THE largest Ramadan bazaar in George Town, Penang, is going strong in its fifth edition, offering traditional and contemporary delicacies.
Featuring 92 F&B stalls, Prangin Mall Ramadan bazaar continues drawing crowds to its open-air space along Jalan Lim Chwee Leong.
It offers a wide array of dishes ranging from ayam golek, satay and traditional kuih to Thai specialities, Western food and refreshing drinks.
Prangin Mall Joint Manage-ment Board adviser and bazaar organising chairman Uu Ban Lee said the market had become one of George Town’s main Ramadan attractions, attracting large crowds including families, office workers and tourists.
“This year, Prangin Mall collaborated with Persatuan Institut Memandu Malaysia (Pima) to strengthen management, coordination and overall event planning.
“The strategic partnership reflects a strong community collaboration aimed at ensuring the bazaar remains well organised, safe and relevant.
“Vendors have also embraced digital platforms, as several worked alongside social media influencers to promote their offerings and expand their customer reach,” he said at the launch of the bazaar, which is set to run until March 20.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Uu said the bazaar served as an important economic platform for micro and small-sized traders to generate extra income during Ramadan.
“At the same time, it provides a lively meeting point for people of diverse backgrounds, symbolising unity and harmony through a shared appreciation of food and culture.”
The bazaar was opened by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying, alongside Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors Alan Lim and Foo Yu Keong.
Hui Ying, who is also Tanjong MP, said the Ramadan month encouraged patience, empathy and sincerity.
“It is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but also about cultivating compassion and understanding for the less fortunate.
“In our multicultural society, Ramadan reflects the strength of unity in diversity.
“Many non-Muslims also visit Ramadan bazaars and attend community buka puasa events.
“This mutual respect is the foundation of Malaysia’s harmony,” she said, adding that the values of empathy, togetherness and mutual respect should be upheld beyond Ramadan, to strengthen community bonds.
The organisers also emphasised their commitment to food safety and hygiene, encouraging all vendors to adhere to Health Ministry guidelines to safeguard public health and minimise risk of food-borne diseases.
This year, MBPP gave the green light to 27 Ramadan bazaars, including a new addition in Lorong Kulit.
The largest is in Jalan Mahkamah, Bayan Lepas, with over 350 traders.
On the mainland, Seberang Perai City Council has 54 bazaar sites, with the largest, hosting more than 240 traders, in Kubang Semang. — By BERNARD SEE
