In Putrajaya, the scent of smoke and sizzling food signals the bustling peak of Ramadan bazaars, where office workers and families stream through rows of colourful stalls filled with traditional Malay kueh, drinks in vibrant pink cups, and whole chickens slowly roasting over charcoal.
According to the South China Morning Post, Nur Afifi, 36, keeps a close eye on his ayam golek (rotisserie chicken) as he juggles the busy stall.
Running a school canteen at a religious school that closes for Ramadan, he relies on his one-month bazaar sales to support his income for the entire year.
Each chicken, priced at RM25, sells rapidly—around 150 a day—bringing in over RM100,000 across the month.
“This one month may seem short, but it sustains us for the rest of the year,” Nur Afifi said, highlighting how crucial the Ramadan period is for food stall operators, despite rising rents and ingredient costs. For many in Malaysia, the bazaars are not just a festive tradition—they are an economic lifeline.
