SURROUNDED by thousands of fabric rolls in a kaleidoscope of colours and prints, 60-year-old Marjuana Abdul took her time selecting materials for her Hari Raya outfits, demonstrating a lifelong devotion to custom tailoring.
Having spent decades behind a sewing machine, she insists that nothing compares to a well-cut, personally made ensemble.
“Since my early 20s, I have been sewing clothes on order and I have never missed making a set for myself for Hari Raya. Although I am now retired, I still keep my sewing machine at home,” she told The Star, emphasising the practical and personal benefits of making her own garments.
“It is cheaper to buy the fabric and sew our own clothes. I can tailor it to fit properly and the quality is better.”
Marjuana, who travelled from Teluk Tempoyak near Batu Maung, was among the many shoppers browsing bolts of fabric for festive attire and home decorations.
With three weeks to go before Hari Raya, the seasonal rush has already begun, with families seeking clothing and other essentials that can be prepared well in advance.
Factory operator Saiful Rizal Ahmad, 38, and his family from Penaga, the mainland, also visited the shopping centre, continuing a longstanding family tradition.
“Every year, we come to the same place because we are familiar with it. The colour theme this year is peach pink and we are looking for matching outfits for the whole family,” he said.
“To avoid congestion closer to the festival, we decided to shop earlier.”
Accompanied by his sons Auris, 10, and Adrian, seven, as well as his mother and other relatives, Saiful Rizal browsed for bargains with a budget of RM1,000, noting that rising living costs require careful spending.
“I received my salary less than a week ago, so it is better to start preparing now to ease our budgeting later. Now that we have settled our clothes, we will start buying food items next week,” he explained.
Twelve-year-old Zulfiqar Firoz Khan was delighted after selecting a new Baju Melayu from Mydin’s department store, which is currently running festive promotions.
His mother, Noorani Mohd Ismail, 46, said shopping early allows families to avoid last-minute crowds and secure better choices.
“When we shop early, there are more choices in terms of design and sizes. Hari Raya seems to fall earlier this year, so preparations have started sooner,” she said.
Retailers across the country have responded to the festive season by launching a range of promotions on fashion, food, and home decorations.
Some outlets are offering complete Baju Melayu sets for as little as RM30 each, while others provide discounts on bulk purchases and selected items, giving early shoppers both variety and value.
Families like Marjuana’s and Saiful Rizal’s are embracing the opportunity to plan ahead, combining tradition, practicality, and the desire to celebrate Hari Raya in style despite economic pressures. - March 1, 2026
