KUALA LUMPUR: As the anticipated Hari Raya draws near, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman remains abuzz with eager shoppers looking to put the final touches on their festive preparations.
Checks by the New Straits Times saw many visitors come to the area to secure essential accessories for their Eid attire, including songkok, buttons, pins and scarves.
This last-minute shopping frenzy has transformed the street into a renowned hub for quick deals and enticing bargains.
However, shoppers gave mixed opinions to the New Straits Times regarding the price of clothes this year.
While some found the prices decent compared to last year, others noted a rise in prices.
They told NST that the clothes they bought ranged from RM100 to RM200 per pair from online traders and boutiques.
In Jalan TAR, NST's checks revealed that a complete baju Melayu set can be bought for as low as RM80, while baju Kurung sets are available at RM30 per pair.
The traditional attire typically fetches higher prices, ranging from RM100 to several thousand ringgit on online platforms.
Shopper Ikhwan Daniel, 24, said there are wider choices of sandals and songkok in Jalan Tar compared to elsewhere.
"It is much cheaper here, whereas those in malls tend to be pricier and the quality here is better too," he said.
Another shopper, Amir Syafiq, 23, also visits Jalan Tar mainly to find accessories such as sandals, songkok and baju Melayu buttons.
For Baju Melayu, he opined, it is preferable to purchase them in slightly more upscale boutiques where the quality is better.
"For me, when it comes to quality and price, if something is expensive but the quality justifies the price, then it is fine and worth investing a bit more," he said.
University student Afiqah Nadhirah Ahmad Zairi, 20, also indulged in last-minute shopping for scarves and brooches.
She said that her visit to Jalan TAR today was due to the affordability of the items there.
"I come here almost every year for last-minute shopping, as this place is also budget-friendly for students like me," she added.