‘Sometimes I make only RM5’: Traders struggle as Rantau Panjang’s once-bustling bazaar falls quiet

PASIR MAS, Sept 23 — Dry food vendor Sapinah Abdul Rahman, aged 66, earns a meager RM5 to RM10 in profits from her stall in Bazar Siti Fatimah, Rantau Panjang. Despite this, she remains open as it's her sole source of income. "This bazaar was once bustling with food stalls and people, but now it's quiet," she told Bernama. Once a thriving town, Rantau Panjang has become economically quiet, including its bazaar.

Traders and residents hope Budget 2027 will focus on development, not just to attract visitors, but to ensure traders have opportunities to earn. A Bernama check found the bazaar quiet on weekdays, with some premises closed and under-maintained areas visible. Sapinah believes the bazaar's condition needs comprehensive attention, including facility improvements, new attractions and promotional efforts to draw more visitors.

She hopes the local authority will play a more active role in maintaining cleanliness and comfort for traders and visitors. Kamarudin Jusoh, a 60-year-old clothing seller, is also struggling. Despite his shop rental costing RM280 a month, his income barely covers daily needs. He hopes for structured measures to revive the local economy in Rantau Panjang, including the redevelopment of the area in Budget 2027.