KUCHING: As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the familiar buzz of Ramadan bazaars has once again drawn crowds eager to savour their favourite delicacies.
From smoky grilled chicken and fish to colourful kuih-muih neatly arranged on trays, visitors are spoilt for choice, with many admitting that the first day of Ramadan often comes with slightly higher spending.
For 48-year-old Zakaria Salim, the excitement of the first day was reason enough to loosen the purse strings.
“Since today is the first day of Ramadan, I spent more than RM50 because there are so many menu options sold at the bazaar and we want to try each of the dishes available,” he said.
However, he noted that overall spending throughout the month remains consistent with previous years.
“For me, there is no difference in spending compared to last year. It remains the same as usual. I only go to the bazaar on weekends and usually just buy grilled food,” he added.
Similarly, Abang Zainal Abang Abdul Samad, 65, shared that he had spent over RM50 on grilled chicken, fish and some traditional kuih on the first day alone.
“Usually on the first day, we spend more because we want to experience the atmosphere of the Ramadan bazaar,” he said.
He observed that this year’s spending is slightly higher compared to last Ramadan, partly due to government assistance that has helped ease financial burdens.
“Even so, I am trying to be a bit more thrifty this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Dayang Aizza Abang Zainal, 42, is taking a more structured approach to her Ramadan expenses.
She plans to allocate between RM1,000 and RM1,500 for the month, especially with a small family gathering on the cards.
“Each family member will contribute a small amount for the gathering, some around RM130 per person,” she shared.
According to her, overall Ramadan spending remains comparable to previous years, though the value of items purchased may differ slightly.
“The budget stays the same, but we plan to spend as minimally as possible,” she said.
While spending patterns may vary from household to household, one thing remains certain – the Ramadan bazaar continues to be more than just a place to buy food.
For many, it is a cherished tradition that brings together flavours, family and the festive spirit of the holy month.
