MRCA launches F&B division to represent the voice and plight of retailers

Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) has set up a new food and beverage (F&B) division to represent the voice and plight of F&B retailers.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri officially launched the MRCA F&B division which was held virtually using the Zoom platform on July 28, 2021.

MRCA immediate past president Datuk Seri Garry Chua who headed the F&B division said in light of the current chaos caused by the pandemic crisis, the division will speak as a unified voice on behalf of F&B retailers to improve their plight.

“The flourishing F&B retail sector is facing many headwinds and challenges such as high rental cost, staffing, unreasonable charges by delivery platforms as well as cash flow from high investment on opening of outlets,” Chua said at the virtual press conference to announce the launch of MRCA F&B division with the media.

The F&B retailers have been impacted by the imposition of lockdown restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic with many facing substantially lower demand and decreased sales.

Chua said MRCA will lobby for the extension and improvement of the Covid-19 Act to protect and preserve retail businesses.

It will also lobby for fair charges by delivery platforms and anti-competitive behaviour; for dine-in for vaccinated patrons as soon as possible; for business recovery funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and for government-initiated mediation on outstanding rent issues between landlords and tenants during the MCO.

“The inception of the F&B chapter in MRCA marks a new milestone in line with the growth and increasing importance of F&B in the retail sector.

“F&B is also the fastest growing market which will account for 50% of the retail sector for most of the malls and shops in the future,” added Chua.

Also present at the virtual conference were MRCA president Shirley Tay, MRCA vice president and deputy chief of F&B division Valerie Choo and MRCA F&B division treasurer Datuk Kenneth Soh.

Chua highlighted the six main objectives of F&B division which included, among others, forming a body of retailers specializing in the F&B industry from among MRCA members in order to assist and support each other in matters of business; organizing training programmes to equip members with the right skills and information; and business networking events to foster collaboration, goodwill and better understanding.

He said F&B division members are expected to gain invaluable opportunities by leveraging on the cordial relationships between MRCA and various government bodies relevant to F&B operations that would greatly benefit their respective businesses.

In anticipation of a business rebound post-pandemic, the F&B division will organise relevant workshops and training to ensure its members are well prepared to adapt to the new consumer trend and behaviour in the future. 

In addition, the F&B division will provide its members with knowledge and technique to improve their operational efficiency, as well as an opportunity for expansion through franchising. It will also assist members who are interested to become a competent franchisor.

Nancy, in her pre-recorded video speech, said she hoped that the division launch would offer a concrete and formidable platform for the members, not just to assist and support each other, but also to expand the business network to foster more collaboration, goodwill and understanding.

She urged MRCA to include digital up-skilling and re-skilling training programs and courses for the digital world and to face the opportunities and challenges ushered in by IR4.0. 

Tay said the F&B operators are complaining about the high commission charged by the major food delivery players who are making it difficult for them to financially survive during the pandemic. She asked for a fair commission charges of about 15 to 20 per cent which would help the F&B operators to sustain their businesses.