For the loyal visitors to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) and Masjid India here, this year's Aidilfitri preparations will surely make a difference as the area is now desolated in compliance with the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
No more blaze of colours of various fashions of clothings and the varieties of cakes sold decorating the city folks' 'must visit' locations in the city when buying Aidilfitri preparations as usual.
Housewife Aqilah Mohan Jafar, 31, said that normally a week before Ramadan that she would already be going to Jalan TAR to buy items in preparation for Hari Raya but the routine had to be forgotten for this year.
"I really like the excitement of shopping in Jalan TAR especially before Ramadan and Aidilfitri. There are so many options and one can bargain, but this year if I buy raya clothes at all, I will only buy them online," she told Bernama.
Private sector worker Sharul Nizam Mohamed Rani, 44, said the city folks would pine for the merriment of shopping on Jalan TAR as it was a significant part of Ramadan and Aidilfitri preparations for them.
"Indeed, it feels so different this year, often at this time the capital becomes merrier and more crowded. But we also need to adapt to the 'new normal' of life as the Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) calls it for the sake of our health and well-being, "he said.
The Masjid India area including Jalan TAR were placed under EMCO from April 14 to April 28 following the increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases there.
Meanwhile, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman Hawkers and Traders Association chairman Azkhalim Suradi said most traders were now starting to familiarise themselves with promoting products through online platforms like Facebook as an alternative.
"In terms of sales growth we don't know yet, as these traders are just learning the online platforms. But among the challenges are delivery and courier, especially for customers who make late orders," he said.
Azkhalim said although small traders and hawkers were saddened at the effect of the pandemic on their income sources, they endeavoured to stay positive and be more creative in generating revenue.
"Most of these traders have booked stocks in advance and in larger amounts for sale in the raya season, and the stocks arrived two months before the raya season.
"Of course it's very worrying and a head ache when we wonder how we can sell them all. But at the same time we try to be optimistic and believe there is wisdom behind this incident," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Apr 20 2020
No more blaze of colours of various fashions of clothings and the varieties of cakes sold decorating the city folks' 'must visit' locations in the city when buying Aidilfitri preparations as usual. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.