Ramadan stall operator says makes RM1,000 a day

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Nadia (left) with some of her customers.

Nadia (left) with some of her customers.

LAHAD DATU: Ramadan bazaar operators are making good money despite the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

According to Nadia Sahack, 65, she makes about RM1,000 sales each day through her stall which offers a variety of dishes and cakes.

She said this was because she had not increased the price of her food items despite having to pay more for raw materials because of GST.

“We want people to come back and we do not want people, especially the needy to be burdened if we increase our prices,” she said when met at the bazaar yesterday.

Jumatiah Untong, 41, said it was still relevant to maintain the old prices although most of the raw materials were being taxed.

Jumatiah, which sells ABC, received a lot of visitors as she was selling ABC at RM2 compared to other stalls which sell at RM2.50 and RM3.

“This is the holy month of Ramadan. Besides selling to make profits, traders should also do good deeds by helping the less fortunate by maintaining their prices,” she added.

Meanwhile, most people choose to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidilfitri on a modest scale this year in view of the high cost of living and to avoid any difficulties as a result of overspending on the celebrations.

According to an accounts clerk, Patmah, 35, she would be celebrating Hari Raya moderately in view of the rising cost of living.

She said that instead of buying new clothes, she would use the old ones to avoid excessive spending as the money could be used to buy other things such as food for her family.

“Materials are not important; what is important is that we can celebrate Hari Raya with our beloved family in peace and harmony,” she added.

Aliuddin Aripuddin, 39, said he had already prepared a special budget for the Hari Raya celebration. He said preparation for the celebration was made since two months ago, such as buying clothes for his family members.

He said it was important not to overspend and stay within budget as it could cause difficulties after the celebration.

“People should plan properly and wisely, especially in spending money as most of prices of goods have increased following the implementation of GST.

“I have made a list for expenses and will defer things that are less important,” he added.