PETALING JAYA: Traders have seen encouraging sales throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period despite the rising cost of living and doing business.
Federal Territory Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Mohamad Abdullah said the demand for traditional delicacies during the festive season had increased amid the rising cost.
He said consumers tend to spend so they could celebrate the festive season with their loved ones.
“Generally, food traders recorded profits up to 70% following positive response from consumers who had returned from their hometowns.
“When back in the city, they would hold open houses, and rather than ordering from established restaurants, they would order from small traders, hence the huge demand,” he said.
While acknowledging the trend of people cautiously spending their money due to the higher cost of living, Mohamad said open houses were still a necessity for most consumers.
He said the trend was not only among the Malays but also seen in other races.
“This is not unique during Hari Raya; we see similar trends during festivities of other races as well. Every time there is a celebration, the demand will be there,” he added.
Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Traders Association president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman said while food traders recorded good revenue throughout the Syawal month, apparel sellers were struggling to make ends meet.
He said most of the small traders selling traditional Hari Raya clothing made losses and were forced to mark down their prices to cover their capital.
“Only food traders made a slight profit of between RM3,000 and RM6,000. Those who sold baju kurung, baju melayu, songkok and accessories faced losses of up to 80%.
“This forced them to sell their products at lower prices just to cover their capital and ensure they could continue with next year’s sales,” he said.
In March, Rosli told The Star that the prices of some raw materials, which include spices, had risen, causing some vendors at the Ramadan bazaars to increase their prices.
For home-based baker Julia Ismail, 32, the rising cost of some ingredients did not stop her customers from ordering Hari Raya biscuits from her.
“Prices of some ingredients have increased, so I had to reduce the portion but maintain the price.
“My customers did not complain and understood the situation,” said Julia, who is from Kuala Lumpur.
Baju melayu trader Wan Azman Wan Amin, 27, said he managed to achieve his sales target during the Hari Raya period mainly through online platforms.
“I joined a Hari Raya bazaar during Ramadan, however, we didn’t make much sales.
“My team then pushed for online sales, which included using TikTok Live and other ecommerce platforms,” said Wan Azman, who is from Petaling Jaya.
Despite making six-figure profits, he said the revenue was not as encouraging as in previous years.
