JOHOR BARU: Ramadan bazaar traders are all set to welcome customers, with many preparing weeks ahead to ensure ample supplies throughout the fasting month.
Wan Noraidah Wan Mohamed, 56, who plans to sell “kuih tepung pelita”, explained that she chose to procure all the essential ingredients earlier than in previous years, having realised the fasting month begins on the third day of the Chinese New Year.
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“My supplier has already informed me that they will be closed for one week during Chinese New Year.
“So I stocked up about two weeks before the festival to ensure I had enough supplies to keep making kuih for Ramadan while shops are closed.
“Since most of the ingredients I need are non-perishable items such as flour and packed coconut milk, I am able to do so without compromising the quality of my product,” she said.
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Wan Noraidah, who will operate her stall at the Taman Dahlia Ramadan bazaar, said she was glad to have prepared early.
“At least now I do not have to compete with other Ramadan traders for the ingredients, which I believe will be in high demand during the fasting month.”
Meanwhile, Mohd Hairi Salim, 62, said he had decided to get dry ingredients such as rice and spices earlier.
“My chicken supplier will remain open during Chinese New Year, so it will not be much of a problem for me.
“There are also supermarkets that remain open during the festive season, and I will most likely get the other raw ingredients I need from there.
“The prices of the ingredients are likely to be higher than usual, but I don’t think there will be any shortage,” said Mohd Hairi, who will be selling nasi berempah at three bazaars around Johor Baru.
Sharifah Faizah Syed Jamal, 44, said that while essentials such as dry ingredients and food packaging supplies could be bought in advance, she still had to find ways to get fresh vegetables.
“I will be selling porridge with some simple dishes, including sambal kangkung.
“Most of the things I can buy in advance, and I have already done so, as I know most shops will be closed during Chinese New Year.
“However, I still need to get the kangkung (water spinach) every day, as it must be fresh,” she said, adding that she will be operating her stall at Pasar Tani Kekal Datin Halimah in Larkin.
Meanwhile, Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said there is ample supply of essential goods for the Chinese New Year and Ramadan period.
“Based on the daily reports we receive, key items such as chicken, eggs and coconut milk, as well as cooking oil in packets and bottles, are enough to meet demand.”
