Mr Feroz Abdullah, 46, has been a fixture at the Geylang Serai Hari Raya bazaar for the past 30 years, mainly selling traditional Malay Muslim clothing. He also has a permanent stall in Joo Chiat Complex. The cancellation of all bazaars in Mar last year has forced Mr Feroz and other stallholders to change strategy. Bazaars like the popular Geylang Serai bazaar have traditionally operated during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. But the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to physical bazaars and, as they are unlikely to return soon, merchants have moved to virtual bazaars, social media and e-commerce websites. Many merchants said that going online has been challenging with Mr Feroz saying it has not been as profitable. Regular visitors to the Geylang Serai bazaar, like Mr Hernandes Lim, 21, said Ramly burgers and deep-fried Oreo biscuits are among the bazaar treats he misses the most. He also misses trying new things with his friends at bazaars, which he thinks cannot be done online. Despite these challenges, experts said there are some benefits to bazaars moving online.... Continue Reading