Para Sukma Bazaar well-received but vendors believe more can be done

KUCHING (Sept 28): While the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) Bazaar was well-received, many vendors and stall operators believe more can be done to elevate its atmosphere and success.

Jamilah Abdul Rahman, a 36-year-old beautician and trainer at Teratak Spa, suggested better publicity could attract a greater turnout in the future.

“The organisers could also invite more vendors to set up booths at the Para Sukma Bazaar, making it livelier,” she told The Borneo Post when met at the bazaar outside the Sarawak Stadium today.

Jamilah’s services include massages, stress relief treatments, eyebrow shaping, eyelash perming, manicures, pedicures and more.

“Most of our customers were staff and officials working at Para Sukma,” she said.

Meanwhile, Suraya Suhimi, 47, expressed her thoughts on enhancing the stage activities during Para Sukma.

“This will allow athletes who are tired from competing to unwind along with visitors. Perhaps an evening concert could be held,” said the owner of Mak Sue’s Kitchen.

She added the selling environment could be improved to ensure vendors are comfortable and not overheated.

Suraya sells a variety of food products at affordable prices, with her best-selling item being homemade shrimp paste powder while her specialty product is traditional Melanau delicacy ‘linut’.

Owner of Nissa Sasa Enterprise Rebecca Lazarus, 40, echoed their sentiments, and proposed organisers encourage athletes and contingents to visit the bazaar to boost its vibrancy.

Rebecca’s booth features Bidayuh traditional clothing, bead products, souvenirs, handicrafts and other accessories and she takes custom-made orders as well.

“Throughout the carnival, our top-sellers were the Bidayuh baskets and bead necklaces. Even though we made sales every day, we still didn’t reach our target. Perhaps in the next Para Sukma, organisers can invite performers to add to the bazaar’s appeal for visitors,” she suggested.