JOHOR BARU: As it was the last weekend before Hari Raya, retail outlets were all abuzz with shoppers rushing to complete their preparations.
Biscuit seller Nur Anis Najwa Khairuddin, 23, found that the shopping crowd had grown significantly now that Hari Raya is just a few days away.
“As we get closer to Hari Raya, the festive mood is more noticeable. Many people chose to shop in the final few days to soak up the atmosphere,” she said.
Checks at a mall here, known for its Hari Raya goodies, showed steady crowds of locals and Singaporeans since Saturday morning.
Irfan Raziq Zahedy, who sells handmade songkok, also observed that there had been more shoppers since early last week.
He has been helping in the family’s business at a booth in the mall and is expecting a bigger crowd as Hari Raya draws closer.
“Our shop is in Muar but we set up a stall here every Ramadan. This is the third year I am helping out.
“Compared to the last two years, I think sales are more encouraging this time despite slowing down in the middle of the fasting month,” said Irfan Raziq, 19.
Among those enjoying the festive mood was Singaporean teacher Yohannes Azman, who was on a three-day break here with her family.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere. It is very festive. Previously, I would do my shopping early, even before Ramadan, but this time I waited a little longer so I could also enjoy the festivities,” she said.
Yohannes, 42, said the Hari Raya goodies in Johor, apart from being cheaper, reminded her of her childhood especially where food is concerned.
“I am not too keen on the newer varieties of festive biscuits. I prefer the more traditional ones, as those are what I grew up eating.
“They can be harder to find back home, but I can easily get them here,” she said, adding that the festive snacks bring back nostalgic memories.
Another Singaporean, Mohd Afiq Mohd Jamal, 27, recounted his growing up days when he and his family would be crossing the border to shop for Hari Raya almost every year.
“My wife and her family did that too. And now that we have a family of our own, we decided to continue the tradition.
“For me, it is not just because the goods here are cheaper, but it is also the childhood memories that we associate with Johor,” said the technician.
