Kota Kinabalu: The heatwave and water shortage in some places posed additional challenges to Ramadan bazaars vendors this time around.
The heat and drought have not only made working conditions difficult but also impacted daily operations and sales.
Mohd Shafie Abdul Kadir, a beverage stall operator at the Lintasan Deasoka Ramadan Bazaar, voiced his concerns over the escalating heat.
“This year is exceptionally tough. The heat is unbearable compared to previous years, making us tired quickly. We can only work for short periods before needing frequent breaks,” said Mohd Shafie Abdul Kadir, a drinks stall operator at the Lintasan Deasoka Ramadan Bazaar.
Despite the hardships, Mohd Shafie remains grateful for the continued patronage at the bazaar, with sales exceeding four jars of beverages so far.
He expressed worry about the potential decline in attendance if the hot weather and drought persist.
Fatimah Rahman, a cake seller, echoed similar sentiment. The sweltering heat has made it difficult for traders to arrive early and prepare their stalls.
Additionally, the water supply issue in her home in Tanjung Aru imposed further constraints on her business, forcing her to buy water for her operations.
Nurul Albiaya Abdullah, a coconut water vendor at the Kimanis Ramadan Bazaar in Papar, also struggles with water scarcity.
“Previously, getting water was easy. But now, hardly sufficient or no water supply, we have to buy bottled water from shops, or rely on government offices or the Sabah State Water Department’s (JANS),” she said.
Mohd Hanif Anuar Yun, who sells baked chicken wings, revealed that he spends around RM150 daily on five to 10 cartons of bottled water for food preparation due to the absence of a reliable water supply.
In Tuaran, Shahjirie Rahman, who runs a soup and meatball stall at the Telipok Ramadan Bazaar, acknowledged that while traders can earn hundreds of ringgit daily, this year’s profits have taken a hit due to the increased expenses on water purchases and the need for portable fans to combat the heat.
The current weather conditions in Sabah have underscored the resilience of the Ramadan bazaar traders, who continue to persevere in the face of adversity.
However, it also highlights the urgent need for measures to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events on small businesses.
