Vendors arrange colourful drinks at their stall, ready to be grabbed by customers.
A trader cooks his ‘pulut panggang’ over flaming charcoal.
SIBU: Traders at the 185-stall Ramadan Bazaar here are happy with the arrangement for the site at Sibu Town Square Phase II, which they regard as being ‘very safe, systematic and conducive to businesses’.
The bazaar, which is open daily till July 4, is run by the Ramadan Bazaar – Phase II pro tem committee in collaboration with Sarawak Bumiputera Hawkers and Petty Traders Association Sibu Unit.
Rohayah Abu, 53, noted the systematic arrangement with power and water supply, which were crucial for trade.
“I am very happy with the arrangement of stalls, and the organising committee has been most helpful in accommodating to our needs,” said the drinks seller, who had been taking part in every Ramadan bazaar over the past 10 years.
For Emelia Zainuddin, 32, the systematic arrangement had made it easier for traders to conduct their business operations.
“We cast lots to determine the location of our stalls, and this is a very fair system,” said Emelia, who sells different kinds of local delicacies.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bumiputera Hawkers and Petty Traders Association Sibu Unit chairman Mohamad Safree Mohamad said feedback from traders had been positive, with many wanting them to run the Ramadan bazaar again next year.
He then thanked Assistant Minister for Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee for making the setup for Ramadan bazaar possible.
“Dr Annuar is committed in assisting smallholding traders boost their income for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said, assuring traders and visitors of security at the bazaar.
On cleanliness, Mohamad Safree said he and bazaar organising chairman Hussin Salim would conduct routine checks.
“We’ll run the one next year if this year’s bazaar turns out to be a success,” he added.
Arshad Dawet, 54, shows his skills in preparing ‘Roti John’ – a local specialty that looks like a modified burger with eggs, onions and minced beef or chicken as its basic filling.
(From left) Hussin Salim and Mohamad Safree in a photo-call.