KUALA LUMPUR: Traders at the bustling Aidilfitri bazaar in the heart of the city slashed prices by up to 70 per cent on the final day of business as they counted down to Hari Raya festivities in less than 24 hours.
Muslims in Malaysia are set to celebrate Hari Raya on Saturday (March 21), as announced by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.
The bazaar at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) transformed into a shopping haven during the holy month of Ramadan, with about 180 stalls offering goods and essentials such as cookies, traditional clothing, jewellery, accessories and decorations.
The atmosphere was vibrant as shoppers thronged the area to take advantage of steep discounts and complete last-minute purchases ahead of the celebrations.
They also sought the best bargains as traders reduced prices further to clear stock on the final day of the fasting month.
Trader Juliana Sharin, 39, who operates a stall selling Indonesian-inspired baju kebaya, said her stall would remain open until 4am.
The working mother said she had recorded brisk sales on the first and second days of the bazaar.
"We sold most of our goods on the first and second days and had to restock quickly. This morning, I left at 4am and there were still crowds here," she told the New Straits Times.
She said premium kebaya prices varied by design and quality, dropping from RM450 to RM250.
"We are offering discounts to clear stock. We also have more affordable clothing ranging from RM250 to RM150. We receive between 30 and 50 customers daily. Most buy because they appreciate the quality and design."
Juliana said this marked her second year at the bazaar.
"It has been two years since I started here. Last year, I sold shoes and sandals. This year, it is kebaya.
"If we are unable to clear the stock, we can still sell the items online."
Another trader, Syed Syafiq, 26, who sells a variety of cookies, snacks and dodol, said he is confident of clearing all stock by the end of the day.
"We have been selling cookies here for the past seven years. Business has been good. We average more than 100 customers a day," he said.
Syed said visitor numbers had surged in recent days.
"We have already reduced prices, but we will lower them further to clear everything by tonight.
"The price for a box of cookies dropped from RM28 to RM22. We may reduce it further if stock remains. The same applies to mini karipap, from RM20 per pack to RM15, and serunding from RM120kg to RM90kg. Prices will continue to fall as the day progresses."
Fatin Mohd Roslan, 33, who sells an assortment of jewellery, said she had reduced prices by up to 70 per cent so she could close early and celebrate Hari Raya.
"We sell earrings, rings, brooches and more. Prices range from RM2 to RM25. We have even reduced baju Melayu to RM5.
"We have been operating here for 15 years. This year, sales increased by 80 per cent compared with last year. We receive up to 300 customers a day."
Customer Hasyidah Sakeri, 26, who travelled from Ipoh, Perak, said Kuala Lumpur offered the best deals for festive clothing.
"This is my second visit to the bazaar to buy headscarves and baju Raya, as there is greater variety here.
"I came at the last minute for the discounts."
Another customer, Azrin Riduan, 46, from Ampang, who brought his two children, said he had visited the bazaar for the past five years.
"I came to buy baju Raya for my children, wife and myself. The discounts are very good, and we will return every year." - NST
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