015.
Kota Kinabalu CIty Hall has begun issuing RM300 monthly permits for food truck operators to operate at Likas sports complex and Tanjung Aru between 3pm and 3am.
Penampang district officer Luvita Koisun said they were providing night markets at Donggingon town for operators as a gesture of support to the emerging business trend.
"The mobile food truck business is a new thing, and the office needs time to look at necessary guidelines and what types of licences that need to be issued.
"For now, we do not take any action against them, unless there is a complaint from the public."
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