Friday, August 7, 2009

Tinkerers of our Past; Singapore’s True “Sungei”










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The gentle buzz amidst a collection of makeshift shelters providing refuge from the hot afternoon sun might attract few, but when you’re walking along Rochor Canal, it is worth to take a closer look.

Tucked between Serangoon Road and Jalan Besar, Sungei Road might not show prominently on maps but ask the locals and they’ll probably point to the right direction.

Nicknamed “Thieves’ Market”, Sungei Road sees people from all walks of life coming together in a collective hawker of old goods. From old CDs, and books to even spare electronic parts and old iPods, one can say that Singapore’s largest and oldest flea market certainly lives up to its name.

“You can find things that you cannot find outside, like vintage stuff,” said Mr Azni who visits Sungei Road frequently.

It is a common sight to see people spending minutes scrutinizing a rust encrusted time piece before striking up a bargain with the store owner; a scene rarely witnessed in modern Singapore.



However due to the myriad of items sold with little or no restrictions, one can safely say that he or she is in for a treat on every visit.

This novelty also draws people like Ms Sarah, who have been coming back to Sungei Road since she was four.

“Some of the goods are still new and cannot be found anywhere else,” she said, talking about the main appeal for her to come back.

“And since I’ve been here since I was four, people know me and I can get things at better prices.”

It is not all business and money for the people at Sungei Road though.



Merchant Mr Glen Chan harps his sales not only from curious onlookers but also from his regulars.

“I’ve been hanging around here for about 12 years, selling stuff and meeting very interesting old customers,” he said.

For many merchants like Mr Chan, they recognise the importance of friendship with their customers and most spend their day talking to customers as well as fellow merchants, simply to pass time.

And to them, Sungei Road is seen as a rally point for the good old days.

With a sense of nostalgia, it is no doubt that the oldest flea market serves as a reminder for old Singapore.

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Aritcle and Pictures by Kenneth Ang

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