KUALA LUMPUR: The surge of Covid-19 in China has disrupted supply chains and services following lockdowns in multiple cities across the country. It has also resulted in delayed overseas parcel deliveries from the country due border controls and restrictions in affected areas.

Zahratul Aisyah Zaini, an 18-year-old student who often buys clothing, shoes and bags from Shenzhen through online platforms, said her parcels took a longer processing time prior to delivery. "Transit usually takes one to two days but ever since the pandemic, it takes up to four days. Previously, the parcels took one to two weeks to arrive but these days, it can take up to one month.

"While it is frustrating, I understand it is problem because of the ongoing situation (pandemic)." Another student, Ainna Yulianti Abdullah, 21, who frequently shopped for accessories and decorations from China, however, did not experience any delay in her orders. "The longest delivery time was between two and three weeks if it was sent by sea. "However, it would be nice to have shipping done in less than two weeks because some of the items I ordered are used for important events."

Tyra Sherina Ajat, 22, also noticed the changes in delivery time of her parcels from China recently. "Previously, when my package didn't arrive within the estimated date shown in the app, some sellers are kind enough to keep me updated on the whereabouts of the parcel on their side, or provide some kind of refund or discount. "As a customer, I can only wait patiently. Otherwise, I would contact the shopping app customer service to get information on my parcels," she said.

Tyra added that she was planning to buy items shipped from the country itself but would have to consider the arrival date of the parcel before placing an order. As of March 11, China announced temporary lockdown for several cities such as Shenzhen on Friday and during that time, China's central economic planning agency had warned that big lockdowns can hurt the economy.