MIRI: Without the annual terrestrial Ramadan bazaars this year, many internet-savvy food vendors have created their own virtual markets to sell their products much to the relief of their online-savvy customers.
Pre-Covid-19 Ramadan bazaars have always been popular, not just among Muslims, but among non-Muslims as well because of their mind-boggling array of mouth-watering food and drinks. At every bazaar, customers are always spoilt for choice.
Alas, the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting movement control order (MCO) have forced markets for this Ramadan to be banned, which also disappointingly affects the coming Gawai Dayak which falls this June 1.
Fortunately, many resilient and creative traders did not want to take the adversities without a struggle. So they and their internet-savvy cohorts have moved their sales online using various platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp in collaboration with various delivery companies.
After being in partial lockdown for the past 43 days, the so-called ‘new normal’ has somewhat crept into people’s psyche, motivating them to modify their lifestyles including the way business is carried out.
Take, for example, the ‘new’ Ramadan projects of baking and cooking to fill orders received from online shoppers. A local seller, who wished to remain anonymous, has been doing it since the MCO was first imposed. It was quite a big leap of faith, but after a while, she realised that the ‘new way’ is much more convenient.
So even after the pandemic is over, the ‘new businesses will stay while the old business gets rebooted in an effort to restore the ‘old normal’.
A deserted Ramadan bazaar in Permyjaya. 
Pasar Malam Saberkas used to be the main attraction for Mirians and shoppers from Brunei.
