SINGAPORE: Nor Fatiha Rahamat typically bakes Hari Raya cookies and cakes before selling them at Ramadan bazaars in Johor. It is a crucial source of income for her to fund her familys daily expenses.
However this year, with Malaysia still in the fight against COVID-19, Nor Fatiha told CNA that the situation is far off from business-as-usual.
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“Its vastly different this year. Ive been taking orders since the start of the year but over the last month, 90 per cent of my customers have cancelled,” said the owner of Tia Cake House, which is based in Johor Bahru.
Nor Fatiha bakes Hari Raya cookies for a living. However, there is uncertainty on whether Hari Raya visiting will carry on in 2020, so her businesses have been impacted. (Photo: Nor Fatiha Rahamat)
“Now, I have to promote my goods again, and hope that more people will make orders,” she added.
Nor Fatiha said the main reason for the cancellations is nationwide uncertainty over what Ramadan bazaar vendors can or cannot do during the fasting month.
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Ramadan bazaars are an important staple for Malaysians, where people typically head to groups of street vendors and purchase food for breaking fast as well as clothing for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Earlier this month, the government said it will not allow any sort of bazaars, including e-bazaars and drive-throughs during the fasting month.
Among the main considerations cited were to minimise crowding and the number of vehicles on the road.
Despite the announcement, some are still selling food and other wares through online marketplaces.
READ: COVID-19: Malaysia announces record low of 36 new cases, aims for single-digit infection rate
Nor Fatiha said she agrees with the governments decision and is thankful that she still has an avenue to do business.
Yet, she has encountered difficulties delivering her orders to customers, especially those living in other states. Malaysias Movement Control Order (MCO), which will end on Apr 28, restricts movement of people across state lines.
Nor Fatiha delivers her cakes and cookies to her clients who live within 15 kilometres of her house. (Photo: Nor Fatiha Rahamat)
“For those who order my cakes and cookies, I will personally make the deliveries. However, they must be staying within 15 kilometres from my place because we do not want to break any laws,” said Nor Fatiha.
However, she maintained that her orders and business transactions have been far and few between.
“All in all, it doesnt feel like Hari Raya this year. People do not really have the mood to celebrate,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mr Sidek Azman, who usually sells Ramly burgers at bazaars in the northeastern state of Terengganu, told CNA that he is struggling to get a reasonable number of orders in order to cover his business costs.
“Many people in Terengganu live in rural areas … In previous years, they would come down in droves to the physical bazaars and buy burgers for breaking fast. They prefer it that way,” said the 49-year-old.
People shop for food at a Ramadan bazaar in Kuala Lumpur. (File photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
Mr Sidek added that many rural residents, especially the elderly, would have difficulties submitting their orders online.
“They prefer to see the product being made (in their presence) before buying. Selling Ramly burgers is all about the smell of meat being sizzled. Its just not the same selling online and making deliveries.”
He added: “I think my business could drop by 75 per cent this year. I have bought less supplies in anticipation of this.”
CLOTHIING BUSINESSES ADAPT TO ONLINE MARKETPLACES
For those in the clothing business, they have modified their business model and are now emphasising on online marketplaces.
Mr Aiman Mohammad Faizal, who manages Aqil Naufal shops which sells baju kurung for Hari Raya, said he used to operate in Melaka bazaars. But he is now trying to strike it out in online marketplaces across different states.
When interviewed by CNA, he noted that it is tough to sell online because customers are not able to try the clothes to check for size and fit.
Despite the challenges, he said: “We want to take this opportunity to expand our business to the whole of Malaysia. God willing, if there is nothing to stop us, we will find a way to deliver them to our customers.”
Other businesses are modifying their products to suit evolving consumer tastes during the COVID-19 period.
Mr Azad Mahbob, who typically sells printed t-shirts at Melakas Ramadan bazaar near Dataran Pahlawan, told CNA that this year, he has produced shirts with COVID-19-themed designs and will be sending them to customers across the country.
