By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Different times, different challenges; what was once is no longer the same.
This proverb perfectly describes the vastly different atmosphere in welcoming the arrival of Syawal (Hari Raya) compared to the past.
The memories of shopping and preparing for Aidilfitri at several well-known supermarkets and bazaars in Ipoh city still remain in the mind of one of Ipoh’s own.
However, according to Shamsul Khairul Anuar, 40, all of that is now just a memory as many have turned to online shopping.
Shamsul, who resides in Gunung Rapat, here, said there were four famous locations that became popular during the 90s, but are now only memories.
Among them are Super Kinta located at Pasar Besar Ipoh, Greentown Mall (now known as Angsana Mall), Medan Kidd, and Megoplex.
“Super Kinta was the first supermarket in Perak, and it became a hotspot because it was located in the heart of Ipoh town.
“The atmosphere back then was lively with various sales, such as Malay clothing, baju kurung, and festive cookies.
“Especially since it was located at Pasar Besar Ipoh, which was crowded with people buying fresh goods like coconut milk, fresh chicken, and so on.
“Super Kinta has now been repurposed into the Urban Transformation Center (UTC) Ipoh,” he said.
He also mentioned that Medan Kidd used to be a popular spot because there were bazaars and sales near the roundabout by the bus station.
“Residents would often buy their Raya clothes there, especially the songkok. At that time, Medan Kidd was still busy with express bus services before they moved to Terminal Amanjaya, Meru Raya,” he said.
Greentown Mall (GM) or Angsana Mall is still around today, but it is not as bustling as it used to be.
“If you visited during Ramadan or near Hari Raya, you would see the clothing sales or bazaars there packed with visitors, but not anymore.
“Although some still shop for their Raya items there, the liveliness has certainly decreased,” he added.
Megoplex, located at Medan Gopeng, was also synonymous with the people of Ipoh.
Before it closed a few years ago and most of the traders moved to nearby Silveritage, it was the main shopping destination.
“People from Ipoh surely have memories of Megoplex because it was always filled with people, whether during the festive season or regular days.
“During Hari Raya, additional tents would be set up around Megoplex for people to buy clothes and festive cookies,” he said.
However, no one can escape the passage of time and technological advancements.
This has somewhat affected businesses that once thrived with the presence of crowds, but now they have to think of alternative ways to compete, just like on online sales platforms.
For those who choose to shop for Raya items online, they surely have their reasons, aside from time constraints for those busy with work.
Including lower costs, and with just a click via smartphones, the ordered goods are delivered straight to their doorsteps.
