Business · Malaysia Bureau
Rantau Panjang bazaar traders face steep decline in daily earnings
Vendors at the once-thriving border market in Kelantan are struggling with drastically reduced footfall, with some reporting daily profits as low as RM5. The economic downturn has forced many traders to reassess their future in the marketplace.
LSN Malaysia ·
PASIR MAS — The vibrant trading atmosphere that once characterised Rantau Panjang's bazaar has noticeably diminished, leaving vendors grappling with meagre daily earnings. Sapinah Abdul Rahman, a 66-year-old seller of dry goods, exemplifies the plight facing many traders at the market, reporting days when her profit barely reaches RM5 to RM10.
The decline in customer traffic has created unprecedented challenges for the marketplace's merchant community. Long-established vendors who previously enjoyed steady sales now find themselves with extended periods of inactivity, forcing them to reassess the viability of their businesses and adjust their operational strategies accordingly.
The situation reflects broader economic pressures affecting border communities and traditional marketplaces across the region. With fewer shoppers visiting the bazaar, traders are exploring alternative approaches to maintain their livelihoods, though many acknowledge the difficulty of adapting in the current economic climate.
Local authorities have yet to announce concrete measures to revitalise the market, leaving vendors to navigate their challenges independently. The situation raises questions about the future sustainability of traditional trading communities in border areas and the need for targeted economic support.