KL malls see influx of last-minute Raya shoppers

KUALA LUMPUR – Although many Kuala Lumpur residents have begun to head back to their hometowns for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations, some still in the capital have chosen to go on last-minute shopping sprees.

Checks at several shopping malls known to be popular shopping locations for Raya saw them filled with shoppers this evening, with crowds expected to grow even larger after the breaking of fast.

Amy Ariffin, a 25-year-old assistant manager at the Bath and Body Works outlet located at Sogo, said the never-ending stream of shoppers throughout the month of Ramadan had brought a festive air to the mall.

“Customers here really love to do last-minute shopping. Especially along Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman, as there are many last-minute promotions.

“Every Raya, we will have promotions for lotions, body mists, and other products. They shop a lot for Raya gifts,” she said today.

Muhd Nasrat Mahir, 17, a worker at a baju Melayu shop at the Majlis Amanah Rakyat building, concurred with Amy, saying that customers usually begin to pour in after 4pm until 8pm.

“There are many customers every day, not only last-minute Raya shoppers,” he said.

Meanwhile at the Jalan TAR night market, shopper Auni Saffiah, 18, said she took the opportunity to do her Raya shopping at shopping malls three days before returning home to Kelantan, in the hope that she would get lower prices. 

“Alhamdulillah, preparations for Raya this time are more festive, compared with two years before. Today I’m with my family shopping for Raya essentials like tudung, shoes, and other items.

“Many shops offer low prices with enticing promotions and discounts are nearly 50%,” she added.

Jalan TAR night market baju kurung trader Kamarudin Husin, 55, said he started promotions and discounts today.

“Since I started selling here at the beginning of Ramadan, the response from customers has been very encouraging and now with only three days left before Raya, we’re having several attractive promotions to boost sales.

“I really expect more customers to show up at the last minute as they want to take advantage of the promotions and discounts provided by traders at the end of this month,” he said. – Bernama, April 30, 2022