AMPANG JAYA, Jan 4 — Providing platforms and trading spaces at large-scale events such as festivals, carnivals, and annual celebrations can help small traders increase their income, promote their brands, and expand their businesses in a more organised and legitimate manner.
A Media Selangor survey found that traders allowed to operate at high-traffic locations not only reap higher returns but also gauge customer acceptance of the products on offer.
Beverage trader Mohd Razman Hussin, 24, said his first experience running his own business at a major event had a positive impact on his venture, which began in June last year.
“Income is higher, and more people are drawn to come. It also helps promote my own product brand and expand the business,” he said.
Razman was among those plying his trade during the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council's New Year Celebration at the Spectrum shopping centre recently.
Meanwhile, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak student Hani Mohd Hanif, 21, who has been trading part-time since last month, said such platforms allow her to obtain direct customer feedback on the dessert products she sells, such as banana pudding, batik cake, and lempeng kelapa.
However, she hopes organisers will provide more space along with basic facilities such as tents at trading sites to ensure the comfort of both traders and visitors.
“Previously, I sold online. Large-scale events like this are better because you can understand customers’ needs and tastes, and in turn improve the products offered,” said Hani.
For puri trader S. Povanaswary, 54, the opportunity to trade during the New Year celebration provided valuable experience since she started her business last year.
“I am happy to be given the chance to trade at a large site like this and to learn from other traders. I hope more opportunities like this will be given to small traders to earn a living,” she said.
This year, the state government will organise the Selangor Havoc Raya Fest 2026, a mega-scale festive festival running non-stop for 96 hours.
It will be held at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, from March 12 to March 16, with a target of 1.5 million visitors.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the 2025 edition successfully attracted 1.2 million visitors, with transaction values reaching RM10 million, proving the festival’s vast potential as a driver of the people’s economy.
