KUALA LUMPUR, 15 April 2020 – Four weeks into the Movement Control Order (MCO) and counting, Netizens’ are divided on the extension period while businesses are rushing to apply for benefits and approval to resume operations in this period.
The 4th edition of this study covers chatter surrounding the second MCO extension, business sectors allowed to resume operations, highlights essential industries’ performance, and top trending topics among Netizens during this period.
The announcement of a second MCO extension on 10th of April was not surprising to the majority of the public. While Netizens are debating over the extension period, business owners are focused on the additional business sectors allowed to operate during the MCO.
The resumption of these business sectors are aimed to help sustain the country’s economy post COVID-19. However the application process is fraught with unanswered inquiries and complaints due to the lack of communications and preparations.
Meanwhile essential businesses and online services in operations since the beginning of the MCO have seen consistent increase in chatter and sales.
In this edition of the study done by Wisesight, four of these essential businesses and online services selected, namely Hypermarket, FMCG, e-Wallets, and Online Shopping Platforms were observationally analysed through engagement trends indicated on social media.
The analysis reveals how these businesses adapted to sustain operations during the MCO, as well as the trend in communications both from brands and consumers.
Wisesight’s Founder and regional director of APAC, Shakthi DC said, “The current changes will determine the new way businesses operate. This is an opportunity for us to study and learn from industry players, reading into the factors determining a successful strategy, how to stay relevant while remaining practical amidst the changes.
The social data gathered also reveals the potential concerns and solutions which can be beneficial for other industries heading in the same direction.”
She added, “The changes happening now will trigger a chain reaction, affecting other industries and significant lifestyle changes. Going at it alone may not necessarily be the best way forward for businesses, regardless of being deemed as essential services or not.
Organisations need to explore the viability of collaborating with other businesses to collectively sustain and stabilise the economic ecosystem. The paradigm lifestyle shift encountered by people and businesses in effect now will likely survive long after the pandemic, changing how society interacts with businesses.
From being acutely aware of hygiene risks, reduced physical contact, adapting to cashless transactions and increasing preference towards virtual interactions. At this point it’s stating the obvious, businesses that fail to innovate and adapt will not sustain and simply cease to be.”
Wisesight details the events from 8th – 14th April analysing the reactions and impact of these changes in comparison to findings from the previous weeks.
Fill up this form in order to automatically receive the study in your inbox and be subscribed for the following weekly updates.
Read more:
The impact of COVID-19 MCO on Malaysians, a study
Discussion about this post