PM Anwar greets traders, samples kuih at Sukma Ria Ramadan Bazaar

KUCHING (March 13): The lively atmosphere at the Sukma Ria Ramadan Bazaar here became even more festive as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a visit to the marketplace.

Arriving at around 5.30pm, the Prime Minister took a brief walkabout along the bustling rows of stalls, purchasing local delicacies and greeting traders and visitors, who eagerly exchanged brief greetings and offered their signature dishes.

For many traders, the visit was a memorable highlight, especially for those whose food caught the Prime Minister’s attention.

Among them was Awie Anuar, 32, who sells the traditional Sarawak delicacy Kuih Bongkol.

Awie, who has been in the kuih business for more than two decades, said he was both surprised and nervous when the Prime Minister stopped by his stall and purchased some of his handmade treats.

“I sell Kuih Bongkol under the name Raja Bongkol. Our kuih is tailored to suit the taste preferences of Sarawakians. The filling uses nipa palm sugar mixed with pandan leaves,” he said.

Although his business started in 2005, Awie operates his stall only during Ramadan.

“This year I opened stalls at two locations — here at Sukma Ria and also in Kampung Gersik. I’ve been selling at this bazaar for seven years now,” he added.

Another trader, Shafiq Kamil, 32, owner of M.S Kamil Enterprise, who sells Popia Basah and fried noodles, said he was delighted to present his food to the Prime Minister.

“Earlier, I had the opportunity to give our food to the Prime Minister. I gave him three packs of popia basah,” he said.

Shafiq, who has been in business for four years, said this was his first time operating at the Sukma Ria bazaar, though he regularly sells at other Ramadan markets.

“Previously we sold at Mydin on normal days, and during past Ramadan seasons we opened a stall in Tupong,” he said.

He added that traders had been informed about the Prime Minister’s visit three days in advance.

“So we made sure the stall area was clean and tidy,” he added.

“I felt happy to meet him and to see the Prime Minister come to Borneo. It shows that he still remembers us in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Meanwhile, kuih seller Zurinah Bohri, 51, from Gerai Mok Jue, also had her moment when the Prime Minister purchased Kuih Selorot from her stall.

Zurinah, who has been making traditional kuih for over 20 years, said she usually opens a stall only during Ramadan while supplying her kuih to other vendors throughout the year.

“I’ve been here every year since the first time this bazaar was opened,” she said, adding that she felt honoured the Prime Minister took the time to try food prepared by local traders.

Earlier in the day, Anwar arrived in Kuching at about 1.40pm at Kuching International Airport for a one-day working visit.

He was welcomed by Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian before proceeding to Satria Pertiwi Complex to chair the State Development Meeting with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and members of the state Cabinet.

Following the bazaar visit, Anwar and Abang Johari were scheduled to attend the Sarawak-level Madani 2026 Iftar event at Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak before the Prime Minister departed for Kuala Lumpur later at 8pm.