Muslims all around the world dedicate a whole month of Ramadan to fasting. The religious and spiritual act of fasting is observed from dawn till dusk. Ramadan bazaar is one of the highly anticipated and exclusive activities of Ramadan for Malaysians; many Malaysians of different religions frequent the bazaar throughout Ramadan. The sparkling showcase of the event in which everyone from different backgrounds revels in the variety of sights, sounds, and dishes is the vibrant melange that draws the attention most.
For those unfamiliar, Ramadan bazaar is a bustling marketplace offering a multitude of foods under one roof from 4 pm until the breaking of the fast, usually around 730pm. The term ‘bazaar’ has its roots in Persian-speaking community denoting a trade area. Having the same concept as Pasar Malam, Ramadan bazaar is also set up and runs on a daily basis throughout Ramadan but on a bigger scale.
For us Malaysians, Ramadan bazaar is a place of not only for culinary tastes but also a center of culture where Malaysians mingle, savor the atmosphere and gather with friends and family for “buka puasa” (breaking the fast). Filled with many famous traditional dishes such as Roti John, Murtabak, Nasi Biryani and assortment of traditional kuih, which mostly are hard to find outside Ramadan, Ramadan bazaar boasts a compilation of every mouth-watering Malaysian delicacies.
The bazaar is a haven for foodies, with many delicious offerings to tantalize your taste buds. However, we observed that on social media there are concerns about the rising prices and declining food quality. While some vendors have regular customers, we’re aware that others struggle to attract customers. It’s disheartening to hear that some customers are unhappy with the increasing prices of their favorite foods, such as Roti John, which has doubled in price from RM6 in 2018 to RM12 in 2024.
Recently, during a parliamentary session, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan raised concerns about the recent increase in the SST rate from 6% to 8%. This led to higher prices, but PMX Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the SST rate hike doesn’t directly impact food prices at Ramadan bazaars. Instead, he expressed concerns about the high site rental fees, which range from RM3,000 to RM5,000 per site, set by local city councils in Malaysia. It’s a challenging situation for vendors who are forced to raise prices to cover expenses and make a profit.
We understand that the pricing of food at Ramadan bazaars is influenced by Malaysia’s economic conditions, local produce availability, and cultural influences. Vendors set prices carefully to ensure accessibility while maintaining quality and taste. Changes in food prices during Ramadan bazaars are caused by seasonal demand fluctuations, supply constraints, inflation, and vendor competition. By monitoring these dynamics, authorities can understand consumer trends and help vendors refine their pricing strategies, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
One key driver behind fluctuating food prices during Ramadan bazaar is heightened demand. Malaysians prepare for Ramadan by increasing their demand for food items, particularly those used in traditional dishes. This heightened demand often leads to price hikes as vendors capitalize on increased consumer interests. Additionally, inflation plays a significant role in food price hikes during Ramadan. The cost of living escalation leads to increased food production and distribution costs, including raw material costs, labor expenses, and transportation charges, which are passed on to consumers through higher food prices.
Seasonal factors also impact food prices during Ramadan. Variations in production output due to seasonal factors can result in limited supplies of certain food items, leading to price surges. Adverse weather conditions can also disrupt food production and distribution, potentially causing shortages and subsequent price spikes. Global market trends also exert influence on food prices during Ramadan. For example, a global surge in commodity prices, such as oil, can increase food costs due to increased transportation and production expenses, ultimately impacting consumers.
We recognize that the fluctuating food prices at Ramadan bazaars can have profound implications for Malaysian consumers. These price fluctuations affect consumers’ purchasing power, necessitating adjustments to their budgets as food prices soar. This could lead to compromises in food quantity or quality, potentially impacting nutritional intake. Additionally, we understand that rising food prices can induce heightened stress and anxiety among consumers, dampening the festive spirit of Ramadan, especially among low-income families already struggling with financial constraints.
Despite these challenges, Malaysians are resilient and employ various coping strategies. Some use price comparison tools to find the best deals, while others take advantage of governmental assistance programs like the Cost of Living Aid. Community-driven initiatives such as food banks and communal kitchens also play a pivotal role in assisting those most affected by rising food costs.
Despite these challenges, Malaysians have shown resilience in the face of rising food prices. Many have adapted by modifying their spending habits, such as by limiting their purchases or seeking more affordable alternatives. Others have turned to community initiatives, such as food banks and communal kitchens, to ensure everyone can partake in the Ramadan bazaar traditions. These coping mechanisms underscore the enduring spirit of community and solidarity that Ramadan bazaar embodies, even amid economic challenges.
