Traders geared up for Umno general assembly

Many stalls have been set up at the Putra World Trade Centre as traders seize the opportunity to sell their products to delegates of the 66th Umno general assembly which begins today.

Shuhaila Saidon, 36, said what distinguishes her business from others is that her 1Malaysia layered cake would be adopting the '1Malaysia People's Menu' concept where the cakes will be reasonably priced.

"We will use the 1Malaysia People's Menu concept so that everybody can enjoy layered cakes," she said.

"Normally layered cakes are sold between RM28 to RM35 per piece, but mine will only cost RM20 and if one buys more, it would be cheaper.

COLOURFUL: Layered cakes sold by Shuhaila

Asked why she named the cake Kek Lapis 1Malaysia, she said it's a way for us to show support to the government.

"If we don't support them, then who else would?" she quipped.

According to her, despite its cheaper price the quality of her cakes is still maintained and she is also not reducing any of the ingredients.

“What's more interesting is that the cakes are baked by local singer Deja Moss,” she said.

"I wish to promote layered cakes as gifts and souvenirs. Recently even the police purchased out cakes to be given out as door gifts during an archery competition, added Shuhaila who will be making her “debut” as a trader at the Umno general assembly this year.

So far she said the response was overwhelming as people had been stopping by her stall even though she had only set it up yesterday morning.

Johnny Jaswar, 32, who owns “Koleksi Umno” said he tributes his product to the party that has long served the country.

|Johnny from Ampang will be selling songkok and songket said this event is the only opportunity where people can find products bearing the Umno design.

JOHNNY: The only place to find Umno inspired songket designs

"This event is seasonal so this is the only time people can buy products with Umno logos on them," explained Johnny who had been setting up stalls at the assembly since 2000.

Comparing the event this year with previous years, he said the setting in the trading lounge is nicer and proper signs make it easier for people to find their way to the area.

As for Yunidar Jamaan, 56 who owns Anidar Trading, she prefers the old days where traders were placed downstairs and not upstairs.

According to her, in those days they were more free to roam and trade and they often had bargain sales which attracted many customers.

She also said visitors often do not buy much during the first few days but sales will pick up as the event draws to a close.

"Things will only start selling like hot cakes two days before the event ends. Before that, it won't sell that much," added Yunidar who has setting up a stall annually for the past 16 years.