Flea Market in Kuala Lumpur

If there’s one thing that can rival a Malaysian’s love for food, it’s got to be the love for shopping. Arguably the most popular national pastime, it’s a weekend ritual that packs out malls all over the country. Yet before the days of glitzy shopping complexes, the humble neighbourhood pasar pagi (morning market selling fresh food) was the centre of commercial activity, a place bursting with all manner of sights, smells and sounds. To be sure, every country has such markets, but the Malaysian version is distinctive for its multicultural flavour, wide range of goods and ubiquitous rainwater puddles and beggars. If the pasar pagi was (and still is) the province of housewives, the pasar malam (night market) attracts a more diverse crowd. Powered by noisy generators, these markets are a good place to grab a smorgasbord of local delicacies, cheap clothes, household necessities and various knick-knacks. Though many find the whole experience a little too overwhelming for the senses, there’s no denying that a market does have its own charms – hence the growing popularity of flea markets. These manage to capture the bustle and carnival-like atmosphere of a traditional market, without the attendant odours, street beggars and rainwater puddles which are a turn-off to so many. Originally a market selling surplus (more euphemistically termed ‘pre-loved’) goods, flea markets supposedly derived their name from the flea-infested rags and clothing which were the standard fare. Founded on the concept of one person’s junk being another’s treasure, these colourful bazaars started in the West and slowly made their way to our shores. One of the earliest flea markets in Kuala Lumpur was the ABC Market at Plaza Mont’ Kiara, an affluent residential and office area. “Our CEO, Dato’ Michael Yam, enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of flea markets overseas and decided to bring the concept back here. Our ABC (Arts, Bric-a-Brac & Craft) Market started in March 2000 and caters mainly to the community at Mont’ Kiara as part of our effort to offer residents a total community lifestyle package. It’s a place to enjoy your Sunday with a leisurely stroll through the stalls,” explained Woo Siew Chin, Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications at Sunrise Bhd, the developer of the Mont’Kiara residential enclave. “We’re very particular about offering a wide selection, and so limit the number of stalls selling similar goods. It’s important that we offer customers good quality products with a unique touch.” Indeed, the casual onlooker will be surprised by the amount of planning and organisation that goes into the management of these seemingly informal markets. “We try to keep things fresh and exciting by introducing periodic changes. For example, we maintain the candy-stripe theme for table skirtings but change the colours monthly. A balloting system of sorts ensures that every vendor has a chance to occupy prime spots. The resulting changes in stall layout coupled with the flexibility to accommodate new vendors keeps the market from getting ‘stale’.” explains Ismail Stork of Le Tresor Legacy Ventures Sdn Bhd, which manages the Street Market at The Curve Mutiara Damansara. A relative newcomer to the scene, The Street Market exudes a quaint, artsy feel and boasts 140 stalls selling a mind-boggling array of goods. Both the ABC Market and Street Market have other plus points to their advantage: the market area is surrounded by stylish cafes offering al fresco dining and live music, so they’re a hub-bub of activity day and night. It’s this mix of lifestyle offerings that has helped pulled in the crowds, who comprise not only shopping-savvy women but also their partners and families. It proves the saying ‘there’s something for everyone’ – if shopping is not your thing, there are other goings-on to keep you occupied at these markets. The flea market at Amcorp Mall, on the other hand, is more conventional in its approach. It began a decade ago, and unlike its younger counterparts, is held indoors and while it is surrounded by the mall’s offerings, appears to be more for ‘serious’ flea market shoppers. You won’t find as much of the trendy togs and fashionable desirables as at ABC or Street, but if you’re an antique collector, this is the place for you. Second-hand clothes and other items are also ‘hot’ sellers. “I like going to the Street Market because I get to indulge in the three Bs of shopping – browse, bargain and buy!” laughs Carolyn Lau. “The items on sale are unique and striking, and there’s always a chance that I’ll find a really good bargain – either in terms of a good price or a rare, one-of-a-kind find.” For one-of-a-kind finds, you can’t afford to bypass Zainab and Noranny Mohd Ali’s decoupage stall at The Curve’s Street Market. The sisters specialise in turning everyday objects like handphone pouches, photo frames and tiles into works of art using the decoupage technique. Like Zainab, many flea market vendors are artisans. They proudly exhibit their wares at weekend markets, knowing that the labour-intensive nature of their craft precludes the kind of large-scale production that would justify a store. Yet others, like Madam Teh, open stalls for their own enjoyment. “I don’t make any money from the antiques and knick-knacks I sell, since everything is sold at a cheaper price than what I initially paid. But it’s a good way to pass time and meet people,” enthuses this cheerful retiree. It’s evident that flea markets appeal to a broad spectrum of people. Good bargains, availability of specialty goods, close proximity to eateries, night spots and even cinemas – all these combine to make flea markets a natural stop for those who want to shop, unwind and hang out with friends. Judging by the thousands who throng these markets every weekend, it would seem that Malaysian flea markets have hit on a winning formula and are set to become as much a national institution as the pasar pagi and pasar malam. To market we will go Sunrise Arts, Bric-a-Brac & Craft (ABC) Market Plaza Mont’Kiara Courtyard 2 Jalan Kiara, Mont’Kiara Kuala Lumpur When 10am – 6pm every Sunday What Handicrafts, paintings, apparel, books, accessories, potted plants, art frames, pets, furniture, home décor & household goods. Street Market The Curve Mutiara Damansara Petaling Jaya When 10.30am – 10pm every Saturday, 10.30am – 8pm every Sunday What Arts and crafts, home décor, apparel, accessories, kitchenware, potted plants, charity booths. Palmistry booth expected soon. Marketplace East & West Wing Concourse Bangsar Shopping Centre Kuala Lumpur When 10am – 6pm 1st & 3rd weekend of every month What Arts and crafts, beauty treatments, trinkets, baked goods, pets, fresh flowers & live performances. Amcorp Mall Flea Market Amcorp Mall Petaling Jaya When 10am – 5pm every Saturday & Sunday What Noted for its wide selection of antiques and collectibles (stamps, coins, records, books etc). Has also grown to include toys, accessories and crafts.