WITH just days to go before the end of the fasting month, Ramadan bazaar traders in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur are facing a tough time because of a bad economy and unpredictable weather. 

They told The Malaysian Insight unexpected downpours in the evenings were keeping customers away.

They have also been unable to raise prices because of the ailing economy.

All this has led to a drop in sales compared to previous years.

Khairul Anuar Sapran, who sells drinks at the Ramadan bazaar, said this year has been the worst in his three-year experience, with sales declining after an initial boost. 

He expressed concerns about meeting past sales targets and providing Raya bonuses to staff due to the poor business performance.

“I thought we could make good business this year but prices of goods and raw material have skyrocketed this year. 

“I don’t think we can reach our expected target that we had in the past years,” he said, adding that sales were just enough to cover the daily operation and staff wages. 

“So, I don’t think we’d be able to give Raya bonus for our staff this year because business is not good,” Khairul added. 

Hairuddin Heruman, who sells fried chicken and finger food at the bazaar, said higher prices and frequent heavy rain have dampened sales. 

Bad weather has limited the time spent at the bazaar.

“Ingredients are much more costlier now than in the last few years but I still keep my prices affordable.

“The weather also has not been in favour of us traders this year, as heavy rain pours almost daily, affecting the daily sales especially from 4pm to 7pm.

“Most people come to the bazaar closer to the buka puasa time because of the continuous heavy rain in the capital. 

“Hence, people don’t shop much but they get food quickly and leave. They don’t get much time to scout around the bazaar to see more options. 

“The rain has spoiled business for most of the days,” the 47-year-old who has been trading in the same bazaar for the past 10 years told The Malaysian Insight. 

Feeding the poor

Drinks seller Mohd Nur Rafee said he business flourished in the first two weeks but dropped after that.

“Most of our water containers were almost empty in the first two weeks, but starting the third week, we noticed that there were a lot of leftovers, indicating our sales had dropped,” he said. 

Rafee said he used to make daily sales of between RM300-400 but that dropped by almost half in the third week. 

He said students were his best customers. 

“I think this is because they have no choice unlike those living with family because the latter can cook at home but for students, it’ll be much more convenient to get their food from bazaars,” he said. 

Noor Mariam, who is from Sarawak, sells popiah. 

“Business is average but I’m meeting my daily targets.

“The location of my stall also plays an important role because it is right at the entrance, making it easier for people who want to grab food,” said the 21-year-old, who is doing business at the Kampung Baru bazaar for the first time.

Noor Mariam said she will return to the  bazaar next year.

Traders also dismissed concerns of food wastage. They said welfare groups are collecting surplus food to be distributed to the poor and the mosques. – April 8, 2024.