AS persistent rainfall continues to shape daily routines, the usually bustling Bandar Riyal Wet Market in Kota Samarahan has taken on a quieter pace.
Fewer shoppers walk through its narrow aisles, umbrellas in hand, as wet weather discourages movement.
Yet behind the subdued atmosphere, vendors remain steadfast, adapting to seasonal challenges to ensure the steady supply of fresh food for the community.
For poultry trader Mohammad Abdullah, 68, the rainy season has resulted in a noticeable drop in customer turnout.
Having operated his chicken stall for many years, he has observed how consumer behaviour shifts when weather conditions worsen.
“Customer numbers are lower. But prices are maintained and supply is stable,” he said.
Despite the weather, Mohammad has made a conscious decision not to increase prices, emphasising that chicken supply has not been disrupted.
However, he identified competition from supermarkets as his biggest challenge during this period.
“Many customers now prefer to shop at supermarkets, especially when it rains. It’s more convenient and sheltered,” he said.
The trend reflects a broader shift in shopping habits, where comfort and accessibility increasingly influence consumer choices, particularly during unfavourable weather.
Fish vendor Yahya Alias, 41, shared a slightly different experience.
While he also reported a decrease in customer numbers, the impact has been cushioned by the ongoing school holiday season, which has brought more families to the market.
“Even during the rainy season, people still come to wet markets. Everything is available in one place – vegetables, fruits, fish and chicken – and all are fresh,” he said.
According to Yahya, the appeal of wet markets lies in the freshness of produce and the direct interaction between buyers and sellers.
However, his main concern during the rainy season is price volatility at the supply level.
“Sometimes suppliers increase prices due to weather conditions or limited supply. If that happens, we have no choice but to adjust our prices.
“But if costs remain the same, we will maintain our prices. We do not increase prices arbitrarily,” he said.
His remarks highlight the delicate balance vendors must maintain between covering operational costs and ensuring affordability for customers.
Vegetable trader Tida Shinong, 50, said the rainy season poses significant challenges for both sellers and suppliers, particularly when flooding occurs.
“Customer turnout is definitely lower. During floods, even sourcing vegetables becomes difficult. Movement is restricted and conditions are unsafe,” she said.
Tida noted that certain vegetables, such as cassava leaves and fern shoots, have become increasingly difficult to obtain as floodwaters inundate collection areas.
The risks faced by suppliers have also increased.
“There are dangers such as crocodiles and centipedes,” she said, adding that the public often underestimate the effort required to bring vegetables to market.
Despite maintaining prices with some vegetables still sold at RM3, Tida said customers frequently request further discounts.
“They still ask for lower prices, but they don’t see the difficulties we face. Fertiliser costs, land preparation, everything has gone up,” she added.
In addition to weather-related challenges, Tida expressed concern over competition from unlicensed roadside sellers operating in parking areas and along pavements.
“We sell in proper premises. We pay rent to the local council, even though it is affordable and we follow regulations,” she said, calling for fair enforcement to protect licensed traders.
While the rainy season continues to test their endurance, vendors at Bandar Riyal Wet Market remain committed to their livelihoods.
For them, the wet market is more than a place of business; it is a vital community hub that supports local food supply and sustains traditional commerce.
Though rain may slow foot traffic and complicate operations, the determination of these traders endures, driven by resilience, responsibility and the loyalty of customers who continue to value fresh produce and local markets, regardless of the weather.
