KUALA LUMPUR – The mood for Hari Raya shopping has dampened along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman as traders and shoppers lament the rising cost of living and escalating prices of goods, which have affected public purchasing power.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, renowned as a shopping destination, would normally be bustling with people during the fasting month leading up to Aidilfitri.
People in the lower- and middle-income groups would find goods here at a reasonable price, often exceeding their expectations.
However, this year is different as vendors mourn the worst sales downturn in the history of the Raya season.
Speaking to Scoop, 40-year-old Zubaidah Gohir, who sells traditional clothing for Hari Raya, said that she had to stay up until 3am just to make RM20 in sales for the day.
“Renting a space here is already expensive, at RM5,000 for such a small tent. I wouldn’t mind the high cost if the earnings could cover it, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.
“In previous years, vendors on this street had no complaints. It’s typically the main attraction for people shopping for festive goods. I feel like my efforts are being wasted because I’m not seeing a fair return.
“From what I’ve observed, people simply wander around eating until late at night, and that’s about it,” she said, adding that she had only sold a few sets of traditional clothing since the beginning of Ramadan.
Riduan Bandaro, a 24-year-old textile seller, expressed dismay over the stark decline in public response this year compared to the overwhelming demand in previous years.
“I believe people are waiting for their salaries to shop, but even after they receive their salaries, their purchasing behaviour remains the same.
“It’s really tough for us because we’ve invested heavily in stock. I think many have already allocated their money for back-to-school items, given that the school season just started.”
Another vendor, Safyq Ismail, 30, who has been selling various men and women’s clothing for two years here, said the public had just been window shopping this Raya season.
“People mostly just walk around and look. It’s strange because the prices offered this year are not very different from the previous years, yet people are less interested in buying.
“Perhaps they are just opting for bigger and more famous brands like Jakel. Small brands like the ones I sell simply don’t stand a chance,” he said, hoping to see a huge crowd this weekend before Hari Raya.
Banker Kamizah Kamarudin, 47, acknowledged the significant increase in goods prices but said that Hari Raya was not the time to be prudent.
“I would typically survey different options and plan my budget beforehand for shopping. Sometimes, I indulge a little more to celebrate Eid with my family.
“It feels expensive due to the high prices, but I will still spend more to celebrate Eid no matter what.”
Hassan Haram, a 62-year-old taxi driver from Sandakan in Sabah, suggested that there was no need to purchase too many clothes for Eid.
“To save money, we can opt to buy only one or two sets of new clothes, especially since the clothes from last year are still in good condition,” he said.
Rossa Mat Nil, 31, a student from Seremban, expressed feeling the burden of Eid shopping this year, as she noted that last year, the prices of goods were still within a reasonable range.
“I generally live modestly due to other commitments. Unlike last year, when I spent more, this year I need to cut back on my Eid expenses.”
She also observed a trend among her friends, noting that many of them preferred to shop online for Eid as it was cheaper than buying from physical shops. – April 6, 2024