ALOR SETAR: Some 300 Pekan Rabu traders here are enjoying brisk business with bigger crowds turning up this year to shop.

       Bahulu Panas S. Atan stall owner, Muhammad Nurhakim Ismail, 24, said many people have been coming since restrictions were eased.

       “I have been enjoying good business since the start of Ramadan with many walk-in customers from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Kedah.

       “They also place orders for bahulu, rempeyek, karas, loyang and more online,” he said.

       Muhammad Nurhakim said he gets help from his brother Mohd Khairul Ashraf, 27, and mother Wan Rosnah Megat Ahmad, who is in her 60s.

       Kuih peneram stall owner, Muhamad Iqbal Saidin, 41, said the reopening of borders brought in more customers.

       “Many of them travelled here to shop for kuih raya and other items. Our sales have increased, especially now that Hari Raya is around the corner,” he said.

       Muhamad Iqbal, who took over the stall from his father 20 years ago, said his workers produce 25kg of peneram a day.

       “I sell 80 pieces for RM10. I also give a discount to my regular customers,” he added.

       Another trader, Nur Amarlina Mohamad Yunus, 29, was seen busy arranging various types of kuih bangkit and serunding, which are popular with Kedahans.

       “The kuih bangkit is a hot seller and the kuih bangkit gula merah is the most popular.

       “The serunding ikan merah is unique and eaten with pulut sambal by most Kedahans,” she said.

       Pulut sellers Nurul Husna Jamil, 31, and Nur Afiqah Hamzah, 21, said there were various types of pulut available at their stall.

       “Pulut hitam, pulut pumbuk (for making ketupat or lemang), pulut susu, beras wangi (fragrant rice) and beras nasi dagang are the hot items.

       “We sell pulut hitam at RM9 per half kg compared to RM7 previously,” said Nurul Husna.

       Clothing shop assistant Haffizzuddin Mohd Nasir, 21, sells two types of men’s baju raya: short- and long-sleeved.

       The short-sleeved ones are priced at RM115 per set, while the long-sleeved ones go for RM125 each.

       Housewife Mariam Ahmad and her husband Ismail Abdul Rahman, both 52, have been coming here from Yan for three years to shop for festive items.

       “This year, the price of baju Melayu is a bit expensive,” said Mariam.

       Adila Ahmad and her husband Amirul Omar, both 35, and their daughter Adelia Amirul, three, from Shah Alam were also spotted doing Raya shopping.

       “I like to come here as the goods are reasonably priced. We particularly like the ikan pekasam (fermented fish) and traditional cookies,” said Adila.