JOHOR BARU: Deepavali bazaar traders are hoping recent rain will help clear the haze and draw more shoppers as the festival approaches.
They said sales had been sluggish over the past week but were hopeful that business would pick up as air quality improves.
Footwear trader R. Kalai, 48, said sales had fallen by more than half compared with the same period last year.
“This is my fourth year running a stall here, and business has been much slower than in previous years.
“The haze is likely to be one of the main factors, especially as conditions were quite bad on Oct 16, the day the bazaar opened.
“The timing could also be a factor. As the bazaar opened in the middle of the month, many people may prefer to wait until their next payday before shopping,” she said when met at the bazaar along Jalan Ungku Puan.
Kalai hopes air quality improves towards the end of the month when most people receive their salaries.
Biscuit trader L. Priya, 37, said business had picked up slightly over the second weekend, particularly at night.
“During the first weekend (Oct 17 and 18), the haze was at its worst, with some areas briefly recording Air Pollutant Index readings above 200.
“I think this made some people think twice about shopping outdoors, especially those with children or elderly family members.
“Since then, it has been raining almost daily, which I believe has helped ease the haze.
“Although the improvement has been slight, I have noticed larger crowds and hope business will continue to pick up.”
Clothes trader Murad Hussein, 59, said the haze had affected business, although a slow start during the bazaar’s first week was not unusual.
“This year things have been very slow, but I am hopeful because I know many people wait until the last few days before Deepavali to shop.
“However, I am also worried that if the haze persists, it could hurt business, especially during the final weekend before the festival, which is crucial for us,” he said.
