Local markets bustle as Lunar New Year approaches

Yong (left) helping his customers with their purchase of the ‘jiao gan’ mandarin oranges that come packed in wooden crates.

With Chinese New Year drawing near, traders have their hands full attending to customers while keeping the festive spirit alive.

At the Johor Jaya Chinese New Year market, Kenny Ng could be seen busy with customers while they picked their choice of traditional snacks to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Ng, whose stall has been open since the last week of January, said business was brisk this year with crowds building up over the past two weeks.

“The crowd has been growing as we get closer to Chinese New Year, and the peak will be this weekend which is just before the celebration.

“Looking at how things are, I believe most traders here will see better sales compared to the last few years,” Ng said when met at the market.

He said that apart from local shoppers, there were visitors from Singapore and China too.

Ng (right) showing customers a ‘nian gao’, which is also known as ‘kuih bakul’ in Malaysia. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

“We also have buses coming from Singapore to drop off customers wanting to shop for the Lunar New Year.

“They normally come on weekends.

“The number of such buses is higher this time compared to the past,” he said.

Ng, who sells traditional Malaysian Chinese snacks, said he was happy to see more people at the market as it helped boost the local economy while keeping the festive spirit alive.

For many, tradition continues to hold its ground amid changing trends, observed fruit seller Yong Boon Sing.

He said a segment of customers preferred jiao gan mandarin oranges packed in wooden crates, despite the newer varieties available.

“Jiao gan has a more wrinkled and patchy skin,” he said.

“Some customers prefer it to smooth and glossy mandarins.”

Yong described the wooden- crate packaging as nostalgic.

“Some customers must have jiao gan in wooden crates every Chinese New Year.

“The company has been packing it this way for more than five decades, and it is the only one left,” he said.

Despite a crate of 56 jiao gan costing RM99, Yong said buyers were willing to pay for the taste and tradition that come with it.

Hee says her customers, including Singaporeans, often buy accessories as CNY gifts.

Meanwhile, at the weekend market in Johor Baru, trader Stephanie Hee, 34, enjoys sharing her thoughts with her customers as they choose accessories to accompany their Chinese New Year outfits.

“Those choosing accessories for Chinese New Year often have already bought their clothes for Chinese New Year.

“So, it is easier for them to choose as they know what colours to look out for to fit the look they are going for,” said Hee who sells oven-baked clay jewellery.

She said that although sales was not as good as last year, she would keep her stall open to give visitors more options as they drop by for the holidays.

“Many of my customers are Singaporeans who come to enjoy their weekend, spending time and soaking in the festivities here.

“Some are looking for gifts for their loved ones, and we hope to help them get what they are looking for,” Hee said.