66-Hour Ramadan Bazaar at MITEC KL Brought Excitement—And a Traffic Nightmare!

If there's one thing Kuala Lumpur residents know all too well, it's that the final days of Ramadan are nothing short of hectic. Between last-minute shopping, preparing for the balik kampung exodus, and navigating crowded malls, the city transforms into a whirlwind of activity. But this year, one event took it to a whole new level—a 66-hour non-stop Ramadan bazaar that not only drew thousands of eager shoppers but also brought traffic in and around MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre) to a standstill.

Also read: 10 Must-Visit Raya Shopping Mall Decorations in Selangor

A bazaar that never sleeps

Image credit: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre | Official Facebook

The Absolut Bazaar X Festival Gaya Raya was no ordinary shopping event. Held from 21 Mar at 12pm until 6am on 24 Mar, this round-the-clock extravaganza featured 300 vendors selling everything from stylish Raya outfits to delectable festive treats. For many, it was the perfect opportunity to snag last-minute Eid essentials, while for others, it was simply a chance to experience the buzz of one of the most talked-about events in town.

And talk about it, they did!

Traffic mayhem around MITEC

Image credit: @Tengkufiella | Tiktok

As exciting as the event was, it came with a significant downside: horrendous traffic congestion. Social media was flooded with frustrated posts from Kuala Lumpur residents who found themselves stuck in gridlock for hours. Roads leading to MITEC and the surrounding Jalan Dutamas and Publika Mall areas were practically immobile, with some visitors forced to park as far as three kilometres away and walk 45 minutes just to get to the venue.

One Facebook user, Ahza Adhwa, summed up the sentiment of many by expressing disbelief at how people were willing to endure the hassle of a shopping spree. “People are willing to park three kilometres from MITEC and walk for 45 minutes just to shop? Lazy me just can’t. Energy consuming. Body drain. Just writing about it makes me tired,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, a Threads user warned fellow shoppers to plan their visit wisely, revealing that traffic was jammed even at 12:52am on 22 Mar. Imagine that—bumper-to-bumper cars at nearly 1 in the morning!

A star-studded affair that kept crowds awake

Image credit: @khairulaming | Official X

Despite the logistical nightmare, the bazaar’s appeal was undeniable. Even at 3:30am, throngs of people could still be seen browsing, shopping, and soaking in the electric atmosphere. Videos on TikTok showed massive crowds both inside and outside MITEC, proving that the event was anything but ordinary.

Adding to the hype, several well-known figures made an appearance, including celebrity chef Khairul Aming, actress Amelia Henderson, legendary singer Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, veteran performer Ziana Zain, and even former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

With so many stars under one roof, it's no wonder the event felt more like a festival than just a marketplace!

Also read: 8 Most Beautiful Mosques to Experience Tarawih in Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya

A Ramadan shopping experience to remember

Image credit: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre | Official Facebook

For those who braved the traffic and the crowds, the Absolut Bazaar X Festival Gaya Raya was an unforgettable experience. The convenience of a 24/7 shopping spree meant visitors could explore stalls at their own pace, whether they came in the afternoon or (for the truly adventurous) in the dead of night.

Was the event worth the chaos? That depends on who you ask. Some would argue that the long walks and traffic headaches weren’t worth it, while others would insist that the incredible atmosphere, celebrity sightings, and wide array of products made it an experience they wouldn’t trade for anything.