GEORGE TOWN: Delightful buka puasa varieties and Hari Raya shopping await Penangites as 25 sites of Ramadan bazaars on the island, 48 on the mainland and eight Aidilfitri bazaars have been approved by the authorities.
According to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Ahmad Azrizal Tahir, 13 sites in the northwest district and 12 in the southwest district have been earmarked on the island. They will be overseen by 25 Ramadan bazaar organisers.
“These 25 sites comprise 1,176 lots that can be rented by traders during the fasting month,” he said.
He said this year, MBPP expects more traders at Ramadan bazaars compared with last year and urged all traders to abide by the requirements to trade there.
Traders must adhere to getting typhoid shots and wearing proper aprons, shoes and head coverings, he said.
He also reminded traders to observe Covid-19 precautions such as sanitising their hands and wearing face masks.
Ahmad Azrizal said MBPP would hold briefing sessions for all traders on the rules and requirements.
Bayan Lepas Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Mohd Hafizan Abdul Wahid said that so far, almost all 140 lots at the Bayan Lepas Ramadan bazaar site have been taken by existing and new traders.
He said those who are still interested in getting a lot could still apply at the Bayan Lepas MPKK office.
Seasoned Ramadan bazaar trader at Bandar Perda on the mainland, Mohd Fauzy Ishak, 45, said he is looking forward to selling his special beef and chicken murtabak during the Ramadan season.
“I hope this year will be a boon for us, unlike in 2020 and 2021, when our business was slow,” Mohd Fauzy said, adding that he is in the midst of preparing raw materials for his murtabak.
On the mainland, Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) licensing director Mohd Fadrol Mohd Radzi said 3,393 traders will operate in the approved Ramadan bazaars and 1,288 traders in the Aidilfitri bazaars.
“We have reminded these traders to avoid renting their lots to others,” he said.
“We want all food sellers to have Menu Rahmah options as a way to help lower income groups lessen their burden.”
