Wet markets see brisk sales despite rising cost of living
GEORGE TOWN: The sale at wet markets is gaining momentum as traders started stocking up on items such as chicken to meet additional demand for Ramadan.
Fishmongers are also offering more varieties as seafood prices are stable and affordable now.
The traders, however, noted that their customers are taking a longer time comparing the prices and bargaining for the best buy as they feel the pinch of the rising cost of living.
Chicken seller Hamidah Yunoos, 49, said she usually gets 300 birds daily, and for this fast month she has ordered an additional 30 birds each time.
She noticed that the customers are cautious with their spending.
“I believe everyone is restricted by budget,” she said, adding that parents might have used up their money to prepare their children for the new school year.
Hamidah, who has been selling chicken at the Batu Lanchang market for over 20 years, said it is fortunate that she still receives large orders from those in the food and beverage business.
Seafood seller Mohd Hafizi Haniffah, 36, said the most popular items are still fish and prawns, which are easier to prepare and cook.
He noted a lack of big spenders at his stall this year, saying that most people only bought enough for the day.
“Seafood has become a luxury item despite stable prices this festive season,” he said.
Housewife Azreen Noordin, 42, who cooks for her family of seven daily, said raw ingredients are “more expensive” now.
“I have to cook for my mother, husband and four children.
“Previously, I used to buy enough supply for a week but these days, I buy less and we just keep to simple meals.
“Everything is more expensive but I try my best to serve them a good variety of dishes, so cooking at home is still cost-efficient,” she said.
Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store marketing manager Ong Eng Chye said the crowd shopping for Ramadan items started turning up since early this week with some making large purchases to stock up for the festival.
“We have kurma and a variety of cookies apart from the usual fresh produce (for sale).
“To remain competitive with the wet markets, we source our supply directly in bulk,” he said, adding that some shoppers prefer the air-conditioned environment to avoid the heat outside.
Ong is hoping for better business this Ramadan, compared to last year.
“We will continue to increase our stock intake as demand grows,” he added.
Sunshine Wholesale Mart marketing communications manager Bryan Wong said the superstore is expecting a surge in business in the last two weeks before Hari Raya.
“Usually our business during Ramadan is at the normal pace as most Muslims choose to break fast at Ramadan bazaars.
“The crowd will start coming in two weeks before Hari Raya,” he said.
