SINGAPORE:

This Hari Raya, the demand for vehicle rentals is soaring, with some firms reporting a staggering 30% increase in business compared to last year. As families come together to celebrate, many are opting to rent larger vehicles like SUVs and minibuses to accommodate their gatherings, especially amidst rising Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and overall transport costs.

Families across Singapore are opting for larger transportation options. For example, Ms. Nuraini Kamilah has rented a 23-seater bus to facilitate seamless travel for her extended family during their 12 different festive visits. “This way, we avoid the hassle of coordinating between multiple vehicles. Everyone can just travel together, which is much more convenient,” she explained.

Economical Choices in Transportation

Mr. Jitesh Dhillon, director and owner of Singapore Bus Charter, noted that his fleet was completely booked for the holiday, and demand is still robust for weekends throughout April. “Many families prefer to be together and travel in one vehicle, making it a more sensible choice given the circumstances,” he remarked.

Several car rental agencies have had to bring in extra vehicles to meet the holiday rush. Travis Seah from Ride Now noted an increase in advanced bookings, with clients securing rentals three to four months ahead of Hari Raya. This shift indicates a growing trend among families moving away from car ownership due to high fuel, parking, and maintenance costs, favoring rentals instead. Bigger SUVs have emerged as the top choice, followed by regular sedans.

“We find that with transportation costs rising, rental is simply more affordable on festive days,” shared car renter Huda Ibrahim, reflecting the sentiments of many.

Rise in Catering Services

Simultaneously, the catering sector is experiencing a boom, with orders spiking by as much as 35% compared to last year, aligning with a trend of young families opting to skip the kitchen frenzy during the festive period. Nazreen Catering is now serving around 7,000 customers daily—an impressive increase over last year.

The firm's operations manager, Mohammad Jameel K Jamaludeen, mentioned that despite the demands, they have maintained their workforce of 10 staff members to manage the surge. More families are outsourcing their festive meals, seeking to alleviate the stress of cooking for large gatherings.

Shafik Yusope, a customer, noted the significant change in family traditions: “Older family members who used to insist on cooking are now recognizing the strain it places on them. It's far too exhausting for them to prepare meals for 30 to 40 people,” he commented.

Another catering business, Aspirasi Food Galore, has reported a dramatic doubling of their delivery sales during this festive season. Despite a fall in dine-in sales across their outlets by about 20% compared to last year, the demand for delivery remains high. Owner Zainuddin Sajat hopes to revitalize foot traffic to their stalls by introducing festive decorations and live entertainment in the future.

Conclusion

As families across Singapore adapt to changing circumstances during Hari Raya, the trends of collective vehicle rentals and catering services are likely here to stay. With more people valuing convenience over tradition, businesses in these sectors are poised for continued growth in the coming years. This year’s Hari Raya celebrations reflect a shift toward practicality, showcasing how modern solutions are reshaping traditional festivities.