Raya shopping a breeze in Putrajaya

IT WAS two hours to midnight, yet the crowd at the Dataran Putrajaya bazaar in Precinct 3, Putrajaya, showed no signs of dwindling.

As the night went on, more people crammed their way into the packed Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaar, before gradually dispersing after midnight.

Inside, stalls selling traditional wear and baked goods awaited with the festive shopping frenzy in full swing.

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Thankfully, the bazaar was located inside an air-conditioned marquee, which provided proper ventilation and a cooling atmosphere for the bustling crowds.

This was the 12th year that the annual bazaar named Anjung Syawal was in operation in front of the Palace of Justice complex.

Muhammad Dodi returned to set up stall at the Putrajaya bazaar after encouraging sales last year.

Putrajaya Corporation (PPj), in a statement to StarMetro, said there were more than 250 stalls operating at the bazaar that ran from noon to midnight. However, the operating hours were extended to 2am in the last few days before Hari Raya.

Clothing stalls made up the highest number of stalls at 175, followed by baked goods (45), perfumes (20) and food items (12).

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There were also several stalls set aside for banking, property and telecommunication companies, according to the local authority.

This year, the bazaar began operating on March 8, several days before the start of the fasting month. It ends today.

Women looking for the best bargain at the Anjung Syawal bazaar in Putrajaya.

Faraway traders

Several traders at the bazaar came from outside of Klang Valley, hoping that the larger crowds here would bring in more profits.

Muhammad Dodi Putra Samsul Bahri, 23, a worker at a baked goods stall, said his employer used to do business in Manjung, Perak.

“But last year we managed to secure a spot at the Putrajaya bazaar. We returned this year as last year’s sales were encouraging.

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“My boss spent thousands of ringgit for this business and we are confident of turning a handsome profit,” he said.

His stall sold makmur and almond London biscuits as well as pineapple tarts, among others priced at RM25 per container.

Women looking for the best bargain at the Anjung Syawal bazaar in Putrajaya.

Adi Rahman Amri, 43, who manned a clothing stall, said he and several workers from Merlimau, Melaka, rented a hotel in Kajang, Selangor.

“We will stay there throughout Ramadan. The rental is costly but we will get better returns from our sales.

“At the start of the fasting month, sales were slow, possibly because it coincided with the opening of the new school term,” he said, adding that business picked up as Hari Raya drew closer.

He said the demand for men’s kurta was high this year.

Helisa Sofia Suhaidi, 20, who operates her mother’s stall selling women’s attire, said they were clearing their stock from the period during the movement control order.

Helisa Sofia (right) showing a baju kurung on sale to her customer.

“We have to clear the stock because we want to come up with newer trends next year.

“Unlike the older buyers who prefer the regular baju kurung, younger buyers tend to prefer kebaya and modern baju kurung.

“We will sell more kebaya and modern baju kurung next year to cater to the younger crowd,” she said.

Helisa Sofia said this was her third consecutive year operating at the Putrajaya bazaar.

“Our headquarters is in Shah Alam, so it is closer to come here, as opposed to Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur,” she added.

The rest area inside the Putrajaya bazaar for shoppers is a much appreciated facility. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

Convenient access

Shoppers interviewed by StarMetro said easy parking and lack of traffic were their reasons for shopping at the Putrajaya bazaar.

There were also rest areas provided at spots inside the bazaar with mats and sofa for shoppers to sit on.

Wan Ainol Shazrin Muhammad Razak and his wife Rahidah Anis Yusmi, both 38, said they were in Putrajaya to avoid the Kuala Lumpur traffic congestion.

Wan Ainol (centre) and his wife Rahidah (left) checking out a kurta with Adi Rahman (right) assisting.

“We live in Cyberjaya, so it is easier to come to Putrajaya for shopping.

“We also don’t have to jostle for parking as there are many parking bays here,” said Wan Ainol Shazrin who was looking to buy a kurta.

Asked why he did not shop online, he said he had a bad experience last year.

“Unfortunately, the material was not comfortable.

“Physical shopping is still better as we can check the fabric before buying,” he said, adding that he was looking for something below RM100.

Shahril Ramzan, 30, came with his wife from Kajang to buy baju Melayu for their two sons, aged five years and nine months.

“Our budget is RM150 for a complete set, with samping and songkok, for each son.

Shahril (left) came with his wife to shop over the weekend.

“Luckily, the prices of baju Melayu have not increased much from last year,” he said.

Another shopper Sayuti Ahmad, 32, preferred to shop at the Putrajaya bazaar as it was air-conditioned and covered.

“I used to shop at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in past years, but the uncertain weather made it a hassle,” he said.