AFTER making an early announcement last week, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has officially launched its e-portal known as e-Bazar Ramadan.
MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said the setup of the special portal would serve as a one-stop centre to help and encourage Ramadan bazaar traders to do their business online during the movement control order (MCO) period.
“Through e-Bazar Ramadhan, the portal will gather all Facebook pages, websites and WhatsApp groups of all Ramadan bazaar traders in the form of e-catalogue.
“When customers have clicked one of those, it would then direct the customers to the traders’ Facebook page and webpage.
“And to the traders who are not tech-savvy and without online platforms, the portal will direct the customers to their WhatsApp groups or numbers.
“So, after customers have chosen their favourite food, the sellers would then arrange the food delivery through the delivery services available such as Foodpanda, DeliverEat and GrabFood or using their own delivery services.
“Thus, this will give more opportunities for them to do online businesses and make it easier for the people in Seberang Perai to buy food during the fasting month which is expected to begin on April 24,” Rozali said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the launching ceremony at the MBSP building in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam today.
The launching ceremony that was broadcast live through MBSP Facebook.
According to Rozali, Ramadan bazaar traders who are interested are welcome to sign up at https://www.mbsp.gov.my/ebazar/ and no registration fee would be charged.
Rozali said he expects around 800-1000 traders will register through the e-Bazar Ramadan platform.
Chow commended such efforts taken by MBSP to encourage e-commerce among hawkers and traders on the mainland.
“As we know, the state government has already come out with a decision not to allow Ramadan bazaar to operate this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“So, this initiative from MBSP is in line with the state’s decision to encourage traders and hawkers to move towards digitalisation during these challenging times.
“The same thing could be said to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) through the launch of their online delivery platform known as Jom Beli Online.
“Through such initiative, it will serve as an alternative medium to help traders and hawkers that are greatly affected in terms of their sales revenue during the MCO period.
“Thus, I hope through e-Bazar Ramadan by MBSP, it will benefit the Seberang Perai community especially among the traders and buyers. It is to make it easier for them to communicate and do their businesses online while at the same time help to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection,” Chow said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud