Star pull at Ramadan bazaar

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RAMADAN has been special for the staff of Suria FM radio station this year.

The radio station had decided to do something new this year by setting up a kiosk to sell drinks at the Jalan Raja Alang Ramadan bazaar, one of the famous ones in the federal capital.

Star attraction: Umie Aida (in white T-shirt, left) and Erra Fazira (in white shirt, right) lending a hand at selling drinks at Suria Fm’s JuzJUMBO kiosk.

The employees, from presenters to sales and administration personnel, have been taking turns to man the kiosk that sells JuzJUMBO Suria FM. Even the station’s CEO, Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin, lends a hand.

“We wanted to do something different and we decided that this would be the best way to get down to the ground and meet the public.

“At the same time, our employees will also learn how difficult it is for these traders to earn a living by selling stuff at pasar malam and Ramadan bazaars,” Engku Emran said.

He said the employees were responsible for handling everything, from setting up the kiosk and selling the drinks to cleaning up after they had closed for the day.

They even had to go for the required shots to apply for the temporary trading licence from City Hall.

The employees have also had the opportunity to get to know the other traders and developed special friendships with them.

They even share food to break fast at the end of the day’s business.

“They usually buka puasa together at the kiosk, like a family,” he said.

The drinks have been a hit with customers and are usually sold out before 7pm.

The drinks come in four flavours – strawberry, lychee, kiwi and manggo – and are sold at RM2.50 per tub.

Customers who buy four tubs also receive an exclusive Suria FM T-shirt and car sticker.

Engku Emran added that all profits would be distributed as duit raya to all the staff members involved in the project.

Sales hit a record high on Sunday when local actresses Umie Aida and Erra Fazira made an appearance to help out.

They also brought their favourite raya cookies – pineapple tarts and semprit – to sell at the kiosk.

The artistes spent about an hour selling the drinks and cookies while entertaining fans who turned up to take photos with them.

Sinar FM public and media relations senior executive Roslinda Abdul Majid said several artistes had made their appearance at the kiosk earlier.

Among them were Dayang Nurfaizah, Dianan Daniel, Ning Baizura, Lisa Suriahani, Sofaz, Ifa Raziah and Fazli Zainal.

“We have different celebrities joining us on different days, and they are allowed to sell anything they feel like sharing with their fans.

“It is an opportunity for them to introduce their own products or their favourite cookies to the public,” she said.

She added that each day, about 10 employees, including two DJs, would man the stall.