GEORGE TOWN: While traders and outlets are complaining that many people are buying their new clothes for Hari Raya online, a tailor here is finding it a blessing in disguise.

       Abdul Aziz Hussain, 68, who operates from the Penang Bazaar beside the Chowrasta Market said he is seeing a high demand for his alteration services.

       “Those who bought their baju kurung, baju kebaya or baju melayu online now require the alteration service.

       “Most of these purchases are made by people who are busy and do not want to spend too much time shopping.

       “However, clothes that are bought online do not really fit quite right, unlike tailor-made ones or those that are ready-made in shops where one can try them on.

       “Hence, this Ramadan, I’m busy with alteration work,” he said.

       Abdul Aziz, who started helping his late father when he was 13, uses a sewing machine that is 70 years old.

       “I bought the used sewing machine many years ago, and although it could be fitted with electric power, I prefer the manual way.

       “Not just the locals, but many Bangladeshis working at the factories bring their clothes to me for alteration because my charges are very low, between RM6 and RM10.”

       Abdul Aziz, who worked for the government for 32 years, also did part-time tailoring before going into it full-time after retiring at age 58.

       “My son Mohd Redzuan, who is a government employee, helps me after work and he is a lot faster at sewing, which makes it easier to meet the Ramadan demand.

       “I open my shop around 9.30am every day and close by 7pm, in time to break fast.

       “It is open every day during Ramadan as it is important that I clear all the alteration work given to me within two days.

       “There are some small alterations that I do on the spot for customers who come from far away as I wouldn’t want them to spend money travelling again to collect the clothes,” said Abdul Aziz.

       Besides Hari Raya clothes, he also provides alteration services for school uniforms and school bags.

       “Many customers bring their children’s uniforms during this time and I have to make time for them as well as most of them are regulars,” added Abdul Aziz.