Tasty thirst quenchers: Roslan posing with his melons at the Ramadan bazaar in Taman Kelisa, Sungai Petani.
SUNGAI PETANI: Juicy and refreshing watermelons are always a favourite for Muslims come every Ramadan and it has become a boon for the fruit’s wholesalers here.
Roslan Hashim, 53, said the order for the fruits has doubled this year.
“Last year, I had supplied slightly over five tonnes of watermelon during the whole of the fasting month.
“This year, the fasting period has just started and I have already received orders for almost five tonnes so far.
“I expect orders to pick up and the sales of the fruit to double this year,” he said in an interview.
Roslan said most of his customers are traders who sell fruit juices at Ramadan bazaars and road side stalls during the fasting month.
Roslan, who has been in the business for the past 10 years, said a kilogramme of Grade A watermelon can fetch about RM5.50 to RM6, while the Grade B fruit is cheaper at about RM4 per kilo.
“The Grade A watermelon fruit is striking red in colour and the taste is sweeter.
“During Ramadan, people prefer to buy watermelons as it is cooling and refreshing and is part of the buka puasa menu,” he said, adding that he also sells the fruit to walk-in customers.
Roslan added that the fruit is always in demand especially during the current hot weather.
“Most farmers also schedule the planting of watermelons so that the fruit can be harvested throughout the month of Ramadan.
“So far there is no issue of lack of supply of the fruits,” he said, adding that he gets his supply of watermelons from local farmers and in Thailand.
