GEORGE TOWN: Surrounded by thousands of fabric rolls in an array of colours and prints, Marjuana Abdul lingered over her options as she shopped for Hari Raya.
The 60-year-old, who spent decades behind a sewing machine, said nothing compares to a well-cut, custom-made outfit prepared with care.
“Since my early 20s, I have been sewing clothes on order and I have never missed making a set for myself for Hari Raya.
“Although I am now retired, I still keep my sewing machine at home.
“It is cheaper to buy the fabric and sew our own clothes. I can tailor it to fit properly and the quality is better,” she said when met at a shopping centre here yesterday.
Marjuana, who came with her family from Teluk Tempoyak, near Batu Maung, was among many shoppers browsing bolts of cloth for festive outfits and curtains.
With three weeks to Hari Raya, the festive rush has begun, starting with clothing and essentials that can be prepared in advance.
Factory operator Saiful Rizal Ahmad, 38, made his annual trip to the shopping centre with his family from Penaga in the mainland, a tradition they have kept for years.
“Every year, we come to the same place because we are familiar with it.
“The colour theme this year is peach pink and we are looking for matching outfits for the whole family.
“To avoid congestion closer to the festival, we decided to shop earlier,” he said.
Saiful Rizal, accompanied by his sons Auris, 10, and Adrian, seven, as well as his mother and relatives, browsed for bargains at the concourse.
Having set aside a budget of RM1,000, he said rising living costs meant the family needed to spend wisely.
“I received my salary less than a week ago, so it is better to start preparing now to ease our budgeting later.
“Now that we have settled our clothes, we will start buying food items next week,” he said.
Zulfiqar Firoz Khan, 12, is pleased after picking up his new Baju Melayu at Mydin’s department store, which is offering promotions.
His mother Noorani Mohd Ismail, 46, said shopping early helps families avoid last-minute crowds and secure better choices.
“When we shop early, there are more choices in terms of design and sizes.
“Hari Raya seems to fall earlier this year, so preparations have started sooner,” she said.
With Chinese New Year almost over and Hari Raya approaching, retailers have rolled out festive promotions ranging from fashion to food and decorations.
Some outlets are offering full sets of Baju Melayu from as low as RM30 each, while others are giving discounts on bulk purchases and selected stock.
