[vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1602488691191{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css_animation=”slideInUp” width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12017″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=” Managing Director of Farmasi Al Arif Sdn Bhd, Muhammad Farahi ‘Arif Bin Tajul Ariffin” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” color=”black” border_width=”3″][vc_custom_heading text=”One pharmacist saw the pandemic as an opportunity instead of a deterrence” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:34px|text_align:center|color:%23ed1c24|line_height:34px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css_animation=”appear”][ultimate_fancytext strings_textspeed=”350″ strings_backspeed=”0″ fancytext_tag=”h3″ fancytext_strings=”By Ridzvaani Nagarajen” strings_font_style=”font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;” strings_font_size=”desktop:15px;” fancytext_color=”#ed1c24″ strings_font_family=”font_family:Montserrat|font_call:Montserrat|variant:regular”][vc_text_separator title=”” color=”black” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1602492080055{padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”2em”][vc_column_text]The spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus continues to challenge entrepreneurs from all around the world. Many small and large businesses worldwide have started shutting down and downsizing amidst the pandemic.
Despite knowing that, a determined pharmacist decided to go in the opposite direction by opening four new pharmacies. Managing Director of Farmasi Al Arif Sdn Bhd, Muhammad Farahi ‘Arif Bin Tajul Ariffin recognised how bizarre it sounds to start a business during a pandemic. However, that did not stop him from moving forward towards expanding his business.
We spoke to him to find out more about his business expansion and how he garnered the courage to take this bold step.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1597027682459{margin-top: 3% !important;margin-bottom: 3% !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_carousel slides_on_desk=”1″ slides_on_tabs=”1″ slides_on_mob=”1″ infinite_loop=”off” autoplay=”off” next_icon=”ultsl-arrow-right2″ prev_icon=”ultsl-arrow-left2″ dots_color=”#ed1c24″ adaptive_height=”on” centermode=”” item_space=”0″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12110″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602666916263{margin-top: 3% !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][info_list font_size_icon=”24″ eg_br_width=”1″ connector_animation=”fadeInUp”][info_list_item list_title=”Why did you find the pandemic the right time to expand your business?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]Even during the beginning of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which was announced on 18 March 2020, community pharmacies were declared as one of the essential services that could operate during the pandemic with thorough Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Being a pharmacist, the call and passion to contribute to the community in a healthcare perspective pushed me to expand my primary healthcare facilities with the brand Farmasi Al-Arif, especially at locations that do not have proper nor good access to healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the public have begun to appreciate and show concern about their health and well- being.
With the current situation of high unemployment rate, we try our best to provide an interesting and decent career choice for those who are interested in the healthcare sector, especially in the pharmaceutical field. [/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”What made you take this bold step?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]I took this bold step with a clear vision in mind which is to build the largest trusted chain community pharmacy in Malaysia. Moreover, with the business showing positive developments, it simply kept me motivated and I began to work towards my vision. Plus, I’m forever grateful to have the continuous support from my partners and family.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”How many pharmacies did you manage to open during the covid-19 pandemic? ” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]We managed to expand our business by opening four new outlets in 2020. All the four outlets are as mentioned below:
- Our first outlet opened in March and it is located at Jalan Mesra Niaga, Kajang.
- The next two outlets opened its doors in September at Jerteh and Tanah Merah.
- In December, we opened another outlet at Pasir Besar, Gemas.
- Also, our newest outlet at Bangi Awani, started operating in January 2021.
[/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12241″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602667234358{margin-top: 3% !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][info_list font_size_icon=”24″ eg_br_width=”1″ connector_animation=”fadeInUp” css_info_list=”.vc_custom_1602664985958{margin-top: 2em !important;margin-bottom: 2em !important;}”][info_list_item list_title=”What advantages have you taken to guard your pharmacy business?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]Our strategies in sustaining the business is strengthening our marketing through online, offline as well as social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to promote our pharmacies’ businesses and products.
In addition to that, we optimised the existence of E-commerce marketplace such as Shopee and Lazada to widen the radius of our business. Plus, it is also a great way to provide easy
accessibility to customers from different locations to get their hands on our products, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aside from that, in line with the current pandemic situation, we make sure that our staff stick to the guidelines and address all SOPs provided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia persistently to guarantee the safety and sustainability of business operations. [/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Given the covid-19 pandemic, how did you manage to keep your community pharmacies running? ” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]During the initial implementation of MCO, we changed the outlets’ closing time to as early as six in the evening in order to abide by the rules and regulations of MCO. However, towards the end of May 2020, we’ve gone back to the normal operating hours which are from nine in the morning to nine in the evening Throughout this time, we see to it that all our staff adhere to strict SOPs such as:
- Sanitise their hands regularly.
