"With our second financing last year under the same initiative, we expanded to our fourth branch. And, because of volume, we could now negotiate better pricing, buy in bulk for bigger profit margins."

As with all businesses globally, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected Konaha Garage. Yet, despite work ceasing on its latest addition to its service centres, Rusydi Jauhari Muhammad Nuairi prefers to remain optimistic. “We want to look at the bright side. I feel that, after this time passes, people will behave in two ways: those who will spend and those who will save.”

Instead of taking the negative path for his business to deteriorate further, he will focus on those who will spend. After a month of the MCO, he is already working on future promotions to entice the spenders. “It’s a challenge, because of the 50-50 percentage of things turning either way. You have to either grab it or leave it. It’s up to you.”

Rusydi and his motorsport aficionado partner Muhammad Syafiq Mohd Syafiq have been running Konoha Garage for the last 15 years. They now have three branches around the city. But renovation work has halted at their fourth branch. “It was supposed to be our biggest branch, with 16 bays and full focus on European cars.” Their one-stop service centres also supply tyres, batteries, spare parts and other car accessories.

After their first BizMula-i financing in 2018, they opened their second outlet, with upgraded facilities. It was better stocked, too. “With our second financing last year under the same initiative, we expanded to our fourth branch. And, because of volume, we could now negotiate better pricing, buy in bulk for bigger profit margins.” Rusydi, who oversees the Garage’s finances, found CGC very genuine and sincere in his dealings with them. “Even now, at this time, they have already informed me of the new relief schemes that are available.”

19/19