Kirrthana (left) with friends Shazreen Nazri (middle) and Noor Maizatul Mohamad. The college student says she likes the livelier atmosphere at the Ramadan bazaar this year.
Food prices may be higher, but this has not stopped visitors from thronging Ramadan bazaars in Johor Baru in search of their favourite dishes.
However, many are mindful of spending wisely and avoid buying more food than they need.
Among those spotted at a Ramadan bazaar in Taman Suria were married couple Afiqah Fauzy and Sharidzman Shaharuddin from Kuala Lumpur.
“We came down to Johor to spend a few days with my grandmother and other family members,” said Afiqah.
“This is the first time we are able to spend Ramadan together since the Covid-19 pandemic and also the first time my grandmother is meeting my husband. We just got married last year.
“I am also taking this opportunity to buy some food from the Ramadan bazaar here as I feel that the food tastes better and is cheaper compared to where I live,” she said.
The 31-year-old teacher said her favourite food here included murtabak and nasi ambeng.
“The food prices at Ramadan bazaars have increased everywhere. However, I think the price in Johor Baru is still cheaper compared to Kuala Lumpur.
“I also feel the traders are more generous in terms of the ingredients and the portion,” she added.
Housewife Arnie Waida Daud, 44, said she was cutting down on her visits to Ramadan bazaars in order to save money.
“I cook at home as much as I can and only sometimes buy our favourite food at the bazaars.
“The price has definitely gone up. I used to be able to get a variety of food for only RM15 but not anymore,” said Arnie.
Student S. Kirrthana, 20, and her friends have been visiting the Ramadan bazaar almost daily as it was located a few minutes’ walk from their college.
She said they liked the atmosphere at the bazaar and that the walk was a good way to de-stress after a whole day of classes.
“We do not spend much because everything is more expensive.
“For example, I recently bought mee hoon soup for RM15, but last year it cost less than RM10,” she said, adding that price of drinks had also increased.
Kirrthana noted that the bazaar was livelier this year as there were more people.
“The crowd this time is definitely larger, despite the daily rain,” she added. — By VENESA DEVI
Kirrthana (left) with friends Shazreen Nazri (middle) and Noor Maizatul Mohamad. The college student says she likes the livelier atmosphere at the Ramadan bazaar this year.
Afiqah (right) and Sharidzman find food in Johor Baru bazaar cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur.
Arnie Waida showing some of the food she bought from the bazaar in Taman Suria.
