GEORGE TOWN: The Air Itam market was abuzz with activity as shoppers flocked to complete last-minute preparations during the final weekend before Chinese New Year.
Vendors also worked hard to sell off their stock of festive items, offering everything from colourful decorations to traditional delicacies and fresh fruits.
Housewife Teh Lay Tin, 52, was among those scouring the market for ornaments to add the finishing touches to her home decor.
“I bought some decorations earlier but there were still a few corners at home that needed some cheer.
“We hope this year will bring good fortune and we’re ushering the celebrations in full festive spirit.
“The decorations will enhance the celebratory mood,” she said.
Teh, who was accompanied by her 14-year-old son Abbys Teh, shared that she carefully managed her budget, keeping her purchases to within RM100.
She insists on having new Chinese New Year decor every year.
“New ornaments symbolise a fresh start,” she said.
Traditional delicacies such as thnee kuih, a sticky sweet glutinous rice cake, were also in high demand with several stalls reporting brisk sales.
Insurance agent Angie Ng, 50, said her family always looked forward to tasting the cakes.
“It’s available fresh only during Chinese New Year and my children look forward to it every year.
“Traditionally, it’s used for prayers, but it has become a must-have at home during the festival,” she said while shopping with her 72-year-old mother Chua Lee Lee.
“This year, all five of us will be celebrating together in Sungai Ara, and hopefully, the thnee kuih will strengthen our family bond.”
Fruits such as pineapples, which symbolise fortune, wealth and prosperity, were another hot item at fruit stalls.
Called ong lai in Hokkien, it phonetically sounds like “good fortune comes”.
Fruit seller Yusri Hassan, who sources pineapples from Bukit Kayu Hitam, said sales had doubled.
“I sold over 100kg in the morning (yesterday), priced at RM5 per kg,” he said.
Yusri, 42, said customers had varying preferences when it comes to selecting pineapples.
“Some want big ones while others prefer smaller ones,” he said. He also sells pomelos from Perak, another festive favourite.
Air Itam, the most densely populated area on Penang island with a population of 9,430 people per sq km (higher than the average population density of Kuala Lumpur), is home to a predominantly Chinese community.
It comprises 72% of the local population, according to the Statistics Department in 2020.
