Earning a living with drinks stall

FOUR years after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mohd Khairul Muzammil, 34, is determined to bounce back.

The father of two decided to try his luck by operating at the Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur.

After the job loss, he became an ehailing driver, but the income was not sufficient due to the rising cost of living.

“When a friend proposed that we operate at a Ramadan bazaar, I was eager to try. Hopefully, I can make lots of profit,” he said.

Mohd Khairul and his friend spent RM5,000 buying the equipment and ingredients to sell drinks (air balang).

“We offer nine types of drinks. Drinks with condensed milk and fruit juices are priced at RM5 per packet.

“Other drinks are priced at RM4 per packet,” he said, adding that they might sell more types of drinks later.

The bazaar is located at Datuk Keramat market carpark opposite Datuk Keramat LRT station and hosts some 70 stalls.

Zamzuri Mohd Nor, 56, who has been operating at the site for more than three decades, said he was grateful to have regular customers.

Suhana (left) is hopeful of turning a handsome profit at the Ramadan bazaar with her offering of traditional Kelantan fare.

“There have been suggestions for me to move to other bazaars, but I prefer it here as customers already know me,” he said.

The father of five sells ayam and ikan percik, priced at RM10 and RM7 apiece, respectively.

Zamzuri, who inherited the recipe from his father, said the price of ayam percik had increased from RM9 last year.

“The prices of ingredients such as onions have increased, so I have to raise my price too.

“I buy the chicken at wholesale markets at RM9 per kilogramme, compared to RM12 to RM15 at regular markets,” he said.

Percik seller Zamzuri is grateful to have regular customers and is reluctant to set up business at other bazaars.

Suhana Hassan, 44, who sells traditional dishes from Kelantan, was cautiously optimistic about sales.

“I was reluctant to operate this year but many of my regular customers insisted that I return.

“Ever since the movement control order, business has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

“There are a lot of newer bazaars, so there is more competition now,” she said.

Suhana, who sells nasi kerabu, nasi dagang and solok lada, among others, spent RM1,000 for the first two days of operation.

“Last year, my profit was small. Hopefully, this year will be better,” she said, adding that she had maintained the prices of her food.

Razrina Mat Ramli, 29, a junior doctor at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, came to buy food for her parents, who were unwell.

“Usually, my mother will cook for us. I notice there are fewer stalls this year and less food choices,” she said.