Price, Hygiene And Food Quality Key Factors For Ramadan Bazaar Visitors

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Ramadan bazaars across the country returned to a lively atmosphere this evening, drawing visitors from diverse communities, with price, hygiene, food quality and the use of digital applications among the main factors influencing consumer choice.

A Bernama survey in the federal capital found that the Wangsa Maju Ramadan bazaar was among the main hotspots for city dwellers, with about 300 stalls offering a wide variety of dishes including ‘asam pedas’, ‘nasi kukus ayam berempah’, ‘ayam bakar percik’, ‘nasi ambeng’, ‘daging salai Nogori’, traditional kuih as well as ‘air balang’ drinks.

As early as 4 pm, the public had begun thronging the bazaar area, with many stopping by after work, and most of those met expressing hope that the quality of the food purchased would commensurate with the price they paid.

For honey-grilled chicken trader Naufal Nasran, 19, from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, preparations of 40 to 50 chickens begin as early as 10 am to ensure the best taste for customers, and as of 5 pm the response that he received had been very encouraging.

In PUTRAJAYA, a survey at the Ramadan bazaar in Precinct 3 found that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of displaying price tags as well as the quality of food offered.

Civil servant Adelyn Aleadra, 24, said the price tags displayed by traders indeed help customers make comparisons and choose dishes that offer better value.

Meanwhile, in NEGERI SEMBILAN, light rain did not deter the public from thronging the Ramadan bazaar at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, with many visitors seen wearing face masks and carrying reusable bags, while traders donned gloves to ensure hygiene standards were maintained.

Among the stalls drawing attention at the bazaar was Popia Kuala Kangsar, which has operated for more than 30 years and this year introduced a twist with beef and chicken carbonara popia, in addition to preparing 700 fried popia and 700 fresh popia on the first day of Ramadan.

In KELANTAN, known for traditional foods such as nasi kerabu, ayam percik, murtabak and a variety of kuih, a survey at the Ramadan bazaars at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV and Taman Bendahara, Pengkalan Chepa found that traders displayed their business licences, kept food properly covered and provided cashless payment facilities in line with the growth of the digital economy.

A food vendor, Faridah Sapei, 60, said the rise in raw material costs, including chicken and coconut milk, had not dampened the encouraging response from customers, with most of her dishes sold out before 6 pm.

In PERAK, the atmosphere of harmony and unity among different communities was evident at the Ramadan bazaar at Stadium Perak, Ipoh, which was also enlivened by non-Muslim visitors.

In addition to offering dishes such as martabak, fried kuey teow and roti john, the bazaar also provided an operations tent, a mobile surau, ambulance services, an information corner as well as a zakat counter for the convenience of visitors.

In SABAH, traditional Bugis kuih such as ‘pisang talemmek’, ‘barongko’ and ‘bolu peca’ remained favourites among visitors at the Bataras Ramadan bazaar in Tawau for iftar, or ‘sungkai’ in local terms.

Civil servant Norshakila Madir, 30, said she and her family usually spend RM20 on kuih as it has become their practice to break fast with light bites before having a heavier meal after Tarawih prayers.

Choosing to buy iftar dishes rather than cook at home, Salleh Mohamad, 57, said he often visits the Ramadan bazaar at around 3.30 pm to avoid congestion.

In SARAWAK, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni described the Stutong Ramadan bazaar in Kuching as among the best in the state in terms of management and price control.

“This bazaar is unique as it is visited by various communities including Malays, Chinese and Dayaks, reflecting the harmony of Sarawak’s people. The low stall rental rates of around RM160 to RM250 help ease traders’ burden and encourage greater participation,” he added.

-- BERNAMA