Fewer visitors at new bazaar

Despite its lower prices and family-friendly amenities, Bazaar Rahmah Ramadan at People’s Park in Jalan Bijeh Timah in Ipoh, Perak, hasn’t drawn huge crowds. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN and ILI AQILAH/The Star

Ramadan bazaars are the go-to place for people looking to buy food to break their fast.

This year has seen a new entrant into the scene, with Rahmah Ramadan Bazaars (BRR) being set up nationwide.

In Ipoh, People’s Park in Jalan Bijeh Timah has been chosen for the location of the first-ever BRR, an initiative under the “Payung Rahmah” programme introduced by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).

A collaboration between Ipoh City Council (MBI) and the Perak branch of KPDN, the bazaar has 27 registered traders but response has been lukewarm with only a few setting up their stalls.

A recent check by StarMetro found fewer than 10 customers at the site.

One of the traders, Syahira Hassim, 34, said she had only prepared 15 packs of food as she was worried that there might be few customers.

“We only managed to sell five packs on the first day of the fasting month and had no customers on the third day because it was raining.

“This is the first time I am selling at a Ramadan bazaar and although I am grateful for the opportunity, as we do not have to pay any fees to be here, I hope more people will come,” she added.

Syahira, who sells buttered rice with black pepper chicken and assorted sandwiches, said she barely made any profit from selling the food for between RM4 and RM5.

“I run this stall with my husband and this is our sole source of income.

“We have even tried promoting our stalls on various social media platforms.

“Perhaps one of the reasons why people are not coming here is because this place is new, compared to other more established bazaar locations,” she said.

First-time bazaar trader Mat Fazrin Mat Rabu, 31, who sells tauhu bergedil (stuffed fried tofu), said he did not expect business to be so poor.

“Even though we are located by the roadside, not many people are aware of this bazaar.

“One pack is RM5 and I only managed to sell 10 packs a few days ago.

“I hope the authorities will put more effort into promoting this place by placing more banners in town so that people will know of our presence,” he said.

Vendor Azmer Ridzuan Wahiruddin, 33, who sells an assortment of grilled Thai-made sausages and oden (fishcake stew), remains optimistic and expressed hope for the authorities to promote the bazaar.

“I believe people will likely head for the bigger bazaars at the beginning of fasting month.

“Hopefully, sooner or later, they will come to this one.

“We haven’t made enough sales yet but I am optimistic that things will improve.

“I believe that this place has a lot of potential, especially for families as there is a playground for children, benches for people to sit on and dine and it is easily accessible,” said Azmer.

Clerk Qaiyum Mustafa, 30, who went to the bazaar with his wife, said there should be more traders.

“There were barely 10 stalls set up when I went there.

“If there aren’t many options for customers, we will have no choice but to go to other bazaars.

“When we were there, we just bought a pack of tauhu bergedil and left.

“The concept is great, as they are selling cheap food but I wish there were more traders.

“The city council should promote the place more as it will encourage more customers and traders,” he added.

Administrator Susan Lim, 43, said she preferred to go to the Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar to avoid the crowds.

“There are just 10 stalls, but food, drinks and snacks are sold here for between RM5 and RM10.

“Coming here feels like I’m buying food at a typical hawker stall, but it is more comfortable and clean.

“I went to the Ramadan Bazaar in Medan Gopeng, which was crowded.

“Parking was also a hassle there, whereas I can park anywhere and dine at the benches at People’s Park,” she said.

Lim said one might easily overspend at other bazaars which offered a lot of options.

“Here, I just spend RM15 for dinner and even have leftovers.

“I do feel for the traders at the Rahmah Bazaar as there aren’t many people.

“A trader told me she only made RM50 a day.

“That doesn’t include the cost of making the food.

“I hope more people will give them support,” she said.

When contacted by StarMetro, Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said customers had many choices.

“There are 22 bazaars throughout the city and people may be more familiar with some.”

He said MBI had not considered competition from other bazaars when organising the Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar.

“Weather has been another factor, as a downpour could deter people from going out,” he said.

Rumaizi believes that the location is not an issue.

“It is situated near a main road, at Jalan Sultan Iskandar, used by most people returning home from work.

“People can stop at the bazaar to buy food and drinks as there are ample parking bays,” he said.

Rumaizi said the city council and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had conducted various initiatives to promote the bazaar, including through the media.

“Since it began operating on March 23, more people are visiting it.

“As of March 28, we recorded 600 visitors who redeemed the RM20 vouchers using their ewallets,” he said.

The mayor said that one of the Rahmah Bazaar’s aims was to assist traders who had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We will try to do more promotions and hope that more people will visit the bazaar, which is organised to help people reduce their food expenses,” he said.