Supiyan Dollah (left) preparing his stall for business at the Ramadan bazaar in Jalan Stadium, Kuantan.

KUANTAN: With the start of the fasting month on Monday, Ramadan bazaar traders here are going full force to cater to an anticipated flood of hungry customers.

The annual bazaar in Jalan Stadium is among the famous spots in town selling a large array of delicacies which include desserts such as puding diraja and akok beserah.

Traditional Malay dishes popular for buka puasa are on offer, including the famous murtabak mengkasar, which is a recipe from the royal town of Pekan here.

There are about 200 stalls in Jalan Stadium and most of the traders are regulars who have been running their business at the site since it opened in 1986.

The bazaar is open as early as 3pm and receives customers until it is almost time for Muslims to break fast.
One of the traders, Supiyan Dollah, 46, who sells Malay delicacies, said his stall had won several awards during the fasting month over the past few years.

"The Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah is our regular customer during the fasting month.

"That is the reason why we hang the banner," he said, pointing to a yellow banner which reads "Daulat Tuanku".

Normah Mat Ali, 52, who sells Penang assam laksa and drinks, said it was interesting to see visitors "window shopping" from one stall to another.

"Once the fasting month begins, this place is packed with people and traders.

"For us traders, it is the time to earn extra money to prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri."