BUKIT MERTAJAM – As the public becomes increasingly worried about the rising price of goods, a trader at the Masjid Perda Ramadan Bazaar here is determined to keep selling her drinks for RM1 a pack, the same price that she has maintained for 26 years.
Norazian Sabri, 57, said although her drinks were priced at RM1 per packet compared to other traders, which priced theirs between RM2 to RM3 per packet, she is still able to make a profit and believes in the concept of ‘rezeki’ (sustenance).
"During the fasting month at the Ramadan bazaar here I sell 11 kinds of drinks of various flavours including ‘bandung’, ‘limau asam boi’, ‘mata kucing’ and lychee and also fruit juices such as watermelon and orange. Normally, I sell them at Pantai Bersih, Butterworth.
"The price I sell is still the same as 26 years ago, which is RM1, Alhamdulillah I still make a profit, and this is one of the ways we do charity work and share my ‘rezeki’ with others," she said when met at bazaar stall.
Norazian said it was not her intention to sell the drinks cheaply to achieve more sales but instead, it was to help those with a limited budget.
"We didn’t start this business yesterday, in fact, we’ve been in this business for over 26 years. I believe not everyone can afford to buy things at a high price. Given the price hike of many goods, we figure RM1 indirectly helps consumers as well," said Norazian, who is assisted by husband Zainal Abidin Idris, 58.
She added that each container of drinks can produce up to 50 packets, which are snapped up quickly.
"I will maintain the price at RM1 per packet because I believe in ‘rezeki’. Alhamdulillah, we still make some profit, probably not as much as other traders but we are content. I am happy to sell at this price while maintaining the quality of the beverages," she said.
Meanwhile, a customer, Norhasfizah Mustafa, 35, said the drinks sold by Norazian was her family's choice because it was more affordable compared to other sellers, while still tasting good.
"For RM1, we can buy for each person according to the taste of their choice, that is, my husband and I and three children for us to break our fast. The drinks are also delicious and on par with those sold by the other traders," she said. – Bernama, April 8, 2022
