M'SIAN PM HOPES PEOPLE CAN INCREASE INCOME BY TRADING DURING RAMADAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes that the business opportunities available during Ramadan will help people increase their income.

"Ramadan is an opportunity for the enterprising ones to increase their
income so that they have extra money for Hari Raya," Abdullah told reporters
after buying savouries and sweetmeats at the busy Ramadan Bazaar in Jalan Raja
Alang, Kampung Baru, for this Ramadan's first breaking of fast.

Wearing a batik shirt, Abdullah arrived at the bazaar with his wife Jeanne
Abdullah at 5.15pm and spent about 50 minutes visiting the stalls
and buying food like popiah, rendang tok and barbecued chicken wings.

Abdullah and Jeanne also spent some time talking to the traders
and shoppers.

The prime minister said Ramadan bazaars not only attracted permanent
traders but also housewives and others to sell food and other stuff for the
fasting month.

"I see some restaurant operators bringing out their food here while the
others choose only to do business during Ramadan," he said.

Abdullah said he was happy with the atmosphere and the brisk business at
Jalan Raja Alang.

"Hopefully, they can develop or expand their business," he said.

There are about 80 stalls selling Malay traditional delicacies, desserts
and thirst-quenchers at this very popular Ramadan bazaar in the city.