TRADERS READY TO WELCOME RAMADAN AT BAZAARS NATIONWIDE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- One day before Ramadan 1, bazaar traders are already busy making their final preparations throughout the country including setting up canopies, and stalls.  

In KUALA LUMPUR, Bernama’s observation at the Kampung Baru bazaar found contractors busy putting canopies for traders who have the permit to trade from March 2 to 30.

Muhammad Syafaat, 31, a drink seller said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)’s takeover of bazaar management has reduced the lot rent from RM750 to RM500, to lighten the cost of operation.

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Meanwhile, permanent trader, Nisa, 39, said even though the price of ingredients have gone up, she will maintain her selling price to attract customers and added that the rearrangement of lots also help to reduce congestion and create a more conducive environment.

In PERAK, the main Ramadan bazaars in Perak Stadium, Medan Gopeng and Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout (BSAS), Meru Raya, are all ready to receive visitors.

Wahi Ekram Mat Kasa, 39, a kebab hawker, said he is adding new menu such as shawarma and tortilla, with a slight increase in price of between 50 sen to RM1 due to more costly raw materials. 

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More than 900 Ramadan bazaar lots are available in PERLIS, including Dataran Persiaran Wawasan (300 lots), Arau (220 lots), Kangar (119 lots) and Taman Kemajuan (71 lots).

Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) president, Affendi Rajini Kanth, said rental rates were kept low to ease the burden on traders.

In KELANTAN, traders at the Melor Ramadan Bazaar began promoting their products with banners.

Fruit trader, Abdul Muhaimin Sulaiman, 29, said this year he rented four sites at the Melor Ramadan Bazaar, in addition to owning a fruit shop in Kampung Buloh Poh and renting an additional site at the Peringat Ramadan Bazaar in Kota Baharu.

Meanwhile, colek snack trader, Mohd Nazir Che Mahmud, 64, said colek sales are best at the beginning and end of Ramadan when many workers in towns return to their villages.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, more than 140 business lots have been set up at Dataran Senawang 3, Seremban, with the bazaar operating from 7 pm to 12 am throughout Ramadan. The organiser, Persatuan Cakna Rasa Sayang, has deployed members of the Malaysian Volunteer Department for security.

Fried chicken vendor, Fatin Syazwahanis Kamaruzaman, 26, offers menus such as chicken tenders and curly fries at prices ranging from RM8 to RM14 at her Mr Tenders stall.

Meanwhile, Abdul Razif Sulaiman, 40, a roti John vendor at Angsana Bahau, Jempol, maintains the price at RM7 despite the increase in raw material prices. He is also grateful that the bazaar rental rate this year has been reduced from RM350 to RM300.

-- BERNAMA