A Walk in the Market
Before the existence of super markets and hyper markets, Malaysians housewives know only one place to get their groceries and provisions for the family – the Malaysian market.
There are not many left, thanks to globalisation and corporatisation.
In this country, the Malaysian market is categorised by ethnic communities in which it established. I decided to take a stroll down memory lane on one Sunday morning to record some of the most interesting scenes of a true Malaysian lifestyle.
Equipped with my trusty point-and-shoot camera, I visited one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular Malaysian market of all time – The Kepong market.
This market is amongst the most popular within the suburb of KL is due to its location of within a majority Chinese residential community and the undying number of stalls that have lasted for generations.
This is also the first Malaysian market I got accustomed to during my early years of ‘working life’ in this city. This is a market where petty traders sell their goods on the roads – in between rows of shop lots.
How is this market compared to the modern super- and hyper- markets of the new millennium? Here’s where I let my photos do the talking.
The walk ways or path ways are not as spacious as those in modern markets, but at least it uses natural lighting (of the sun) and poses minimal inconvenience to senior citizens.
Consumers can be certain they’re getting their goods and services right from the suppliers or proprietors (in most cases) – therefore eliminating the ‘middle man cost’.
One can get the morning papers here. Price displays are big and written in human friendly fonts/typeface.
There is even a section of ‘Made-in-China’ economical corner where household stuffs are sold at RM1 to RM5 each. Yours truly bought a decent pair off scissors here for RM1 – yes, it’s still in working condition.
There’s a section where one can get all accessories for one’s mobile phone needs. Yours truly bought a screen protector for RM8 (inclusive installation) here as well – yes, it’s still intact very well.
There’s a shop that stocks more variety of housewife’s tools (or house maid’s) than in any hyper market. I was told it comes with an exchange policy too.
Oh yes, the promoter-assisted section is comparable to the modern markets – where ‘live’ demonstrations is as interesting as those in TV shows.
Speaking of food, Malaysian markets promises its visitors and shoppers an array of local delights – minus the 5% government tax and 10% service charge. Tim-sum, anyone?
How about local noodles such as curry laksa, assam laksa, meatball soup, and pan mee?
How about some Wantan (a.k.a One tonne) mee? Too heavy for you?
Something light and easy like Yau Char Kuih (deep fried flavoured flour)? Come support the pensioners.
Or perhaps my personal favourite – the fried Carrot Cake?
OK. Some may not consider the oily stuffs. Then, there’s the snack size kuihs
Fresh Soy bean drink – without preservatives is also my personal favourite.
To those really health conscious consumers, the Malaysia market offers fresh fruits.
Fresh vegetables.
And not forgetting poultry and meat for those who cooks a balanced meals.
Hey, I even found Crocs look-alike in some rumble at the shoes section.
And there’s a new stationaries section that wasn’t there years ago.
Well, this is Terence’s community service message to you – “Support local businesses” and “Keep the Malaysian culture alive”.
Hope to see you in a Malaysian market soon!
Note:
Point-and-shoot cameras are always useful and more efficient in photographing situations such as these. You wish to snap your subject fast and discreet. Avoid using flash to minimise unwanted attention.
