BESUT: A creative idea by a trader, using the names of various countries and places for each type of 'air balang' he sells, steals the attention of visitors at the Ramadan bazaar in Kota Putera here.
The trader, Mohd Saufi Mat Ghani, said the idea of naming the water bottles with foreign country names came from his eldest son, Azzam Nur Hakim, 23.
"Supposedly, he should have been following me to sell the drinks.
"However, when it was time to secure a spot at the Ramadan bazaar, he received an offer to continue his studies in medical assistance in Alor Setar, Kedah," he said.
Saufi said among the country names used on the water bottles were Thai green tea and Thai milk tea, Singapore Katira, and African Beng coffee.
"We also use several other location names including Bangkok mango, Borneo honey barley, Northern lychee, East Coast sour plum, Cameron Highlands strawberries, and Himalayan herb soda.
"This year we are selling 40 types of drinks with various flavors by taking two bazaar spots compared to just one spot last year after receiving high demand from customers.
"I am also assisted by seven part-time workers and two of my children to manage the business activities that start from 4pm until 7pm," he said.
He said preparations to start the business began around 2pm, including the drink mixing process.
"This year I used about 400 packs of ice compared to only 200 packs last year.
"The main challenge this year is the difficulty in obtaining sugar supply because purchases in large quantities are limited. We have to buy in small quantities, and in stages," he said.
He said he has over 20 years of experience trading in night markets and Ramadan bazaars with his family.
"Usually at night markets, I sell 20 types of 'air balang' and laksa, but for Ramadan bazaars, I only sell 'air balang'.
"Each drink, with a quantity of one jug, is priced at RM5 for a large glass or plastic cup, and the price has remained the same since last year.
"Among the drinks that often receive high demand are tea, green tea, sour-sop water, taro, and mango," he said.
Most visitors seize the opportunity to purchase several types of drinks because they are drawn to the various country names and rows of colorful bottles.