- Ensure customers check their body temperature before entering our pharmacies.
- Advise customers to scan the QR code from the MySejahtera’ mobile application or list down their particulars upon entry.
- We try our best to limit customers’ time in the pharmacies by offering full assistance to them and limit the number of customers per entry.
[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”What made your pharmacies stand out during this tough time?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]Firstly, before setting up the pharmacy, we will conduct a thorough research to identify a strategic location to set up the pharmacy.
Next, in line with Farmasi Al-Arif’s Client Charter, we make certain that customer service is our utmost priority. In addition, we also outshine as a Halal-centric community pharmacy that emphasises on high quality Halal products.
Apart from that, we put continuous efforts in marketing and branding our wide range
products in our pharmacies as well as through online and office platforms. All of these play a huge role in putting our pharmacies in the spotlight.[/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12217″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602667234358{margin-top: 3% !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][info_list font_size_icon=”24″ eg_br_width=”1″ connector_animation=”fadeInUp” css_info_list=”.vc_custom_1602664985958{margin-top: 2em !important;margin-bottom: 2em !important;}”][info_list_item list_title=”Could you share with us how you maintain consistent hygiene throughout all your pharmacies during the pandemic?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]Along with the standard operating procedures, we also ensure:
- All surfaces such as counter- top and doors that are frequently touched are wiped clean with disinfectant.
- All our staff must sanitise their hands every time after conducting any transactions let it be through credit, debit cards or cash.
[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”How can independent pharmacies best benefit the community?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]In my opinion, I believe that independent pharmacies can best benefit the community by providing excellent services and healthcare consultations to the public. Besides that, building strong rapports with the community is a great way to share the fundamental purpose of our existence as healthcare providers. [/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”The coronavirus pandemic has upended nearly every industry, what does this mean for independent retail pharmacies in malaysia?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]As I’ve mentioned previously, despite the fact that pharmacies are considered to be a part of the healthcare sector, which is known as a recession-proof industry, inevitably the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on us, pharmacists too.
In my opinion, the survivability and sustainability of independent community pharmacies are highly affected based on the location of the businesses.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Any words of wisdom you would like to share to all independent pharmacists?” list_icon=”Defaults-comments” animation=”fadeInUp”]To my fellow pharmacists, work hard and implement the role of creativity into your business, as it inspires and challenges you to sustain your business well. Be motivated and create a motivating environment for your team. Lastly, do not lose hope![/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/ultimate_carousel][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1594189719583{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_text_separator title=”READ MORE” title_align=”separator_align_left” align=”align_right” color=”custom” border_width=”9″ accent_color=”#dd3333″ el_class=”read”][bs-grid-listing-1 columns=”3″ show_excerpt=”1″ title=”” icon=”” hide_title=”0″ heading_color=”” heading_style=”default” category=”14,29,13″ tag=”” count=”3″ post_ids=”” offset=”” featured_image=”0″ ignore_sticky_posts=”1″ author_ids=”” disable_duplicate=”0″ time_filter=”” order=”DESC” order_by=”date” _name_1=”” post_type=”” taxonomy=”” _name_2=”” cats-tags-condition=”and” cats-condition=”in” tags-condition=”in” tabs=”” tabs_cat_filter=”” tabs_tax_filter=”” tabs_content_type=”deferred” paginate=”none” pagination-show-label=”0″ pagination-slides-count=”3″ slider-animation-speed=”750″ slider-autoplay=”1″ slider-speed=”3000″ slider-control-dots=”off” slider-control-next-prev=”style-1″ ad-active=”0″ ad-after_each=”” ad-type=”” ad-banner=”none” ad-campaign=”none” ad-count=”” ad-columns=”1″ ad-orderby=”date” ad-order=”ASC” ad-align=”left” bs-show-desktop=”1″ bs-show-tablet=”1″ bs-show-phone=”1″ custom-css-class=”” custom-id=”” override-listing-settings=”0″ listing-settings=”” bs-text-color-scheme=”” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1594697216061{margin-bottom: -10% !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”5.0″ font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:60|text_align:right|color:%23000000″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”Out of” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1594696759538{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”5 Stars” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1594697016740{margin-top: -6px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594780415864{margin-bottom: -10% !important;margin-left: -4% !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_custom_heading text=”5.0″ font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:center|color:%23000000″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1594784592259{margin-bottom: -1% !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Out of
5 Stars
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