KUALA LUMPUR: Ahead of the Hari Raya celebrations, thousands of Muslims across the country could be seen flooding one of the popular shopping destinations in the city, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, in preparation for the festive season.
The famous street more popularly known as Jalan TAR comes alive after terawih prayers as shoppers gather to hunt for the latest bargain items ranging from textiles, fashionable attires and decorations to sweet treats.
Learning from last year's celebration, many of the visitors this year are steering clear from a 'panic-raya', flocking the area up to a month prior.
Despite having already made adequate preparations, Sharafain Mohd Ghani, 37, came to add more baju raya collections for her family.
"There have been a lot of talks but I am not panicking. Even if Hari Raya falls on a Saturday, I am okay.
The Seri Kembangan resident is a frequent visitor to the area. She added that Jalan TAR is her go-to destination every year during Ramadan for high-quality goods.
Another visitor, Amirol Al-Rashidy Mazirol, 21, said he was impressed with the shopping options available along the well-known street.
"This is my first time here and I am enjoying it so far. It really is a unique experience getting to witness the Raya hype firsthand.
"Normally, I buy clothes because of the designs regardless of the price," he added.
Amirol, who works as a food service assistant, said he avoids the stress of a 'panic-raya' by applying for a long period of leave to prepare for any surprises.
SPM graduate Siti Khadijah Nurina Nasaruddim, 18, acknowledges that the street is livelier now than it was when she last went there many years ago.
Although she prefers to shop online, she still made a visit to the city to buy new attire worried that any changes to the date of the celebration would cause delivery delays," said Siti Khadijah.
Vendors who set up booths exclusively to accommodate Raya shoppers highlighted sales to be positive as it was the previous year.
"We provide a variety of fun lucky draws. Those who spend more than RM250 can stand a chance to win a motorcycle," noted Elrah Exclusive stockist Fareed Aljaa Indra on promotional efforts to attract customers.
Bulan Bintang vendor, Muhammad Haziq Nuryahaya said people would normally shop two weeks in advance, but this year, buyers shop as early as a month ahead.
The stockist said among the popular designs from the popular brand's collection is the Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, which comes in 73 different colours where buyers extended to neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia.
"We have popular actor Beto Kusyairy serving as the brand ambassador, which made the sales more popular.
He also added that they also receive visits from buyers from abroad such as Indonesia and Brunei.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to be celebrated on Saturday, April 22.
