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If you've been thinking of earning extra income during Ramadan, getting a bazaar spot can make all the difference
Every year, thousands of vendors set up shop at Ramadan bazaars across Malaysia, selling everything from ayam percik and kuih to trendy food creations and drinks. And for good reason. In 2025, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that Ramadan bazaar vendors nationwide earned RM3.2 billion in revenue within one season.
But getting a stall isn't as simple as turning up and paying for a spot.
Ramadan bazaar permits are generally handled by local authorities, or pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT). Some bazaars may also be managed by approved organisers. The application process, fees, and requirements can vary depending on the council, location, and organiser.
Vendor applications for Ramadan bazaars in 2027 haven't opened in most areas yet. But if you're serious about getting a spot, here's what you should know before applications begin.
When do Ramadan bazaar stall applications for 2027 open up?
There isn't one nationwide application period for Ramadan bazaar stalls. Each local authority, or PBT, sets its own dates and application process. Previous years show that councils generally open up applications several months before Ramadan.
With Ramadan 2027 expected to begin in February, you should start monitoring local council announcements from October or November onwards.
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2027 application deadlines for Ramadan bazaars:
We'll update this section as PBTs announce their official application windows.
| Area | 2027 application period | Authority to check |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | TBC | DBKL |
| Petaling Jaya | TBC | MBPJ eLesen |
| Subang Jaya | TBC | MBSJ |
| Shah Alam | TBC | MBSA |
| Other areas | Varies | Relevant PBT |
Tip: Always use the latest 2027 announcement rather than relying on an old application link, as dates and procedures can change from year to year.
If you're wondering whether it's hard to secure a Ramadan bazaar spot, it really depends
Popular locations can be competitive, but it's not necessarily first come, first served.
Some councils use a selection or ballot process when there are more applicants than available lots. When MBPJ announced its 2026 Bazar Ramadan programme in January, it offered 1,260 lots across 18 locations and had received 1,221 applications, equivalent to 96.9% of the lots offered.
Programmes like this also typically involve a briefing, ballot, and permit handover.
Can you choose a specific Ramadan bazaar and location?
Generally, you'll need to apply for a specific bazaar, location, or stall.
Before applying, work out which local council covers your preferred location. If you want to sell in Petaling Jaya, for example, you'll need to follow MBPJ's requirements. A stall in Kuala Lumpur falls under DBKL's rules instead.
Don't assume you can apply to as many locations as you want, either. A previous MBPJ application guide stated that applicants could only apply once and could not change their selected area.
So before submitting multiple applications, check the 2027 rules for your specific PBT.
Some bazaars can be managed by organisers rather than directly by the council
A Ramadan bazaar doesn't necessarily have to be operated directly by the local council. Associations, NGOs, companies, and other approved organisers can run bazaars and allocate lots to vendors.
However, a private organiser doesn't necessarily replace the local council's licensing requirements. For example, DBKL recognises Ramadan bazaars as a type of seasonal hawker activity and has its own licensing requirements.
If you want to set up stall at a private organiser's Ramadan bazaar, check:
- Whether the bazaar has approval from the relevant PBT
- Who is responsible for issuing your permit
- Whether the stall fee includes the required permit or licence
- Whether you need to make a separate application to the council
- What documents you will receive after paying
Tip: Don't transfer a deposit simply because someone claims to have a bazaar lot available.
How much does a Ramadan bazaar stall cost?
There's no standard Ramadan bazaar stall price in Malaysia.
And while there have been viral stories of vendors paying up to RM23,000 for specific lots, most council-managed lots are far lower. Johor has capped many PBT bazaar lot fees at RM500 to curb middlemen and excessive charges. You can refer to sample prices vendors paid below:
| Local authority | Year | Stall/site fee | Site size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majlis Bandaraya Seremban (MBS) | 2026 | From RM800 | From 10ft × 10ft |
| Majlis Perbandaran Pekan (MPP) | 2025 | RM400 + RM50 deposit | 10ft × 10ft |
| DBKL | 2026 | Up to RM400 | Varies |
| Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) | 2025 | From RM650 | From 8ft × 10ft |
What other costs do you need to budget for?
The stall rental is only part of the formal costs of setting up. Excluding ingredients and manpower, you may need to budget for:
- Security deposit
- Food-handler course (Around RM50)
- Typhoid/TY2 vaccination (RM20-RM50)
- Business/licensing fees
- Canopy, tables, and equipment
- Electricity/utilities
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Malaysia's Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 require food handlers to undergo recognised food-handler training. The regulations also provide for medical examination and vaccination requirements for food handlers.
Depending on the PBT or organiser, your costs may include the permit or stall rental, deposit, vaccination, helper registration, equipment, utilities, and other administrative charges. Some may already be bundled into your stall package, while others are paid separately.
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a Ramadan bazaar stall:
STEP 1: Choose where you want to sell
Decide on the area or bazaar you're interested in, then find out which PBT covers that location.
STEP 2: Find out who manages the bazaar
Check whether it's:
- Directly managed by the PBT
- Managed by an approved organiser
- Held on private property
STEP 3: Check the official 2027 announcement
Once the official 2027 announcement appears, check the available bazaar locations, application period, eligibility requirements, fees and documents needed. Council-managed applications may be submitted through an online licensing portal, while organiser-managed bazaars may use a different system.
STEP 4: Prepare your documents
Requirements vary, but food vendors should generally be prepared with:
- MyKad
- Passport-sized photograph, if required
- Completed application form
- Food-handler certificate
- Valid Typhoid/TY2 vaccination
- Business registration documents, where required
- Details and documents for helpers, if applicable
STEP 5: Submit your application
For council-managed bazaars, this may be through the PBT's online licensing system. MBPJ, for example, has handled Ramadan bazaar permit applications through its eLesen system. For organiser-managed bazaars, follow the organiser's official application process and check whether you also need a separate council permit.
STEP 6: Complete the selection process
Depending on the bazaar, applicants may be selected directly, entered into a ballot or required to attend a briefing before their lot is confirmed.
STEP 7: Pay and collect your permit
Once approved, pay through the official channel and check your permit carefully. Read your permit and approval documents carefully. Check your assigned location and lot number, approved products, operating period, permitted hours and any conditions imposed on the stall.
All in all, you don't need to wait for applications to open before getting organised
Decide what you plan to sell, shortlist a few locations and identify the PBT responsible for each one. If you're selling food, getting your food-handler requirements sorted early can save you a last-minute scramble.
From October 2026 onwards, start checking the official website and social media channels of the relevant council for announcements containing terms such as "Permohonan Bazar Ramadan 2027", "Permit Bazar Ramadan 2027" or "Bazar Ramadan 1448H".
We'll update this guide as the official 2027 application dates, locations, fees, and application links are announced.
