Chow (third from right) handing out aprons to traders at the launch of the Penang Ramadan Festival at the Sungai Nibong Pesta site. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Pesta site to host month-long goods and food fair with price control set on edibles
Thousands are expected to throng the Penang Ramadan Festival that starts tomorrow at the Pesta site in Sungai Nibong.
Event organiser Ridzuan Nasir said 160 lots had been reserved for the duration of the festival which would take place from 4pm to 8pm daily.
“We have allocated 120 lots for food businesses while 40 lots will be for the sale of other products.
“To control prices, we have set limits on food items to ensure they remain cheaper than those sold elsewhere.
“Traders are urged to maintain cleanliness throughout the event and 30 staff members will be on duty to handle maintenance and security,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event was timely, as it was an opportunity to increase the income of traders.
The bazaar will have 160 lots, with the majority of traders selling food.
“This event serves as a platform for traders to foster better relationships and widen their network in the business community.
“This is the first time such a festival has been organised at a strategic location for traders to earn income during Ramadan,” he said.
Separately, Chow said the state through Nur Ramadan Zakat Pulau Pinang had so far raised RM4.5mil to aid Muslims in Penang.
“From that amount, RM2.9mil in cash aid and RM1.6mil in hampers have been given to 4,154 recipients,” he said before handing out aprons to the festival traders.
Food aid was also handed out to the underprivileged at the bazaar launch.
Also present was Penang trade, entrepreneurial and rural development committee chairman Rashidi Zinol.
The Ramadan bazaar will be held until April 10.
