Kuala terengganu: A trip to Terengganu, especially during the holiday season, wouldn't be complete without a visit to the state's iconic shopping destination - Pasar Payang. This bustling market is a one-stop centre where a wide variety of traditional and modern products are sold, including food, clothing, and jewellery. Its vibrant atmosphere makes Pasar Payang a must-visit location for tourists exploring the Land of the Turtle.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a survey at Pasar Payang 1 and Pasar Payang 2, located in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, found that thousands of visitors from various states began flocking to the shops as early as 8 am. Batik and silk trader Siti Nuramalina Mohd Zubir, 37, said she opens her stall earlier during the school holiday season to accommodate customers who prefer to shop in the morning.
She highlighted that some of the most popular items among visitors are men's shirts, batik trousers, and kaftan tops - known locally as 'baju kelwar' or 'bat shirts.' Last Saturday, many tourists started visiting the market, with baju kelawar priced between RM15 and RM45 per piece, depending on the fabric quality and design. A customer from Johor bought 30 pieces as gifts, and Nuramalina managed to sell about 100 pieces in total that day.
Nuramalina, who inherited the family business, emphasised that she never exploits the festive season by hiking prices for foreign tourists. Instead, she often offers discounts for bulk purchases as a gesture of appreciation, stating that every customer is special and deserves equal treatment. Her business, run with her husband, maintains consistent pricing for locals and foreigners alike.
Meanwhile, kitchenware trader Wan Saidah Wan Abdul Ghani, 35, said her sales typically double during the school holiday season, reaching more than RM800 a day compared to RM300-RM400 on regular weekdays. Most of her customers are women buying pots for their collection or daily use. The holiday season is a crucial period for traders to earn extra income to cover shop and electricity costs.
Tourist Rosnaini Minhat, 45, from Kuala Lumpur, shared that Pasar Payang is always on her itinerary whenever she visits Kuala Terengganu. She frequently purchases crackers, meat floss, kaftan clothing, and jewellery, noting that prices are lower than in the capital. Rosnaini and her family visit Terengganu at least once a year, always stopping by their favourite market.