Ramadan month brings brisk business to fish traders

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 11 (Bernama) -- The holy month of Ramadan not only gives the Muslims the chance to undergo self-reflection to become a better person in every way, but it also brings brisk business to traders at the wet market section at Pasar Besar Kedai Payang (Pasar Payang) here.

The recent check by Bernama at Pasar Payang found there was an increase in the number of visitors, compared to normal days, despite the country’s economic uncertainties.

Grouper fish trader, Syed Omar Syed Sagap, 27, said in regular months, not many visitors at Pasar Payang on Fridays as its the weekend, but the situation has changed during Ramadan as Muslims were willing to spend more so that their families could have delicious food once in a while.

“In regular months, the average sale of of grouper fish, categorised as a grade A fish, was about 60 kilogrammes (kg) a day. But as of today (Ramadan month), I have already sold more than 100kg to people, restaurateurs and food shop operators,” he said when met at the Pasar Payang here.

He said the price of the grouper fish was maintained at about RM28 per kg although the demand for the fish increased during the Ramadan month.

Another fish trader, Mohd Akhtar Razali, 45, said the other grade A fish such as mackerel and golden snapper have also become the favourites during the fasting month.

“Despite the fish being a bit pricey, between RM 35 and RM 38 per kg, it is still the best sellers and sold quickly compared to other fish of other grades.

“I start my business as early as 7am, and before I arrive, there are many customers already waiting to buy fresh fish. On normal days, I would have my regular customers to buy the supply but in Ramadan month, there are many new customers buying from us,” he said, adding this trend would enable fish traders to earn extra income to cover the Hari Raya expenses.

Meanwhile, squid trader Mohd Aidil Ali, 18, who was involved in business for only one year, said he was very excited with customers’ encouraging response during Ramadan.

He believed that the ‘candat sotong’ or squid fishing season which started just before the Ramadan month has contributed to the increase of sale.

“The sales has increased as many customers at the Pasar Payang are also Ramadan bazaar traders,” he said, adding he started trading as early as 6.30am daily.

He obtained his squid supply from the fishermen as soon as they returned from ‘candat sotong’ activities early in the morning, making the squids he sold fresh and without any preservatives.

The squid sold between RM 27 and RM 30 per kg depending on its size.

-- BERNAMA