Selasa, Ogos 07, 2012

DON'T OVER SPEND DURING RAMADAN, HARI RAYA

1 August 2012

By Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- "Food fair" is probably what best describes the Ramadan bazaars that are running throughout the country.

The patrons found at the jam-packed bazaars, though fasting, often do not appear tired or lethargic when it comes to shopping for their delicacies. And today they are spoilt for choice.

For many patrons much of their time is spent at the stalls along the road that sell numerous delicacies.

Where should one stop first?

The tantalizing aroma of the 'ikan percik' and 'ayam percik' on the hot-grill added to both otak-otak and satar (both snacks made of fish meat and spices which are wrapped in banana leaves), and satay (grilled chicken meat) and ikan pekasam (pungent fermented fish) is just "overwhelming", to borrow a term from a friend who shared her experience following a visit to the Ramadan bazaar at Setiawangsa on the second day of fasting.

"There are just too many people there. I suggest that you go there early. Don't think of going there after 5 pm, since the market is too crowded and your shopping will be difficult to manage with children," she says.

"Finding a parking space is another headache," cautions another friend while describing her experience at a Ramadan bazaar in Rawang.

This is probably a scenario most common to the early part of the fasting month when Muslims fulfill their third responsibility towards Islam.

Though their hands may hold countless bags from purchase, most patrons still refuse to leave the bazaar and instead set out on yet another round of shopping.

Still at the end of the day, most food items just end up in dustbin on flimsy pretexts of poor taste or too much choice.

EXPENSIVE

As for those who have no time to cook or want to try something different, the Ramadan Bazaar true to its name is probably their best choice.

For some families it is cheaper to shop at such sites, especially when there are only one or two people to feed.

With regard to prices, one must close his eyes. Food prices it seems are never going to come down.

"Take it, or leave it", is what most traders insist on while putting the blame squarely on the high cost of ingredients.

There was a time when a traditional Malay kuih was sold just at 10 sen, then the price was raised to 30 sen, followed by three pieces for RM1. Today, however, the cheapest kuih you can buy will cost you 40 sen, even as others cost anywhere between 50 and 70 sen.

That's how much one pays at Ramadan bazaars. Apart from Ramadan bazaars, hotels too are ready to cash in with their sumptuous offers of the buka puasa spread.

Some of the platters available on the 'buka puasa' spread are just mind boggling with menus listing between 100 and 150 items to choose from!

Most of the hotels promote traditional fares, including the kampung gourmet that is much sought after.

What about the price? The platter can cost anywhere between RM50 and RM100 per head! Families who come with children have to pay between RM30 and RM40 per child.

Some shoppers complain that the buffet prices have gone up unlike last year. Like the Ramadan Bazaar, some hotels claim their raised prices are justified, especially due to the high cost of raw ingredients and the fact that they have to maintain quality!

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE

Nevertheless, Muslims should spend cautiously during Ramadan and Hari Raya.

The Director of Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations' (Fomca) Communications, Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman says, "Instead of spending unnecessarily on food and other items, Muslims should instead focus more on religious activities during Ramadan."

"Every opportunity to spending moderately while reducing expenses during this holy month ought to be fully utilised," he adds.

"The money saved can be used to prepare for Hari Raya," he advises.

He is also of the view that costly fast- breaking functions like at hotels are unnecessary.

Apart from wasting money, he pointed out such lavish 'buka puasa' events were also not in line with the spirit of Ramadan that emphasises on moderation.

"The best thing to do is to eat simple meals at home. Any excess money can be donated to mosques or surau to sponsor collective fast- breaking events," notes Mohd Yusof.

He also touches on the fast- breaking events at hotels where orphans and students learn the Quran.

According to Mohd Yusof, however, it was still better to hold events at the orphanages themselves as more people could participate.

ISSUES RELATING TO HALAL

Mohd Yusof also reminded Muslim consumers to be more discerning in their choice when breaking fast.

He pointed out more and more hotels and eateries are offering Ramadan buffets to entice Muslims, but remained ambiguous on whether they conform to the halal prerequisites.

"What happens when the hotel has no halal certification from the authorities?" he asks.

He adds that authorities should stop Ramadan buffets that run without halal verification by enforcing the Trade Description Act, thereby making it mandatory for hotels offering Ramadan fare have halal approval.

