Several vendors met by FMT in Putrajaya said the first two weeks of Ramadan had seen a “dry spell” as they coincided with the opening of the new school year and parents had to prioritise spending on their children’s schooling needs.

“The first and second weeks were slow for me, understandably, as consumers had to spend money on their children’s schooling needs. It would be different if the beginning of Ramadan had coincided with the school holidays,” said Rokiah Wahab, 60, who sells kuih raya and cookies.

The 2024/2025 schooling session began on March 9 and 10, and the fasting month on March 12.

Baju Melayu seller Suhaimi Abu Bakar, 55, said many people had come to “window shop” in the first two weeks of Ramadan.

“More came to survey than to make actual purchases, but I’m not worried.

“If you look at the Covid-19 pandemic, people still spent during Raya, so I believe business will improve,” he said, adding that they were waiting for payday.

Tudung seller Anis Saludin, 26, said she also expected business to ramp up this week.

She said the public’s preference for online shopping might affect her business as online platforms offer a better deal owing to lower overhead cost.

“But there are people who want to feel and touch the materials or products before buying, so I focus on offering these people high-quality products. If they are happy, they will recommend my products to their family and friends, or return for repeat purchases,” she said.

Another baju Raya seller, Rahim Sidek, 42, said he expected festive shopping to peak throughout next week as people would head back to their home towns by the weekend.

“Since Raya may fall on Wednesday (April 10), many will take leave on the weekend before that, so they only have next week left to shop,” he said.