KUALA LUMPUR: As traffic is reported to be building up on major highways as city-dwellers leave for their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, last minute shoppers are taking the opportunity to do some last minute shopping at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR).
Checks by NSTP at the popular shopping haven today saw the area packed with shoppers, looking for Raya clothing as well as cookies and delicacies to serve for the festivities.
Scarves trader, Ratna Dewi Zainuddin, 50, said this year, bawal scarves remain a hot-selling item.
“Whether it is just plain bawal or the one with beads and stones, bawal remains the top choice for many.
“Just now, someone came and bought eight pieces of bawal with stones for her siblings as Hari Raya gift.”
She said scarves at her shop were priced from as low as RM10.
Baju melayu trader, Muhd Khairul Anuar Mahmud, 26, said many shoppers began flocking his shop during the last week of Ramadan.
He however said the sale for this year was a bit slow, compared to three years ago.
“There are many traders selling baju melayu like us. Usually, the shoppers will compare the prices from different shops to get the best deal.
“Those who come to buy here usually are our regular customers,” he said.
Cookies trader Muhammad Arif Azmi, 18, said more shoppers are expected to flock the area later today, after buka puasa until midnight.
“Usually, the traders will start to ‘lelong’ (to sell at cheaper or discounted prices) tonight until early morning just to clear-up their stocks."
At his shop, cookies were priced at RM25 per jar.
He said despite many modern cookies, many still opt for traditional cookies such as pineapple tart and semperit.
Meanwhile, shopper Nor Madiah Zahari, 28, decided to visit Jalan TAR during her lunch break to find scarves that will match her two baju kurung.
“I already bought my baju kurung during the second week of Ramadan, but I could not find the scarves that I wanted. So, I decided to come here during my lunch break today," she said, adding that she is heading back to her hometown in Melaka after buka puasa.
Despite the sweltering heat, Zuliana Abd Hamid, 42, said she enjoyed doing last minute shopping at Jalan TAR.
“I always do my last minute shopping here as there are more choices and affordable. Sometimes, if you are lucky, the traders will give some discount too especially when we buy more.
“In terms of pricing, I think we can get better deals here due to stiff competition among traders.”
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