Raya Street Market, an inclusive community platform for Raya sales

Raya festivities kick off at The Podium in Kuching as Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (middle) officiates the opening of the Raya Street Market, featuring local crafts and delicacies.

KUCHING: The bustling Raya Street Market at The Podium here is drawing attention, not just for its diverse range of products, but also for its inspiring inclusivity.

Its official launch was done by Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, marking the beginning of a vibrant community market in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

According to Lo, the event serves as a platform for home-based businesses and individuals with disabilities to showcase their products and gain entrepreneurial experience.

“I see many products here, and I even see the deaf and differently-abled individuals coming to sell their products as well.

“This is a programme worth our support,” he said at the launching today.

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (middle) poses for a group photo with vendors after officiating the Raya Street Market at The Podium, Kuching.

The market features 32 vendors offering a variety of traditional and modern Raya essentials, including handicrafts, artisanal fashion, and special Ramadan delicacies.

In addition to promoting local businesses, the Raya Street Market also champions sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable packaging and eco-friendly practices, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Meanwhile, Managing Director of Woo Woo Whimsy Enterprise, Shalane Matthew, shared the motivation behind initiating the programme.

“I felt it was time for me to give back.

“People always talk about change, but you have to make it happen to see its impact.

“When I had the time, I realised it wasn’t that difficult – it’s not impossible, you just have to try,” she explained.

“I always bring them along.

“We usually have visually impaired individuals participating as well, but unfortunately, they couldn’t join us this time due to their own activities, especially as today is International Women’s Day.”

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang visits vendors’ stalls, browsing traditional and handicrafts at the Raya Street Market.

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (left) engages with vendors while playing the traditional game ‘congkak’ at the Raya Street Market.

Aside from differently-abled vendors, many stall owners run small businesses from home.

“This market is a platform for them to gain experience, understand how business works, and bring their products out for sale,” she added.

The Raya Street Market is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience for both locals and tourists.

https://www.sarawaktribune.com/raya-street-market-an-inclusive-community-platform-for-raya-sales/