Ho (right) buying jars of kuih kapit from Ang as an annual tradition before Chinese New Year at Farlim night market. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
EVERY Chinese New Year, Trish Ho, 41, buys kuih kapit, a must-have for her family.
The lawyer knows exactly where to get her stock; the Farlim night market in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang.
It was raining on the day she decided to buy the kuih kapit, also known as “love letters”, but she had no choice as she was worried the stock would run out with the festival being around the corner.
Luckily for her, the stall still had some jars left when she arrived. She quickly bought five and with an umbrella in hand, made two trips back to her car on foot to load them.
She has for the past five years been buying from the stall run by Ang Bee Bee, 65, as it was her mother’s favourite.
“Every year, I would come and buy from this stall, as fulfilling mum’s simple desire during the festival means a lot for the family,” said Ho.
“Preparations for Chinese New Year started later than usual for me this year and I was worried that the kuih kapit would be sold out soon.
“So despite the rain, I drove all the way here from Jelutong to buy the kuih kapit for my mum who lives in Batu Ferringhi,” she added.
Ang, who has been selling cookies ahead of Chinese New Year for the past 10 years, said she normally sold breads and cakes at the night market.
“I bake my own mung bean, peanut and butter cookies, as well as kuih bangkit.
“Once a year, I switch from selling bakery items to festive biscuits and promote them at night markets.
“Customers who have tried my biscuits know where to look for me, as I am a regular here once a week.
“The last-minute shopping typically occurs within the final week before the festival and I would make between RM2,000 and RM3,000 per night.
“It’s an annual event and a cherished tradition, where night market shopping is a pre-festival activity,” said Ang.
Over at the Van Praagh Road night market off Perak Road, a large crowd gathered at the site where there were more than 200 stalls, to shop for Chinese New Year necessities.
The street was alive with families and individuals eager to prepare for the upcoming festive celebration.
Clothes seller Lau Choon Hai, 50, said families would often visit his stall to buy new clothes for the festive season.
“It’s a tradition to wear new clothes for the new year, and some families would buy 10 to 25 pieces of apparel in one visit,” he said.
However, he noted that business this year had dropped by about 40%, attributing the decline to increased competition from online shopping platforms.
Another trader, Qi Jin, 58, who specialises in festive decorations, said snake-themed items were the bestsellers this year, given that the community would be welcoming the Year of the Snake.
“Plastic flowers are also in high demand as flowers are associated with prosperity, renewal and good fortune.
“So far, I have sold more than 100 of these flowers, which are imported from China along with other festive items.
“Unlike fresh flowers, these plastic alternatives can be reused year after year, making them a practical and economical choice for households and businesses looking to create a festive atmosphere,” said the Chinese national married to a local.
Qi said traditional decorations such as red lanterns, couplets and paper cut-outs of the Chinese characters “luck” or “fortune” were popular among shoppers.
Housewife BC Ong, 48, was among the shoppers spotted browsing at various stalls.
“I prefer to get my Chinese New Year items in person as I get to touch and inspect the quality of the products before buying.
“But my two children prefer to shop online for their new clothes. Still, I feel there is a special charm in visiting these markets,” she said.
The bustling night market, with its variety of goods ranging from festive decorations to clothing and traditional hawker food fare, remains a cherished destination for those seeking a vibrant shopping experience.
Despite online shopping trends, it continues to thrive and attract visitors looking to soak up the festive atmosphere.