Lorong TAR Aidilfitri bazaar buzzing with business activities, visitors

KUALA LUMPUR: The first day of the Aidilfitri Bazaar 2022 at Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) here today saw the place buzzing with activities and visitors.

A check by Bernama found that most traders and visitors were happy with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) decision to remove the fence surrounding the bazaar from the Campbell Complex to the Masjid India intersection.

Raya cookies trader Muhamad Mustaqim Shaharuddin, 29, said the response to his business was very encouraging despite it being only the first day of operation.

"Today alone, my total sales in less than two hours equalled the three-day sales revenue of last year.

"I believe this is due to the number of visitors from other states and the removal of the fence, which had been a barrier for visitors to shop," said Muhamad Mustaqim, who has been trading for 10 years.

Serunding and rendang trader Redzuan Ghazali, 54, admitted to having had his hands full attending to customers since opening for business at 10 am today.

"Alhamdulillah, this year's celebration is seen as very positive.

"Compared to last year, we only opened for business for 10 days here due to lack of response and the strict control," said Redzuan, who has been in business for over 30 years.

Following the removal of the fence, the DBKL provided seven entrances, with enforcement officers manning security control and visitors required to register via MySejahtera.

The DBKL, which also abolished the issuance of entry passes, advised visitors to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as observing physical distancing.

Visitor Mohamad Abdullah, 59, from Cheras was satisfied with the flexibility of the bazaar's operation as it made shopping for goods there more convenient.

"However, don't be complacent and be careful. If possible, avoid crowded places and don't bring children," he said.

Another visitor from the capital, Mohd Ariff Shaari, 35, expects the Aidilfitri Bazaar to be more vibrant with the presence of visitors after the special withdrawal of the Employees Provident Fund on April 20.

"The reopening of borders plays an important role too as the bazaar is also popular among foreign tourists," he said.

The Lorong TAR Aidilfitri Bazaar 2022, which operates from today until May 2, involves 206 stalls.

-- BERNAMA