KUCHING: Poor air quality is prompting some people to favour indoor venues, with families seeking alternatives to outdoor activities.
But certain businesses have reported increased patronage during hazy periods, while others continue to see steady customer numbers despite reduced outdoor activities.
Astana Pro Bike shop worker Zana Unus, 31, said customer numbers remained steady, with most visitors seeking bicycle repairs rather than purchasing new bikes.
“The number of customers coming to shop is still steady, but most come for repairing and fixing their bikes rather than purchasing a new one,” she said.
She said bicycle repairs, maintenance and upgrades were among the main reasons customers continued visiting the shop during periods when outdoor cycling was limited.
“Most come for repairing and fixing their bikes, as well as upgrading their groupsets,” she said.
According to Zana, teenagers made up a notable group of visitors, particularly friends who shared an interest in cycling and related hobbies.
“Mostly, they are teenagers in groups of friends who own bikes. Sometimes, they stop by just to have conversations about their hobbies,” she said.
She said some teenagers visited the shop simply to socialise while waiting for conditions to improve enough for them to resume cycling.
“They sometimes stop by because they cannot ride their bikes for the time being, so they talk about their hobbies,” she said.
The situation was different at a Kek Lapis Sarawak shop, where worker Iszar Hamdan, 36, observed an increase in customers during hazy periods.
“Yes, we have noticed an increase in customers, especially during periods when the air quality is poor,” she said.
Iszar said many people appeared to prefer spending time indoors because they considered such places more comfortable and safer when outdoor air quality deteriorated.
“Many people prefer to spend their time indoors where it is more comfortable and safer,” she said.
She said customers visiting the shop included families and friends, with some spending time shopping, dining, playing games or simply socialising together.
“Most customers come to spend time with their families and friends. They usually dine, shop, play games or simply hang out,” she said.
According to Iszar, families and groups of friends appeared to account for much of the increased patronage observed during periods of poor air quality.
“We are seeing a mix of customers, but families and groups of friends seem to make up most of the increase,” she said.
She added that teenagers and couples were also turning to indoor venues as an alternative to outdoor recreational activities during periods of unhealthy air.
The differing experiences indicate that the impact of haze on businesses may vary according to the nature of activities normally enjoyed outdoors.
For cycling enthusiasts, specialist shops remain useful for repairs and upgrades, while indoor venues offer families and friends alternative spaces to gather.
As air quality concerns persist, indoor businesses may continue to provide convenient options for people seeking social activities away from outdoor conditions.
