Jalan TAR traders rake in profits during Raya sales

KUALA LUMPUR - The average trader in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) here says their total profit from Aidilfitri sales this year increased up to RM7,000 a day compared to last year.

One trader, Mazlan Nobit, 42, now earns around RM7,000 a day, a week before Raya. He and his family spent RM100,000 on products from suppliers in China and Klang to boost sales.

"To work on this sale, me and my family members spent a total of RM100,000 to get products directly from suppliers in China and Klang, Selangor.

"Alhamdulillah, indeed this year the profit is big, unlike during Covid-19 pandemic.

"We also had customers from the east coast, Sabah, and Sarawak," said the father of one to Sinar.

The Hulu Langat traders plans to keep his stall open late into the morning to cater to shoppers.

Che Danish Hazieq Che Mazlan, a fabric dealer, also recorded a surge in customers before the festival.

"On a normal day, in addition to the hand weaving that I sell, I earn RM300 a day, but now it is around RM700 to RM1,000 a day."

"InshaAllah, business hours will also be extended for last minute shoppers before Hari Raya," he said.

Meanwhile, Sinar's survey found that not all customers are willing to spend a lot for Raya.

Nurnabilah Yusry, 28, she spent RM200.

"Since I am a civil servant, our salaries and bonuses came in early this year, so it is very important to control the expenses."

"RM200 to buy a baju kurung is enough," said the Kampar born.

Meanwhile, hospital technician Arif Hamdan, 24, said he spent RM500 for Raya's preparation.

The Teluk Intan man said Baju raya now costs hundreds of ringgit.

"But for other expenses, such as buying food at the Ramadan bazaar, it has to be cut a little; food prices have increased too," he said.

Mazlina Syakira Zainal Abidin, 40, she spends moderately to buy necessities for Raya. The mother of one said she spends around RM700 to RM800 on Raya shopping.

"We are a family of only three people: me, my husband, and our daughter. So, a person gets a baju raya for RM200.

"We wear it for just one day; on the second and third Eid, we wear old clothes again," she said.