Johor malls and UDA Business Centre are packed with early Raya shoppers, causing traffic jams and full parking lots before Ramadan

IT may still be the Chinese New Year, today, but many Malaysians have already started their Raya shopping, even before the start of Ramadan fasting.

A Threads post by @flzhhsna revealed that the famous textile store Jakel at UDA Business Centre in Johor Bahru is already packed with early Raya shoppers.

“This UDA Business Centre is so packed, like Raya is tomorrow. The area is jammed, so don’t come here,” she wrote.

The video shows a full parking lot, with people double-parking along the roadside.

“Earlier, I went to Angsana Mall and it was as crowded as if Raya were tomorrow,” shared Lynda.

Emment warned that the area would remain congested throughout the fasting month as more shoppers visit for Raya preparations.

“Nowadays people really shop early — even at our B5 Johor Street Market, it’s busy every day,” added Ryzal.

Another user said she had made the right choice staying home to avoid the crowds. “Even on a day off, just staying at home looking after the kids. And that alone is exhausting,” she said.

Diyana described her visit to Angsana Mall last Saturday, noting that the parking was full by 10:30am.

“It took me an hour to settle my husband’s and kids’ Baju Melayu, then head back… so crowded!”

 The Sun Malaysia