KUCHING: The situation at Satok Aidilfitri Bazaar remains under control despite recent reports of a scuffle in the Satok business district.
According to the chairman of Koperasi Usahawan Bumiputra Sarawak Bhd (KUBSB), Awang Adam Awang Rabai, they are working closely with the authorities to ensure the safety of visitors throughout the bazaar’s duration from March 16 to 30.
“This year, more than 100 traders are taking part in the Satok Aidilfitri Bazaar, providing small entrepreneurs with the opportunity to run their businesses during the festive season,” he said in a statement on KUBSB’s official Facebook yesterday.
He stressed that the incident did not happen at the bazaar.
Abdul Rahman Mat, 43, the owner of Abdul Rahman Mat Boutique (ARM Collection), echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the bazaar, organised by KUBSB since 2010, has been instrumental in supporting small businesses like his.
He hoped that it will continue to drive the growth of local entrepreneurs.
“I have been in the Malay fashion industry for over 15 years, overcoming numerous challenges to reach where I am today.
“I hope this bazaar continues as it helps local traders, especially those from the Malay and Bumiputera communities, to earn a living,” he said.
Zainal Arifin Abdul Razak, 39, the owner of Khaleefah, a boutique specialising in Malay attire, shared similar hopes that the bazaar would continue benefiting local traders.
“With the increasing number of visitors each day leading up to Aidilfitri, this event undoubtedly supports the participating Bumiputera businesses,” he added.
Since opening on Monday, the Satok Aidilfitri Bazaar has drawn over a thousand visitors from Kuching.
Running daily from 5 pm to midnight, it offers a wide selection of festive essentials at reasonable prices.
One visitor, Nordiana Abdullah, 42, from Kuching, hopes that future bazaars will feature a greater variety of men’s Malay attire to give shoppers more options.
“The prices here are affordable, which is helpful as we navigate the challenges of budgeting for Aidilfitri,” she said with a smile while browsing for raya outfits with her husband, Abdul Halim bin Hussin, 39, originally from Kelantan.
Beyond clothing, the Aidilfitri Bazaar is a one-stop destination for festive shopping, offering traditional cookies, Sarawak layer cakes, perfumes and a variety of other raya essentials at competitive prices.
