Shoppers throng Wisma MUIS to prepare for Aidilfitri celebrations in Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU, April 23 (Bernama) -- Wisma Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah (MUIS) has evolved into the location of choice for city residents to buy necessities in preparation for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations.

A survey by Bernama at Wisma MUIS here found throngs of people, including residents from outside the district, taking advantage of the weekend to bring their families to shop for Hari Raya essentials such as baju kurung, baju melayu, songkok, hijabs and traditional delicacies at the mall, located near the State Mosque, as early as 9 am.

Civil servant Kamarudin Minin, 59, from Petagas, said he chose Wisma MUIS as the location to shop for Aidilfitri because traders here offer wide selections of Malay clothes and cakes.

"Today is very unusual because many people flocked to Wisma MUIS for their initial preparations but I hope everyone follows the standard operating procedures (SOP) and maintains physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he told Bernama.

Another shopper, Mazuin Mustapa, 43, from Papar, said it has become his ritual to buy Hari Raya necessities such as baju kurung and declicaies at Wisma MUIS because in addition to the variety, prices were also very reasonable.

"Preparations for Hari Raya this year are more lively compared to the past two years, but still moderate like buying delicacies as we’re planning to hold a small open house (events)," said Mazuin who will spend RM1,000 on Aidilfitri this year.

Mohd Azmi Rajamudin, 43, from Inanam, meanwhile has put the easing of restrictions by the government to good use by shopping for baju kurung and baju melayu for his children compared to two years ago, when he did not prepare for the celebration due to the strict SOP.

"In the last two years, there were no preparations as we just sat at home. Now that there is a little freedom, I brought my family to Wisma MUIS for Aidilfitri shopping because the clothes are beautiful but still cheap and worthwhile," he said.

A trader dealing in kurta shirts, Mohd Nafi Saiful Bakri, 24, said the response from shoppers has been so promising, especially every weekend, that he is targeting sales of more than 500 pieces of kurta this festive season.

"I am jubilant and relieved because at least there is income during this Ramadan as sales were scarce for the last two years," said Mohd Nafi, who sells his kurta at RM75 and RM85 apiece.

Local delicacies trader, Hasnah Sarif, 47, shared the same sentiment, saying that the weekend holiday was indeed eagerly awaited because residents from outside Kota Kinabalu would make a beeline for Wisma MUIS to shop for Aidilfitri.

Hasnah also made a promotional package of raya delicacies at RM100 for three large jars or five small jars.

-- BERNAMA