SCORCHING HEAT A BOON TO ROADSIDE DRINK SELLERS IN PERLIS

ARAU, March 29 (Bernama) -- The hot and dry weather in Perlis is generating higher income for roadside fresh coconut water and pineapple juice vendors, with sales surpassing those during typical weather conditions.

A check by Bernama in Arau and Kangar, today, found that most traders responded positively, noting that the hot weather has boosted their sales.

A roadside fresh coconut water seller in Tambun Tulang, Arau, Mohd Khuzairi Amrin Amir, 26, said sales have increased significantly during the hot weather, with an estimated 60 to 70 young coconuts sold daily, compared with about 30 on normal days.

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“I have been selling coconut water for two years. Previously, I operated at another location in Arau before moving to the roadside in Tambun Tulang. I can say that even last year wasn’t as hot as this year. Coconut water sells well - for instance, I sold out 65 young coconuts yesterday,” he said.

He added that the coconut water is sold in plastic cups or bags according to customer preference, priced at RM3 per packet.

“I also sell whole young coconuts to customers who wish to drink the coconut water directly from the fruit, at RM5 each,” he said.

Sharing a similar view, a roadside pineapple juice seller in Kuala Perlis, Kangar, Jafni Ariman, 39, said she has been operating there since Ramadan last year and expressed gratitude that her drinks are selling well in the hot weather.

She said an estimated 70 to 100 cups and plastic packets of pineapple juice are sold daily during hot weather in the state, compared with about 40 cups and packets on normal days.

“As a trader, I enjoy doing business more in hot weather because pineapple juice sells quickly, with customers coming almost immediately, and stocks selling out fast due to the heat.

“Customers can choose to buy the pineapple juice either in plastic packets or plastic cups, which I sell at RM3 per packet,” she said.

Based on updated data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) as of 6 am today, a Level 1 (alert) hot weather status has been recorded across Perlis.

-- BERNAMA