The traditional Malay theme and songs enliven the street market at Jalan Pasola in Parit Buntar, Perak. — Photos: Bernama
THE vibrant hues of traditional Malay attire and classic Malay songs welcome visitors to the street market along Jalan Pasola, Parit Buntar every weekend.
Stall owners were not the only ones dressed to the theme as visitors could also come dressed in traditional Malay clothes, which helped to evoke a classic feel in the surroundings.
Programme organiser Amirul Nizar Rozay, 32, said the pop-up store-based market opened early December with the cooperation of several parties, including the Kerian District Council (MDK) in Perak.
“My five friends and I took about three months to draft the plan and paperwork and we managed to convince MDK.
“Since it was first opened, over 5,000 people from Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis have visited the market,” he told Bernama.
Warung Cinta trader Zulhilmi Zulkifli (left) running his stall at the street market, wearing traditional attire.
Amirul Nizar, who is from Bukit Mertajam, said he came up with the street market idea to bring back the charm and excitement of Parit Buntar, like it was over 20 years ago.
He said that from the 1990s until the early 2000s, the area was the hub for residents around Parit Buntar to get their daily necessities.
However, everyone turned their attention to the new Parit Buntar town when it later opened.
Amirul Nizar said the familiar sounds of classic Malay songs at the night market, which operates from 5pm to midnight, started attracting visitors to the site.
Besides the vibrant hues of traditional Malay clothes, he said some hard-to-find food are also sold here like kuih dangai, tepek pisang, putu piring and ubi kayu rebus.
“Some even opened stalls offering Western food, traditional food of the Banjar community, coffee brewed on charcoal stoves, and snacks from the mid-90s era and others.
“However, we also monitor the products being sold so that they are of the best quality.
“If traders fail to meet the criteria, they are removed from the rental site,” he said, adding that there were over 70 stalls participating.
Che Nu Alinar Mohamed (right) visiting from Kuala Kangsar.
Amirul Nizar said every stall rented out was not permanent and would change every week to offer visitors something fresh.
He said rental charges were from RM60 up to RM150 per day, depending on the size of the lot.
Popular singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah performed at the market on New Year’s Eve on Amirul Nizar’s invitation.
“We may invite other artistes to perform here every week,” said Amirul Nizar.
Trader Mohd Zikri Mohd Zabidi, 24, who sells kuih dangai, said he received encouraging response from visitors.
In addition to the coconut-filled kuih dangai, Mohd Zikri, who has been preparing the delicacy for over seven years, also sells chocolate and milk-flavoured ones.
He said “old timers” usually bought the original coconut flavoured kuih.
“To attract the younger generation or children to try this traditional kuih, I now have two different flavours, chocolate and milk,” he said, adding that he has been trading at the market since it opened.
Mohd Zikri was optimistic that the market would continue to attract visitors, thanks to the theme set by the organisers.
“This market is different from others.
“From the classical elements that are showcased, I am confident it will continue to pull in the crowd and, indirectly, increase our income,” he said.
Visitor Suzanna Ariff, 31, said she found out about the market online.
The mother of two from Gurun, Kedah, said the market’s uniqueness was the main reason she came for a visit.
