Very soon, Muslims in Malaysia will be celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan. It’s often said that the Ramadhan season is associated with food. This is because, after a whole day of refraining from food and drink, the breaking of fast is a moment that everyone looks forward to.
For many urbanites, going back to their hometown to celebrate Ramadhan with their families is a must, especially during the first week of Ramadhan. Everyone who goes home looks forward to mum’s cooking, which is unsurpassed and can’t be found anywhere else.
For those observing the month of Ramadhan, you’ll be wondering whether there are ways to save money and not burn a hole in your pocket, yet have a good and filling breaking of fast daily. Here are some tips and strategies you can adopt:
Buy Food from Your Local Ramadhan Bazaar
Ramadhan bazaars are really popular among city folk as it offers a chance to buy dishes that are difficult to find during regular seasons including desserts like Tepung Pelita, Kuih Badak Berendam, the Khatira beverage and the like. The recent trend is to buy your food and have a picnic in a garden to break your fast. Famous Iftar picnic spots around Malaysia include the MPK field in Kuantan, Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and Dataran Putrajaya.
Foods at Ramadhan bazaars are generally cheaper as compared to restaurants and hotels. In fact, with just RM10, you could get yourself a hearty meal complete with a cold, sweet drink. The secret here is not to overspend and overbuy. Buy only what you’re sure you can finish. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator so that you can easily heat it up for Sahur the next morning.
Get Bubur Lambuk from Your Local Mosque
Many mosques prepare Bubur Lambuk for the public on a daily basis, and some on intermittent days or once a week. You can find out when the Bubur Lambuk is available, and drop by a mosque to pick it up. Bubur Lambuk is a type of rice porridge that is traditionally prepared communally and is available for the public free of charge as an act of charity. Better yet, why not volunteer to prepare the porridge on certain days when you have the time, to give back to the community.
Go Early for Ramadhan Buffets
It’s always a good idea to treat yourself to a buffet at a hotel or restaurant at least once throughout the fasting month, but try buying an ‘early bird’ coupon with rates that are much cheaper. Another method is to go early in Ramadhan, preferably within the first week before prices rise. You’ll definitely be able to find great early bird breaking of fast buffet deals if you visit online group buying sites like Fave or Cari Destinasi to find out where the promotions are around Malaysia.
Get Invited to Breaking of Fast Events
The company you work for might have a breaking of fast gathering, so don’t skip it! Alternatively, you can organise your own potluck style breaking of fast with friends and family and share the cost of the gathering to keep the costs down and eating your fill.
Ramadhan is a time of great reflection, and it’s always good time to think about your finances. If you’re ever in need of a little bit of cash to cover your Raya expenditures while your pay comes in, you can always consider a koperasi loan from us, which will definitely help you celebrate with peace of mind.
