Last-minute shopping spree in KL for Hari Raya Aidilfitri
SHAH ALAM - Although many residents of Kuala Lumpur (KL) have begun travelling back to their hometowns for the Hari Raya celebrations, there are still those who stayed back a little longer to go on an eleventh-hour shopping spree for cheap deals and massive discounts.
Checks by Sinar Daily at several shopping malls and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) on Thursday, showed thousands thronged these areas, and the numbers are expected to grow after the breaking of the fast and terawih prayers tonight.
Twenty-two-year-old Nur Batrisya Muhd Rahman, who hails from KL, said Jalan Tar is her family's annual shopping spot for Raya.
"We literally shop everything here, from kerongsong, baju kurung, songkok and watch. For a middle class family like us, shopping here is more than enough," she said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Haikal Mohd Rafie, 32 said deals during the festive season in Jalan Tar are affordable.
"I love shopping here because we can get cheap deals. This time I am shopping for my whole family, including my cousins. Since my hometown is Kampung Bharu, it's easier for me, and the prices are affordable for everyone," he said.
Apart from Malaysians, foreigners who also resided here took the opportunity to do their Raya shopping here.
Nur Allyssa, 28, who is from Bangladesh, said her shopping experience in Malaysia has always been nothing short of wonderful.
"This is my third year of Raya in Malaysia. The atmosphere is so exciting, and we can get cheap attire here; that’s why I prefer shopping here.
"I heard that Jalan TAR is almost everyone’s favourite, just that the place is a little congested and it is quite hectic to travel here," she said when we met at Sogo KL.
Meanwhile, Malay traditional clothing ‘baju kurung’ seller Siti Husna, 54, said her sales for Raya this year have been tremendously good.
"The sale this year is great, and I’m happy that customers and business are back on track after Covid-19. There are many last minute shoppers this year, and I’m giving the best price I can," she said.
When asked about her Raya preparations with family, Husna said she is all prepared for Raya this year and the only thing left is to cook ‘rendang’.
Another vendor, Muhammad Sulaiman, 48 said Raya 2023 is more merry post-pandemic.
"I do business every year here at Jalan TAR and this year is more happening.
"My stocks are almost finishing and usually on last days like this we give extra offers," he said.
This year Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Saturday (April 22), as announced by Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad on behalf of the Rulers’ Conference.
The announcement follows the sighting of the new moon of Syawal, which was carried out at various locations throughout the country.
Last year, Malaysians were taken by suprise when Syed Danial announced that Hari Raya fell on May 2, one day before the expected day on May 3 as indicated by several calenders.