Datuk Othman Mustapha, the Director-General of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), recently advised hotel operators without genuine halal certification to avoid placing halal logo or wordings that can be misconstrued as genuinely halal.

JAKIM's statistics confirmed that 812 halal approvals have been given out from the 1,487 applications originally received from hotel kitchens and food premises for the Ramadan buffets.

The number involves 359 hotels and 453 eateries.

PILING UP DEBTS

Some Muslims not only spend a lot on food during Ramadan, they virtually spend money on a lot of luxuries which at the end of the day result in servicing their debts.

"Their poor financial management starts from their youth. A recent study conducted by Consumer Research and Resource Centre, FOMCA's research wing, found that 46.8 per cent of the respondents used at least 30 per cent of their gross income to pay debts. The study indicated that 37 per cent of respondents spent beyond their means. The study was conducted among 1,002 young workers in the cities," he explains.

As for these people, he claims, they have no qualms about living in debts since what matters to them is that everything be new. "Some want to show off their new car each time they 'balik kampung!'" he admonishes.

Finally, they are saddled with credit card debts and they resort to loans from illegal money lenders or loan sharks!

"A journalist involved in the loan shark activities last year told me that Malays mostly resort to these money lenders, especially during the festive period," says Mohd Yusof to Bernama.

He pointed out that this is an unhealthy development despite reports played up by the media on the consequences of borrowing from the loan sharks. However, many continue to borrow from them brazenly.

"Maybe there are some people desperate for money who have no avenues of getting help from financial institutions due to stricter conditions imposed on them," he says.

MAKE PREPARATIONS

Mohd Yusof advises Muslim consumers to spend carefully, especially during Hari Raya.

They also ought to work out a financial plan beforehand and set a spending budget.

To this end, they should start saving before spending.

"By Ramadan, they should have enough money to spend and they should only spend based on what their means allow. The problem is that Malaysians still don't save much and in times of financial distress they seek loans. This poor financial attitude should be discarded and newer methods to save must be adopted," he adds.

Mohd Yusof notes that if they still cannot curb their urge to spend, they should spend on jewelry as a form of investment.

"Jewelry can appreciate in value and can be pawned when the need arises," he explains.

-- BERNAMA

JANGAN BOROS SAMBUT RAMADAN DAN HARI RAYA


1 Ogos 2012

Oleh Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Ogos (Bernama) -- "Pesta makanan." Mungkin itu ungkapan yang paling tepat untuk menggambarkan suasana di bazar Ramadan.

Di wajah pengunjung yang berasak-asak di tapak bazar, rasanya tidak nampak rasa letih dan lesu walaupun perut sudah lama berkeroncong kerana berpuasa.

Tumpuan mata hanya kepada gerai-gerai yang terletak di sepanjang jalan serta pelbagai aneka juadah yang terdapat di atas meja jualan.

Mana satu agaknya hendak singgah dulu. Aroma ikan dan ayam percik yang di panggang ditambah otak-otak, satar , sate dan ikan pekasam begitu "mengancam", meminjamkan kata seorang rakan yang berkongsi pengalaman berkunjung ke bazar Ramadan Setiawangsa pada hari kedua Ramadan.

"Terlalu ramai orang. Saya syorkan pergi awal. Selepas jam 5, janganlah pergi, sesak, kalau bawa anak kecil lagi susah.

"Nak cari tempat letak kereta pun satu masalah", seorang rakan lain memberitahu pengalamannya ke bazar Ramadan Rawang.

Begitulah senario lazim yang boleh kita lihat jika berkunjung ke bazar Ramadan terutama di hari-hari awal umat Islam menunaikan Rukun Islam ke-tiga ini.

Perut yang kosong bagaikan meronta-ronta mahu diisi dengan pelbagai makanan.

Meskipun sudah penuh tangan menjinjing plastik bungkusan, ada yang masih belum beredar seakan-akan masih mencari apa lagi juadah tambahan untuk dibawa pulang.

Begitu banyak yang dibeli, banyak jugalah yang menjadi habuan tong sampah kerana "tak boleh habis", "tak sedap" dan pelbagai lagi alasan.

