Hot weather poses big challenges to Ramadan bazaar traders

KOTA KINABALU: While many perceive Ramadan bazaar traders as thriving due to their brisk sales, the reality is often far more challenging, particularly for those in Sabah.

For these traders, each day brings a test of endurance as they face the relentless heat and scarcity of water, exacerbated by the ongoing drought.

Mohd Shafie Abdul Kadir, a beverage stall operator at Lintasan Deasoka Ramadan Bazaar said despite achieving substantial sales daily, this year’s challenges far exceed those of previous years.

“This year is exceptionally tough. The heat is unbearable compared to previous years, as working under the scorching sun, makes us tired quickly. We can only work for short periods before needing frequent breaks,” he told Bernama.

Despite the hardship, Mohd Shafie is grateful that people still visit the bazaar and purchase his drinks, with sales exceeding four jars so far. However, he worries about dwindling attendance if the hot weather and drought worsen.

Fatimah Rahman, a cake seller, echoed the sentiment, saying that the current hot weather makes it difficult for the traders as they must arrive early to prepare their items and set up their stalls amidst the uncomfortable conditions.

“We start preparing at the bazaar site as early as 2pm

This year is exceptionally tough. The heat is unbearable compared to previous years, as working under the scorching sun, makes us tired quickly. We can only work for short periods before needing frequent breaks.

Mohd Shafie Abdul Kadir

and the weather at that time is scorching hot. Being late means missing out on attracting customers, because here in Kota Kinabalu, the time to break fast is at 6.28pm so we need to be ready early,” she said.

She also highlighted the problem of water supply being cut off in her home area in Tanjung Aru which forces her to cope with limited water while preparing food and also to buy water for her business.

In Papar, Nurul Albiaya Abdullah, who sells coconut water at Kimanis Ramadan Bazaar said because of the water shortage, she has to get water from other places before starting her business.

“Previously, getting water was easy. We would fill barrels with clean water and bring them to the bazaar. But now, with no water supply, we have to buy bottled water from shops, government offices or the Sabah State Water Department (JANS),” she said.

She highlighted the difficulty of keeping sales items and her stall area clean with limited water, adding that this not only affects business operations but also the health of customers.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hanif Anuar Yun, who sells baked chicken wings, spends around RM150 daily on five to 10 cartons of bottled water for food preparation.

“The water filter machine that I have at home serves no purpose when there is no water supply, so I need to buy filtered water to prepare the chicken before they are marinated,” he said.

In Tuaran, Shahjirie Rahman, who runs a soup and meatball stall at Telipok Ramadan Bazaar acknowledged that while the traders in Sabah can earn hundreds of ringgit daily, this year’s profits are lower compared to previous years.

He attributed this to increased expenses on water purchases and the need to install portable fans due to the hot weather.

“Buying bottled drinking water, costing between RM50 to RM100 per day, is the only option for traders like myself to ensure food safety,” he said while emphasising the importance of clean water for preparing food, especially during droughts. — Bernama