With each passing day bringing Hari Raya Aidilfitri ever closer, the festive spirit is not only felt in homes but also in the hustle and creativity of local entrepreneurs who are seizing the season as a golden opportunity to turn their passion and skills into thriving ventures.
Fuelled by the soaring demand for freshly prepared fare, small business owners, home-based cooks, and street vendors are rising to the occasion – meeting the growing needs of families and individuals seeking convenient, delicious options as they prepare for the long-awaited celebrations.
Throughout the month of Ramadhan, the appetite for unique, home-baked and lovingly prepared dishes transforms food markets and bazaars into bustling hubs of activity. Here, small-scale entrepreneurs proudly showcase their culinary flair, offering everything from savoury dishes for sungkai to festive bakes for the upcoming Raya festivities.
As cravings for both traditional kuih and modern sugary confections reach their peak, this surge in demand creates a lucrative window of opportunity for those looking to monetise their creativity in the kitchen. For many, it’s not just about selling food – it’s about sharing flavours steeped in tradition and made with heart.
One such example of this enterprising spirit can be seen at the Seria Branch of the Belait District, where 22 vendors have come together to offer a curated selection of treats in the lead-up to Hari Raya.
Organised by the Pertiwi Association, the event forms part of its long-standing annual initiative themed ‘Membeli Sambil Menderma’ (Buying While Donating), a tradition the association has proudly upheld since 1986.
The event not only provides a convenient, one-stop venue for festive shopping but also channels community spirit towards a charitable cause – embodying the essence of giving during the holy month.
As shared by the association’s Chairperson Fatimah binti Tanji, the event aims to empower women – particularly among their membership – by providing them with meaningful opportunities to utilise their skills and knowledge in pursuit of additional income during the holy month of Ramadhan.
She also noted that 10 per cent of proceeds generated by the vendors will be channelled towards a worthy cause: the Belait District Orphans Fund.
“At the start of this year’s annual Ramadhan Sale, we were also honoured to hand over a total of BND3,246.60 – collected from last year’s sale – to the Acting Belait District Officer Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, on behalf of the Belait District Orphans Fund Committee,” she shared.
Among the 22 vendors showcasing their offerings at the event was Ain binti Ismail, a home based entrepreneur trading under the name Parutlapar BN.
Usually operating from Lumut, Ain was able to bring her wide selection of traditional and modern kuih to the Ramadhan Sale, marking the holy month and preparing for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities.
“We sell a variety of kuih muih, along with packed meals that we prepare at home and distribute to various agencies. Some of the kuih we’re featuring here at the Ramadhan Sale include popia gendut, which is our signature item,” she explained.
Other highlights from her stall include pineapple tart, basic tart, and popia seaweed – the latter made by her daughter.
Having participated in the Pertiwi Association’s Ramadhan Sale for over six years, Ain shared that she took over the stall from her mother, who was previously involved in the annual event.
“As my mother no longer bakes as often, she passed down her skills and this opportunity to the rest of the family. My husband now handles most of the kuih preparation, while I focus on cooking the main dishes and meals,” she said.
For Ain, the event’s charitable component is just as important as the opportunity to trade.
“One of the reasons we continue to join this Ramadhan Sale is because 10 per cent of the proceeds go directly to charity. It’s a meaningful reminder to give back to those in need – especially during this blessed month,” she added.
She also pointed out that this act of giving extends to the customers, who may not even realise their purchases are contributing towards a greater cause.
“It helps raise awareness among visitors that their support not only brings them festive joy but also helps brighten the lives of others – particularly with Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner.”
Indeed, the holy month of Ramadhan goes beyond spiritual reflection and familial bonding – it also presents a vital window for enterprising individuals to harness the seasonal demand for food and festive snacks.
As Ramadhan progresses and anticipation builds for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, these moments serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and community support. Together, they play a vital role in strengthening the local economy and enriching the festive atmosphere for all to share. – Daniel Lim
