By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The longest Ramadan bazaar in Perak will return for the third year with 121 business lots at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah (BSAS), Meru Raya, here.
The 500-meter-long bazaar is organized by the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) and will operate throughout Ramadan from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
According to the CEO of PKNPk, Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, the bazaar is expected to attract 120,000 visitors, compared to 70,000 last year.
In addition, he said various improvements have been made for the comfort of visitors, including solar lights and more parking spaces.
“The Ramadan Bazaar @ BSAS offers an important platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to generate income, especially during Ramadan.
“The decision to increase the number of lots at the bazaar reflects PKNPk’s commitment to supporting the growth of SMEs, which are the backbone of the local economy,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He also addressed issues raised by visitors last year regarding traffic congestion and the number of parking spaces.
“This year, PKNPk has provided an additional 500 parking spaces located next to Menara A and Menara B PKNPk, as well as around the Traditional Malay House.
“For visitors parking at BSAS, a fee of RM1 will be charged on weekdays and RM2 on weekends.
Meanwhile, he said, comfortable prayer rooms and ablution facilities for both men and women will also be provided.
It can accommodate up to 40 worshippers at a time.
“We are also planning to hold a mega Tarawih prayer and are in discussions with the Perak State Islamic Religious Department regarding this matter,” he added.
Additionally, PKNPk has allocated RM970,000 to install 75 solar lights at BSAS.
This, he said, will allow visitors to break their fast with family while enjoying the views of the Titiwangsa and Kledang Saiong mountain ranges.
He further stated that the bazaar is not just a place to shop, but also a space for locals to gather, interact, and celebrate the month of Ramadan.
