Tourists Flood Pasar Payang In T'ganu Despite Northeast Monsoon Season

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 22 (Bernama) --  The Pasar Payang 1 and 2, iconic tourist spots in Terengganu, have begun to attract visitors as soon as the school holidays started this week.

A survey by Bernama found that both buildings, located side by side, began receiving visitors as early as 9 am.

The majority of the visitors are tourists from outside Terengganu who are seizing the opportunity to holiday in the state, despite the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season not yet being over.

A clothing and batik trader, Izzatulakma Baharuddin, 21, said she started her business operations earlier, around 8.30 am during the school holiday season, compared to the usual 9.30 am on regular days.

She said this was to make it easier and provide more time for tourists to walk around and shop at her premises.

Izzatulakma said that some of the most popular products were sarongs, kaftan dresses, and cotton viscose batik, due to their much lower prices compared to silk batik.

"Silk batik prices are currently very high, exceeding RM400, while cotton viscose batik is priced around RM100 to RM150, depending on the grade, quality, and design.

"Given the current economic situation, many people are opting for more pocket-friendly products like cotton viscose batik and kaftan dresses, which can be purchased for as low as RM25 each," she said when met at her shop in Pasar Payang 1 today.

Meanwhile, a vendor selling toys, accessories, and figurines, Ros Safila Mohd, 37, said she had sold 50 turtle figurines of various sizes in just three hours today.

She added that visitors also bought turtle keychains from her stall, which are sold between RM5 and RM50, depending on the size and type.

"On public holidays like today, we definitely see a lot of customers. So, the business opens earlier, around 8 am, and closes at 7 pm," she said, adding that she sold turtle figurines in various sizes, priced between RM5 and RM110.

Meanwhile, a customer, Isma Hanisha Ahmad Shahir, 35, from Kajang, Selangor, said she had checked the weather forecast before deciding to holiday with her five family members in Terengganu this week.

She added that Terengganu was a must-visit destination for her family every year, attracted by its beautiful scenery and delicious food.

"Pasar Payang is a must-visit. Although there are only five of us, we travelled in two separate cars because everyone wanted to buy a lot of things, especially crackers, serunding, and kaftans.

"Actually, we did take a risk coming during the monsoon season. However, according to the forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), there is no expected flooding this week," she said.

-- BERNAMA