Rantau Panjang’s duty-free zone sees a surge in visitors during school holidays, providing a vital boost to local traders after a quiet period.
PASIR MAS: Traders in Rantau Panjang’s duty-free zone are experiencing a welcome revival as the area springs to life during the school holidays.
A survey found a significant increase in visitors, with crowds from Penang, Terengganu and Pahang joining local residents.
Shops and food stalls are filled with families making purchases and enjoying the town’s atmosphere.
Clothing vendor Farida Hassan, 36, said the long holidays brought relief after a period of low visitor numbers.
“If it’s not school holidays or a celebration, it’s very difficult, almost impossible, to earn around RM200 a day,” she said.
She reported that since the holidays began, her daily earnings have surged to nearly RM1,000.
To compensate for quieter periods, she has also turned to online sales as an alternative.
Another clothing trader, Mohd Shakirim Hafizi Mohamad Shamsuddin, 28, eagerly anticipates the holiday season for its impact on his income.
“During the school holiday season, sales increase significantly as I can earn around RM600 a day,” he said.
He expressed hope that the bustling atmosphere could be maintained outside of peak holiday times.
Visitor Shazwani Mat Ali, 41, from Bukit Mertajam, said shopping in the duty-free zone is an annual family routine.
Her family stops there on their journey back from Dungun, Terengganu, to purchase necessities.
“We buy clothes, household items, and food as prices here are cheaper compared to other places,” she said.