SINGAPORE: Nor Fatiha Rahamat typically bakes Hari Raya cookies and cakes before selling them at Ramadan bazaars in Johor. It is a crucial source of income for her to fund her familys daily expenses.
However this year, with Malaysia still in the fight against COVID-19, Nor Fatiha told CNA that the situation is far off from business-as-usual.
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Its vastly different this year. Ive been taking orders since the start of the year but over the last month, 90 per cent of my customers have cancelled,” said the owner of Tia Cake House, which is based in Johor Bahru.
Nor Fatiha bakes Hari Raya cookies for a living. However, there is uncertainty on whether Hari Raya visiting will carry on in 2020, so her businesses have been impacted. (Photo: Nor Fatiha Rahamat)
“Now, I have to promote my goods again, and hope that more people will make orders,” she added.
Nor Fatiha said the main reason for the cancellations is nationwide uncertainty over what Ramadan bazaar vendors can or cannot do during the fasting month.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Ramadan bazaars are an important staple for Malaysians, where people typically head to groups of street vendors and purchase food for breaking fast as well as clothing for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Earlier this month, the government said it will not allow any sort of bazaars, including e-bazaars and drive-throughs during the fasting month.
Among the main considerations cited were to minimise crowding and the number of vehicles on the road.
Despite the announcement, some are still selling food and other wares through online marketplaces.
READ: COVID-19: Malaysia announces record low of 36 new cases, aims for single-digit infection rate
Nor Fatiha said she agrees with the governments decision and is thankful that she still has an avenue to do business.
Yet, she has encountered difficulties delivering her orders to customers, especially those living in other states. Malaysias Movement Control Order (MCO), which will end on Apr 28, restricts movement of people across state lines.
Nor Fatiha delivers her cakes and cookies to her clients who live within 15 kilometres of her house. (Photo: Nor Fatiha Rahamat)
“For those who order my cakes and cookies, I will personally make the deliveries. However, they must be staying within 15 kilometres from my place because we do not want to break any laws,” said Nor Fatiha.
However, she maintained that her orders and business transactions have been far and few between.
“All in all, it doesnt feel like Hari Raya this year. People do not really have the mood to celebrate,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mr Sidek Azman, who usually sells Ramly burgers at bazaars in the northeastern state of Terengganu, told CNA that he is struggling to get a reasonable number of orders in order to cover his business costs.
“Many people in Terengganu live in rural areas … In previous years, they would come down in droves to the physical bazaars and buy burgers for breaking fast. They prefer it that way,” said the 49-year-old.
People shop for food at a Ramadan bazaar in Kuala Lumpur. (File photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
Mr Sidek added that many rural residents, especially the elderly, would have difficulties submitting their orders online.
“They prefer to see the product being made (in their presence) before buying. Selling Ramly burgers is all about the smell of meat being sizzled. Its just not the same selling online and making deliveries.”
He added: “I think my business could drop by 75 per cent this year. I have bought less supplies in anticipation of this.”
CLOTHIING BUSINESSES ADAPT TO ONLINE MARKETPLACES
For those in the clothing business, they have modified their business model and are now emphasising on online marketplaces.
Mr Aiman Mohammad Faizal, who manages Aqil Naufal shops which sells baju kurung for Hari Raya, said he used to operate in Melaka bazaars. But he is now trying to strike it out in online marketplaces across different states.
When interviewed by CNA, he noted that it is tough to sell online because customers are not able to try the clothes to check for size and fit.
Despite the challenges, he said: “We want to take this opportunity to expand our business to the whole of Malaysia. God willing, if there is nothing to stop us, we will find a way to deliver them to our customers.”
Other businesses are modifying their products to suit evolving consumer tastes during the COVID-19 period.
Mr Azad Mahbob, who typically sells printed t-shirts at Melakas Ramadan bazaar near Dataran Pahlawan, told CNA that this year, he has produced shirts with COVID-19-themed designs and will be sending them to customers across the country.
