RAMADHAN MARKETS IN KAJANG

The following article appeared in the Metro section of The Star today, Friday, 4 September 2009. The list at the end of the article will come in handy for those who may wish to visit the markets.

Well-planned bazaar drawing Kajang crowd

Story and photo by GEETHA KRISHNAN

The clearing dedicated for public use within the Prima Saujana township in Kajang has always been put to good use since its opening a few years ago but during Ramadan, it attains a special status.

Dataran Prima, located near the Prima Saujana commercial centre, becomes THE place for the only integrated Pasar Ramadan (Ramadan Market) and Karnival Ramadan (Ramadan Carnival) in Kajang.

The Jenaris Residents Association and the Hulu Langat Malay Chamber of Commerce have combined forces to organise the market and carnival this year with the cooperation of the Kajang Municipal Council.

The Pasar Ramadan is open daily from 3pm to 7.30pm while the Karnival Ramadan comes to life between 2.30pm and 11pm. Opening hours are extended on the weekends.

According to Jenaris Residents Association chairman Zubir Kamaruddin, Dataran Prima was the ideal site for the Pasar Ramadan and Karnival Ramadan as the space was sufficient.

“We are grateful to developer Prima Paramount Sdn Bhd for looking into the needs of the community here. Not only is the location suitable, there is also ample space for parking unlike elsewhere,” he said at the site recently.

Also present was Prima Paramount Sdn Bhd director Wong Sze Meng.

Zubir added that the market and bazaar were popular with the 2,000 to 3,000 residents living in Taman Jenaris and the surrounding neighbourhoods as it was also well-planned.

Aside from the Ramadan events, the weekly night market on Thursdays and for the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday nights are held at the site.

Hulu Langat Malay Chamber of Commerce chairman Saidin Md Ali said the Ramadan bazaar and market had been drawing good response from residents and visitors since its opening.

“We are thankful for the response as it is our ultimate aim to help generate some income for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. Of the 128 Pasar Ramadan lots available for rental, 102 lots have been taken up while there are 44 carnival lots,” he said.

“During the last week of Ramadan, we will be handing out RM10 coupons to orphans for them to purchase food to break fast so we hope the public can contribute towards this effort. On Sept 12, we will be holding a dodol-stirring programme,” he added.

A trader identified only as Elynn said visitors were happy with the bargains offered at her clothing stall. In anticipation of good sales, the boutique owner based in Negri Sembilan had booked two lots.

PASAR RAMADAN LOCATIONS IN KAJANG Taman Tenaga, Jalan Timur, Kampung Sungai Balak, Taman Kajang Sentral, Taman Zamrud, Taman Kajang Mewah, Taman Ramal Indah, Sections 3, 7, 16 Bandar Baru Bangi, Pekan Bangi, Bangi PKNS Complex, Bandar Seri Putra, Kampung Teras Jernang, Minlon, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Taman Suntex, Taman Harmoni, Taman Cheras Utama, Taman Taming Jaya, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Taman Cheras Perdana, Taman Impian Ehsan, Taman Cheras Jaya, Taman Kota Cheras, Taman Rakan, Taman Cheras, Taman Kajang Prima, Billion, Taman Seri Nanding, Batu 14 and 18 Hulu Langat.

Until next time, cheers.