MELAKA: A 31-year-old entrepreneur has turned his new Proton X70 into a "delivery van" that makes frequent round trips to Cameron Highlands to obtain fresh vegetables and fruits for sale here.

Mohd Fuad Zakaria, who hails from Salak Tinggi, Selangor, said he was forced to find alternative income after his core business - renting furniture for major events - was badly hit by Covid-19.

“I had no choice but to use my new Proton X70 to transport between 200kg to 300kg of vegetables and fruits in each trip since the beginning of this year.

“It’s painful watching my brand new car that I bought this January to transport food items,” he said when interviewed here on Wednesday (Sept 8).

Mohd Fuad said he bought the car with hopes the economy would reopen in January under the then recovery movement control order.

“Unfortunately, my intention to restart my business didn’t materialise,” he said, adding that he had been using his wife’s Proton Wira to deliver the food items in Klang Valley before his X70 arrived.

He takes orders mainly from his family and friends before making the nearly three-hours one-way trip to Camerons to collect the fresh produce.

“I will start my journey once the order reaches 100kg, and sometimes, I make several trips in a week depending on the quantity of the order.

“I don’t feel exhausted driving long distances all by myself, and I need to continue generating income without giving up easily, ” he said.

Mohd Fuad, who studied at SJK(C) Ping Ming here during his primary school days before following his policeman father, who was transferred to Selangor, said he doesn’t mind delivering the fresh food to Melaka if he gets enough orders.

“Currently, I am only focusing on Klang Valley orders, and willing to expand to nearby states if there is demand.

“This is the only way I can earn some money,” said Mohd Fuad, who got married in 2016.

He said his wife is also very supportive and encourages him in his latest effort.

“We've yet to have children, and only plan to do so once our finances improve,” said Mohd Fuad, who can be contacted at 012-9040304.