Flower Bath Tradition Continues To Flourish At Pasar Siti Khadijah

By Rohaiza Ab Rahman

KOTA BHARU, May 17 (Bernama) -- Despite the growing preference for modern spa therapies and technology-based beauty products, the cultural heritage of flower bath remains vibrant at Pasar Siti Khadijah, kept alive through the sale of traditional flowers and herbs handed down over generations.

Flower and herb vendor Azizah Mohd Nor, 67, better known as Kak Zah, is among those who have faithfully continued her family’s legacy at the iconic market for more than 40 years.

She said the business was passed down from her late mother, who once sold flowers door to door on a small scale, catering to various communities, including the Chinese and Siamese, for religious and traditional rituals.

“When my mother became more widely known as a flower seller, she started trading at Pasar Siti Khadijah before it was passed down to me, where I continue it until today,” she told Bernama recently.

According to Kak Zah, flowers such as kenanga, cempaka, melur, kesidang, tanjung, roses and bunga cina remain highly sought after due to their natural fragrance and suitability for traditional flower baths.

She said that even as time passes and modern products become more widely available, demand for traditional flowers and herbs has continued to increase steadily, particularly over the past 20 years.

“For the Kelantan community, Pasar Siti Khadijah is well known as a place to get flowers and herbs for various uses. These days, customers come not only from Kelantan but also from other parts of the country and Singapore.

“Previously, flowers were used mainly for customs and rituals, but nowadays more people buy them for health care, beauty and body rejuvenation,” she said.

Kak Zah said most of the flowers are sourced from nearby villagers and sold in mixed sets to make it easier for customers who are less familiar with the types of flowers suitable for bathing.

She added that it is advisable not to smell the flowers immediately after purchase in order to preserve their natural fragrance and nutrients.

Another vendor, Mazura Mat Jusoh, 55, said she has been running a flower and herb business at the market for the past 19 years, driven by steady and continuous demand.

She said her customers range from locals and tourists to uniformed personnel, who purchase flowers in bulk for bathing after completing their training.

“Demand is rising, particularly during school holidays and festive seasons. That is why I am planning to open another branch in Pasir Puteh to make it easier for regular customers from Terengganu to get their supplies of flowers and herbs,” she said.

For regular customer Wan Suzilawati Wan Yusof, 52, the flower bath is not just a traditional routine but a form of self-care that has long been part of her lifestyle.

“Usually every month I spend more than RM100 on flowers because I buy them in large quantities for several weeks. Flower baths make the body feel fresh and help enhance the natural radiance,” she said.

--BERNAMA