| Azlan Othman |

HUGE crowds are expected at shopping malls and retail outlets this week, with salary day for government and private sectors just in time for the Hari Raya celebration.

A sales manager of an electrical shop in Gadong said he expects a Hari Raya shopping rush following the presentation of the Kurnia or personal gift from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam both today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, dressmakers and pastry cooks are enjoying brisk business in the countdown to Hari Raya, with one kueh mor baker turning away new customers prior to the onset of Ramadhan, due to overwhelming demand. The Sultanate is currently organising Jualan Aneka Brunei 2019 which is aimed to stimulate business activities in the domestic retail sector, while encouraging everyone to shop locally during the Ramadhan and Hari Raya festive period.

According to the Department of Economic Planning and Development, Jualan Aneka Brunei 2019 has recorded more than 20 per cent increase in business participation this year, with 460 retailers from department stores, supermarkets, boutiques, textile and footwear, house furnishing, health and beauty salons, car accessories and sports stores.

The increase in business participation is said to be a positive response, following the removal of sales regulation on the minimum percentage of discount on goods to be offered on sale in stores.