Daniel Lim & Adib Noor
Vendors welcomed Gerai Ramadhan’s return with open arms, with stalls set up at several locations nationwide.
“This is our first time selling our products,” said Soy Bean founder Marzuki Bakar, who opened a stall at the Gerai Ramadhan at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium’s parking area.
He said this is an opportunity to introduce various soya bean-based handmade drinks and desserts.
“We are still testing the waters. If there is a demand, we will prepare more,” he added.
Another vendor new to the grounds is Syarikat Al-Amirah Restaurant and Catering, a family-run business.
Mohammad Azim Ikram bin Haji Awang Rahman, who spoke on behalf of the vendor, said this is their first appearance at the Gerai Ramadhan.
The young entrepreneur and his family prepared over 10 dishes at their stall.
Haji Zainal Ariffin bin Haji Salleh of Perusahan Adik Kaka, whose stall offers pre-packed authentic Malaysian-style laksa, said this is not his first time opening a booth at Gerai Ramadhan.
“Our customers pre-order and pick up their laksa here,” he shared.
Asked about what makes Gerai Ramadhan special, the veteran said, “Meeting and greeting old and new customers, seeing familiar faces and earning rezeki and blessings.
“The price of ingredients has increased but we have made it a point to sell our laksa at an affordable price, as some of our clients buy in bulk as sedekah to be distributed at mosques for iftar.” Meanwhile, over 140 stalls have been set up around Tudung Saji in the Belait District. Managed by the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board, the Gerai Ramadhan stalls are divided into three categories – cooking and ready-made meals, grilling, and retail.
Visitor Nur E’zzati binti Haji Husaini said, “It is a treat to come to Gerai Ramadhan as it is held once a year and offers a wide selections.” Azizah Rafhanah binti Haji Abu Bakar expressed joy in visiting the Gerai Ramadhan. “It is such a joy to experience the lively and bustling atmosphere, seeing people buying food to break their fast.”
Meanwhile, another Gerai Ramadhan has also been set up in Seria, housing six stalls.
The Gerai Ramadhan nationwide will be held until the end of the fasting month.
