Bazaar traders find new ways to sell products
BARU: The cancellation of Ramadan bazaars in Kelantan in response to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases has forced traders to find alternative ways to sell their products.
Coconut trader Zahari Awang from Kampung Sri Kulim, Melor said he had to sell over 500 coconuts below the retail price of RM1.80 each just to cover the cost.
The 65-year-old trader said he bought the coconuts for RM1 each, excluding the cost of paying someone to climb the trees and pluck the fruits.
Zahari said the coconuts had been ordered by traders at the Melor Ramadan bazaar, but upon being informed of the cancellation, they decided not to proceed with the purchase.
“I was shocked with what happened, but my daughter Nurulhuda, 33, and son-in-law Muhammad Imran Hashim, 31, came up with the idea of selling the coconuts at cost price, without taking any profit.
“I decided to sell coconuts at RM1.50 each to a coconut milk supplier in the village.
“As of Tuesday, 300 have been sold,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Redzuan Yaacob, 40, from Kubang Kerian, who sells carbonated drinks, said he spent RM25,000 to buy stock to be sold at two Ramadan bazaar sites, namely the Sultan Mohamad V Stadium and in Kubang Kerian.
“The stock arrived four days ago.
“Now, I have to think of the best way of selling them, either find a new location or sell them online,” said the father of four.
Yesterday, the Kelantan government announced an allocation of RM1.5 million to be distributed to 2,500 affected Ramadan bazaar traders who are registered with local authorities.