IPOH – Traders at the Ramadan Rahmah bazaar at the People’s Park here offer a variety of quality food dishes, desserts, and drinks that can be bought for below RM5.
A survey found about 20 stalls selling roti john, meatballs, popiah, murtabak, noodles, rice dishes, and others as the bazaar opens from 3pm to 7.30pm daily.
However, the response at the bazaar seems to be lukewarm and traders believe it is because it is a new place and many are still not aware of its operation.
Trader Mohamad Izzat Hamdi Mohamad Norhisham, 23, who operates a stall selling fried mee, said the government’s opening of the bazaar gave him an opportunity to earn a living.
He said the government’s initiative to open the bazaar was very helpful to small-time traders.
“The location of this bazaar is strategic, but more promotion and publicity should be carried out to attract more people to this Ramadan Rahmah Bazaar,” he said when met at his stall yesterday.
Tortilla seller Muhammad Ezzat Rosli, 25, promotes his products on social media, including TikTok.
Kuih seller Mat Fazril Mat Rabu, 31, said that many Ramadan bazaars are open during the fasting month, and people normally have their favourite places.
“This Ramadan Rahmah Bazaar is new, so not many people know about it yet,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visitor, Helmi Zakaria, 38, said he came to the bazaar after being informed by a friend about the price of the food sold here.
“I hope this bazaar can help the traders revive their businesses. Many people still don’t know about this bazaar at People’s Park,” he said.
Another visitor, Azrilnizam Ismail, 39, said the bazaar was an initiative for the entire community in Ipoh to enjoy quality iftar dishes at reasonable prices.
“There are a variety of menus on offer such as kuih muih, oden, fried noodles, and other dishes that are offered at RM5,” he said.
On February 22, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the ministry would hold an engagement session to have Ramadan Rahmah bazaars in several strategic locations in conjunction with Ramadan. – Bernama, March 26, 2023
