Spending lightly this Deepavali
> Festival of Lights hit by higher prices of imports
IPOH: The high costs of certain services and soaring prices of goods from India have affected the earnings of traders hoping to boost their income from Deepavali sales.
The proprietor of Rasun Store, K. Jeganathan, said the GST imposed in India has slowed down trade during the festive period here.
The owner of the textile store in Little India here said as 90% of his textile imports come from India, the GST of between five and 28% imposed by the Indian government had put a dent in sales.
Jeganathan also said the registration process for exporters, a new ruling by the Indian government, had delayed imports.
“Exporters have to register with the authorities and this system has caused some disruption to the export market,” he added.
His views were echoed by S. Vellan, 25, from CTS Kacang Puteh Enterprise at the famous Kampung Kacang Puteh in Buntong, who said the economic situation had affected wholesalers.
“High rental for premises and transport costs have affected business as well.
“However people are still buying their favourite snacks from us,” said Vellan, who helps in the family-run business.
In PENANG, Little India appears to be enjoying brisk sales, as checks by theSun found busy shoppers eager to get a good bargain from the Deepavali Mega Sales.
S. Thaarani, 29, who spoke to theSun, said Little India was her favourite shopping spot to buy items for Deepavali.
“Its my favourite place, and every year we prepare for Deepavali by buying clothing and raw cooking items here,” she said.
She, however, said she has to spent wisely as the prices of many basic items have gone up.
When contacted, Penang Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk N. Gobalakrishnan said this is the first time the chamber had organised the sale to help local traders and promote Little India as a shopping haven.
“Shoppers also have the chance to win a Myvi in the lucky draw during the event which will end on the eve of Deepavali,” he said.
More than 50,000 people are expected at the Mega Sales.