HARGA MAHAL

Bagi mereka yang "tak sempat nak masak" atau hendak "mencari makanan yang lain sikit", bazar Ramadan mungkin pilihan terbaik.

Mungkin juga bagi sesetengah orang, membeli itu lebih menjimatkan jika yang hendak memakannya cuma seorang atau dua sahaja.

Tentang harga, mungkin terpaksa menutup sebelah mata. Harga makanan tiada yang turun.

"Hendak beli, beli" mungkin itu pegangan sesetengah peniaga yang menggunakan alasan, harga barang mentah yang tinggi.

Kalau dulu kuih sekeping 10 sen, naik 30 sen dan kemudian dijual tiga keping seringgit, sekarang paling murah sekeping empat puluh sen, ada juga 50 sen sehingga 70 sen.

Tidak cukup di bazar Ramadan, hotel juga menawarkan pelbagai juadah untuk berbuka puasa.

Mungkin sesetengahnya seperti tidak masuk akal kerana menawarkan sehingga 100 hingga 150 menu!

Kebanyakan hotel mempromosikan hidangan resipi makanan tradisional dan masakan ala kampung untuk menarik pelanggan yang sememangnya tercari-cari makanan yang jarang dihidang di meja makan di rumah.

Harga? Sekitar RM50 hingga RM100 lebih untuk orang dewasa! Kanak-kanak juga dikenakan caj tetapi yang lebih rendah, sekitar RM30 hingga RM40.

Pun sudah ada pihak merungut harga bufet yang tinggi berbanding tahun lepas. Seperti di bazar Ramadan, sesetengah hotel dilaporkan memberi alasan harga barang mentah yang mahal dan mahu menjaga kualiti!

BETULKAN SIKAP

Walau apa pun alasan dan keadaan, masyarakat pengguna Islam perlu memperbetulkan sikap dalam urusan berbelanja seperti di bulan Ramadan dan menjelang hari raya.

Seperti kata Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman, Pengarah Komunikasi Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna-Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca), "pengguna Islam sewajarnya memberikan tumpuan untuk lebihkan beribadat sepanjang Ramadan.

"Bulan yang penuh kemuliaan ini seharusnya dijadikan sebagai peluang untuk mengurangkan perbelanjaan dan bersederhana.

"Wang yang dapat dijimatkan boleh digunakan sebagai perbelanjaan bagi persiapan menyambut hari raya."

Beliau turut berpandangan, amalan berbuka puasa di hotel yang mengenakan caj yang tinggi tidak sewajarnya dilakukan.

Selain menyebabkan pembaziran, tambahnya, ia juga tidak seiring dengan semangat bulan Ramadan iaitu bersederhana.

"Yang paling baik makan di rumah dengan hidangan yang sederhana. Wang yang hendak dibelanjakan diderma atau sedekahkan ke masjid atau surau untuk membiayai jamuan buka puasa", kata Mohd Yusof.

Beliau turut mengulas kebiasaan syarikat atau pihak korporat mengadakan jamuan berbuka puasa di hotel untuk meraikan anak-anak yatim atau pelajar dari pusat tahfiz.

Bagi beliau, meskipun ia satu dasar yang baik tetapi lebih baik sekiranya pihak berkenaan mengadakan jamuan di rumah anak yatim itu sendiri kerana lebih ramai yang dapat menikmati juadah tersebut.

STATUS HALAL

Mohd Yusof turut mengingatkan masyarakat pengguna Islam supaya berhati-hati memilih premis berbuka puasa.

Sebagai contoh, semakin banyak hotel menjadikan bufet Ramadan sebagai amalan pemasaran untuk menarik pengguna mengadakan jamuan berbuka puasa.

"Persoalannya jika hotel yang mengadakan bufet Ramadan itu tidak mempunyai sijil halal daripada pihak berkuasa berkenaan.

"Ini sudah tentu menimbulkan keraguan tentang status halal makanan yang dihidangkan," katanya.

Beliau menambah, amalan pihak yang mengadakan bufet Ramadan tanpa sijil halal dapat dibendung dengan penguatkuasaan Akta Perihal Dagangan 2011 yang mewajibkan hotel yang mengadakan promosi bufet Ramadan mempunyai sijil tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, Mohd Yusof menegaskan pihak berkuasa berkenaan perlu memantau dan mengambil tindakan tegas untuk memastikan amalan mengadakan bufet Ramadan tanpa sijil halal ini tidak berlaku lagi pada tahun ini.

Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) Datuk Othman Mustapha, baru-baru ini menasihatkan pengusaha hotel yang tidak mendapat sijil halal yang diperakui supaya tidak mempamerkan logo halal atau sebarang ungkapan yang menunjukkan makanan bufet Ramadan mereka sebagai halal.

Statistik JAKIM menunjukkan pihak berkenaan telah mengesahkan pensijilan halal kepada 812 daripada 1,487 permohonan membabitkan dapur hotel dan premis makanan bagi mengadakan bufet Ramadan.

Jumlah tersebut membabitkan sebanyak 359 hotel dan 453 premis makanan.

TAMBAH HUTANG

Sesetengah pengguna Islam bukan sahaja belanja besar semasa untuk belanja makanan di bulan Ramadan.

Mereka ini juga berjiwa besar untuk beraya sakan meskipun kemampuan kewangan seperti usikan sesetengah rakan "baru dapat slip gaji, wang dah habis bayar hutang."

Untuk mereka ini, ungkapan "Biar papa asal bergaya" nampaknya masih tidak luput dek zaman walaupun hutang sudah mengelilingi pinggang.

"Masalah ini bermula semenjak muda lagi. Kaji selidik yang telah dilakukan oleh Pusat Penyelidikan dan Sumber Pengguna (CRRC), iaitu bahagian kajian FOMCA, baru-baru ini mendapati 46.8 peratus responden menggunakan 30 peratus daripada pendapatan kasar mereka untuk membayar hutang.

"Begitu juga kaji selidik ini menunjukkan 37 peratus responden berbelanja melebihi pendapatan mereka. Kaji selidik ini dilakukan terhadap 1,002 pekerja muda di kawasan bandar," jelasnya.

Bagi golongan yang suka berhutang ini, yang penting bila hari raya, semua mesti serba serbi baru. Ada yang sampai balik kampung nanti kereta pun mesti baru!

Alamatnya, tidak cukup kad kredit, mulalah cari ah long!

"Seorang wartawan yang membuat laporan khas tentang ah long pada tahun lepas memberitahu saya dia melihat ramai orang Melayu sedang berurusan untuk membuat pinjaman di pejabat ah long.

"Ini menunjukkan memang ada trend orang Melayu meminjam daripada ah long untuk kegunaan hari raya," Mohd Yusof memberitahu Bernama.

Beliau menyifatkan perkembangan itu sebagai membimbangkan kerana meskipun pihak media memberi liputan meluas tentang masalah yang dihadapi oleh peminjam ah long, masih ramai yang mahu meminjam daripada pihak berkenaan.

"Mungkin ada yang benar-benar terdesak memerlukan wang untuk sesuatu keperluan tetapi gagal mendapatkan daripada saluran yang sah seperti pinjaman bank kerana syarat pinjaman yang ketat," katanya.

BUAT PERSEDIAAN

Justeru, Mohd Yusof mengingatkan masyarakat pengguna Islam supaya berhemat dalam berbelanja terutamanya menjelang hari raya.

Mereka juga perlu membuat persiapan dan perancangan kewangan terlebih dahulu dan menetapkan jumlah perbelanjaan yang diperlukan.

Dalam hal ini, mereka sewajarnya menyimpan wang untuk mendapatkan sejumlah wang yang diperlukan.

"Menjelang Ramadan, mereka sudah mempunyai jumlah wang yang mencukupi untuk perbelanjaan yang diperlukan dan berbelanja berdasarkan jumlah wang yang ada.

"Masalahnya tabiat menabung dalam kalangan rakyat Malaysia masih rendah dan apabila timbul keperluan wang, mereka terpaksa meminjam.

"Tabiat ini perlu dikikis dan mereka perlu mula menyemai tabiat menabung," tambahnya.

Mohd Yusof memberi contoh pembelian barang kemas yang diperbuat daripada emas sebagai satu bentuk simpanan.

"Barang kemas ini boleh digadai sekiranya ada keperluan," jelasnya.

-- BERNAMA