Crowds thronging the Wangsa Maju bazaar on the weekend despite the drizzle.
THOSE visiting the Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, are greeted by a cheerful trader selling murtabak Singapore at the entrance.
Muhammad Daniel Shukor, 32, waves and smiles at visitors walking past with the hope of attracting them to his stall.
Next to him are two smartphones on metal stands that he uses to livestream his stall operations on Instagram and Facebook.
“I used to freelance as a technician in the oil and gas industry.
“Unfortunately, it was difficult to get a job during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Last year, I decided to start a business. Sales was good so I am confident this year will be better,” he said.
Muhammad Daniel said many family members and friends tuned in to his live videos to show support.
“Word of mouth is still the best way to get customers but social media has a wider reach to promote my stall,” he added.
A large number of customers waiting to place their order for roti john at the Wangsa Maju Ramadan bazaar.
Located in Jalan Raja Alang, the bazaar organised by the Federal Territories Bumiputra Petty Traders and Hawkers Association (PPPKMWP) has 100 stalls.
In Wangsa Maju, the drizzle did little to discourage customers from making their way to the bazaar in Section 1.
Located in Jalan 3/27A, the bazaar is popular because of its accessibility.
It is right next to Wangsa Maju LRT station.
With over 300 stalls, it is managed by PPPKMWP and Kuala Lumpur Night Market Management Association.
A check by StarMetro found that many were attracted to stalls selling murtabak, roti john and tepung pelita.
A long queue formed at such stalls, with some customers waiting up to 30 minutes before they could place orders.
By 6pm, some of the stalls selling tepung pelita had sold out.
Muhammad Daniel (left) livestreams his stall’s operations in Kampung Baru to attract more customers.
Adrian Tan, 34, who came with his brother from Taman Sri Rampai, was among those lining up for murtabak.
“I never miss the chance to visit a Ramadan bazaar. It is an opportunity to savour Malaysian food and soak up the atmosphere,” he said.
Fatihah Razali, 28, who came with her housemate, was spoilt for choice over the number of stalls selling tepung pelita.“The kuih is sold in plastic containers with four or five pieces in each,” she said, adding that each container was priced at RM4 or RM5.
Ayam bakar seller Zul Iskandar Azman, 25, said he had prepared 30kg of chicken but planned to double his stock in coming days.
Trader Zul Iskandar Azman (left) plans to double his ayam bakar pieces in the coming days.
“This is my first time operating a Ramadan stall in Wangsa Maju, so I am cautious. But the foot traffic has been encouraging so far,” he added.
A popiah seller, who only wanted to be known as Fatin, said she prepared 400 pieces during the first day of operations and the spring rolls had sold out by 6.30pm.
“There are more customers now because the Covid-19 restrictions have been eased,” she said, adding that she planned to increase her stock soon.
At the bazaar entrance, a group of workers were spotted distributing bottled milk to visitors.
Shawn Chia, who supervised the group, said it was part of a 10-day programme where they visit different bazaars each day.
“We aim to distribute around 3,300 bottles of milk every day.
“We hope it will add to the festive atmosphere,” he said.
