FESTIVE SHOPPING PICKS UP AT JALAN TAR BAZAAR AS AIDILFITRI NEARS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- The bazaar at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) here, a popular spot for festive essentials at reasonable prices, continues to draw crowds, including foreign tourists, as preparations for Aidilfitri intensify.

A Bernama survey found the atmosphere along Jalan TAR lively, with visitors purchasing festive cookies, clothing and Hari Raya money envelopes.

Public Works Department quantity surveyor Nor Zamzarina Abdul Rashid, 45, said she used the RM500 Special Financial Assistance (BKK) to prepare for the upcoming Syawal celebrations.

“The BKK eases my family’s burden. I used it for Raya preparations at Jalan TAR, while my husband went to a vehicle service centre to service the car before we return to our hometown in Kedah,” she said.

Social media manager Muhammad Shafwan Mohd Zaidon, 32, said the lower prices of goods and the festive atmosphere at Jalan TAR bazaar compared with other locations make it a must-visit place for him every year ahead of Syawal.

“Spending for Hari Raya this year is higher compared with last year because we have just welcomed a newborn. So I chose Jalan TAR bazaar as it is cheaper and offers more choices. I also enjoy the vibe in this area,” said the Kuala Lumpur native.

For Faridah Norsalam, 39, from Brunei, her visit to the bazaar with her husband was for the variety of clothing and festive items sold there.

“I bought several sets of Raya clothing and other festive essentials to bring back to Brunei,” she said.

Meanwhile, kurta and baju Melayu trader Muhammad Farhan Khairul Nizan, 27, said sales have been very encouraging, especially towards the end of Ramadan.

“I expect sales to continue rising, and the stock may sell out as more people are coming since Hari Raya is just around the corner,” he said, adding that he also has customers from Europe.

-- BERNAMA