KOTA KINABALU: The turnout at the Ramadan bazaars in the city on the last day of the fasting month yesterday seemed lesser than usual.
More than half the number of stalls were not operating and only a few people were seen visiting the bazaar. The reason could be attributed to Muslims in the city making an early trip back to their hometowns.
Bazaars in the city that were affected include those in Lintasan Deasoka, Asia City and Sembulan.
One of the hawkers in Lintasan Deasoka who decided to operate his stall on the last day of Ramadan was Mohd Razali Che Mashor, who sells nasi lemak in over six bazaars in the city.
Razali, who is from Kelantan, said that he decided to operate his stall yesterday as he is going to celebrate Raya in Kota Kinabalu.
According to him, this year is his fourth year selling nasi lemak at the Ramadan bazaar in KK, and he noticed that this year, the visitors have less purchasing power compared to previous years.
“The number of visitors has dwindled and they have less purchasing power. We also have to increase the prices of our nasi lemak as the prices of raw materials have gone up over the years,” he said.
Razali said that among the goods that cost more now were anchovies, banana leaf, eggs, cooking oil, peanuts and sugar.
“Anchovies, which used to be sold at RM16 per kilo (kilogram), have increased to RM24 per kilo this year,” he added.
However, despite the increase in the prices of goods here, Razali said he still sees room for his business to improve in the city.