Complaints by customers over prices, operating costs and peak-hour downpours among challenges faced by stall operators
PETALING JAYA: Unfavourable weather conditions and complaints over pricing are among the main challenges faced by Ramadan bazaar traders in the Klang Valley this year.
Frequent evening downpours in the early days of Ramadan have dampened footfall at several bazaar sites, affecting sales.
Roseni Slamat, who operates a nasi kukus stall at the Metro Kepong bazaar, said while the rain has disrupted business, she remains thankful it has not persisted throughout the day.
“Sometimes, what worries us more are the complaints about prices. We sell a set of nasi kukus at RM10 with an eighth-cut portion of chicken. We don’t use small spring chickens. For customers who prefer prawns, each set comes with four medium-to-large sized prawns,” she told theSun.
Roseni added that some customers appear to overlook the operational costs borne by traders, including site rental fees.
At Bandar Sunway, doughnut seller Muhammad Aidil Shahrin said sales have been moderate, although his fare does not always sell out.
“Despite the rain, people still come to the bazaar, especially those returning from work. Employees from nearby offices also make up a large portion of our customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, beverage vendor Md Zairi Md Zain said charitable acts by his customers during the early days of Ramadan have helped boost his sales.
“In the first week, many buyers purchased drinks to donate to mosques and the needy, which helped me a lot,” he said.
Having operated an air balang stall at Ramadan bazaars for the past three years, Md Zairi described this year’s business as slightly better than the previous one.
“It’s true that many complain that bazaar prices are expensive. But for me, if the items sell out, it means customers feel the taste and portion justify the price. As long as they find value in what they buy, they will continue to support us,” he added.
On social media, many have continued to express dissatisfaction over what they describe as unreasonable food and beverage prices.
Among the items frequently highlighted are popular favourites such as Roti John, doughnuts and air balang drinks.
The Sun Malaysia
