Posted on 27 October 2013 - 09:30pm
Last updated on 27 October 2013 - 10:28pm
Afiq Niza
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| It's a colourful sight in Little India, Brickfields but business is not flourishing as expected as a lone shopper passes by garlands hung along sidewalks today. SUNPIX by MUHAMMAD ASHRAF |
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 27, 2013): Business operators in Brickfields' Little India are feeling the effect of the Budget 2014 announcement, claiming that business is not picking up although Deepavali is less than a week away.
They said the removal of sugar subsidy and the announcement of the goods and services tax (GST) are reasons why shoppers are cautious with their spending.
"It is a cause for worry among us here with only five days to go before Deepavali. Usually we can feel the 'heat' of Deepavali two weeks before the festival, but this year it is totally different.
"It scares me," said traditional Indian clothing trader Rani Moorthy, 38.
A jewellery and clothing merchant, who wanted to be known only as Ashok, said he was worried about investing in new stock.
"Even the old stock I bought on Oct 10 is still not cleared. It's worrying."
Rama Krishnan, a 25-year-old house decorations and prayer paraphernalia trader said business is moving at a very slow pace this year.
"Usually, customers come flooding to Little India in their preparations for Deepavali weeks ahead," he said.
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