KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd (BMMB) and toyyibPay have launched the "Bazar.delivery" platform aimed at keeping the annual Ramadan shopping experience alive through digital innovation. The e-commerce platform is also strengthened by the cooperation of digital payment provider PayNet through its FPX payment scheme.

Bazar.delivery provides a simple and easy solution for merchants and the public to sell and buy a wide array of Ramadan delicacies and traditional Malaysian delights, beverages and festive items. Around 5,000 merchants are expected to sell their products on this platform. This initiative provides a solution to Ramadan bazaar traders to remain in business during the movement control order (MCO) period as well as provide opportunities for registered delivery riders to generate income during the period.

This initiative aims to solve problems faced by the community during the MCO, encourage income generation and create economic value in the long run for stakeholders, in line with value-based intermediation adopted by Bank Muamalat to deliver intended syariah outcomes.

Bazar.delivery is a website application accessible via smartphones. To get on board, merchants, customers and delivery riders just need to go on https://bazar.delivery/ to register as sellers, buyers or riders respectively. The platform will initially cover areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor before expanding to other areas in the future.

Customers can choose either to create an account through the web app or start buying right away. For first-time users, customers can set their location, for example, their home address, and the platform will automatically show all available merchants within a 5-10km radius of their location.

In conjunction with the launch of the platform, a total of RM60,000 worth of incentives are up for grabs for merchants, customers and riders who participate in Bazar.delivery. Campaigns that have been lined up include:

• “Jual Banyak, Untung Lebih” for merchants

• “Let’s Support Mak Cik Kiah” for customers

• “Jom Jadi Rider” for riders

The campaigns will not only boost sales for merchants, but also provide an opportunity for buyers and riders to get extra pocket money through the platform’s “Duit Raya” campaign in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

“This initiative is part of Bank Muamalat’s contribution to boost the economy and assist the many small and medium enterprises and petty traders — the many 'Mak Cik Kiahs' severely impacted during the MCO period. We know that Ramadan bazaars are an important contributor to their livelihood and we hope that by providing this platform, they will be able to benefit from it,” said Khairul Kamarudin, the chief executive officer (CEO) of BMMB.

Meanwhile, toyyibPay CEO Rosli Amir said the new entrepreneurial ecosystem will help improve the local economy digitally during this difficult time. “This site will feature a unique assortment of items synonymous with traditional Ramadan bazaars, and enable those observing Ramadan to get their meals for ‘Iftar’ and ‘Sahur’, as well as other festive items,” explained Rosli.