| Azlan Othman |
LOCAL stall vendors are looking forward to begin trading at the new Tamu Kianggeh complex, which comes equipped with a host of amenities, including dining areas and separate areas for the sale of dry and wet products.
Hajah Seri, who sells handicrafts, dried anchovies and other retail items, thanked His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for his concern in providing them with a more comfortable place to ply their trade.
“After the drawing of lots held over the weekend, at the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, I was very fortunate to get a stall right at the centre. I thanked Allah the Almighty, and even treated my family for dinner last Sunday. It wasn’t only the vendors from Kianggeh who showed up to cast their lots, but also those from the Gadong and Jerudong markets, wishing to set up stalls at the new site,” she said.
Hajah Seri, who makes $100-$200 a day, excluding payment for the supplier of her products, also told the Bulletin that she received a letter for the relocation which goes into effect today.
Meanwhile, Gunardi bin Metussin, a food and drinks vendor from Kampong Bakut Berumput in Kampong Ayer, said that having to transport gas cylinders and cooking utensils was troublesome, especially if the trading premises did not provide ample space for storage He also mentioned several instances of theft, involving items stored at the old Tamu Kianggeh.
The new Tamu Kianggeh building
“With the new complex, we wouldn’t have to move to Gadong, which was one of the alternatives proposed to us earlier. It would be hard for Kampong Ayer residents to go to Gadong market, as they’d have to board a bus just to get fish, dried products or other daily necessities,” he said.
“Business is good, with Indonesian workers as our regular customers. We pay a licence fee of $175, inclusive of water and electricity, while we earn around $300 a day,” he added. “At least Bandar Seri Begawan will see more activity now, instead of being empty and deserted after 8pm.”
Hajah Bidah, an elderly citizen from Kampong Tarabau near Kampong Ayer, said that she makes $30 a day, selling local delicacies at the market. “My husband is also a pensioner, so trading at the market enables us to gain some income. I will need the help from my grandchildren to carry the goods, once we move to the new complex,” she said.
Pengiran Ahmad bin Pengiran Md Yussof calls for two stalls to sell dry and wet products. PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
Another vendor, Pengiran Ahmad bin Pengiran Md Yussof, is calling on relevant parties to assign him two separate stalls for the sale of fish as set products and dried produce. Currently, he is only allowed one stall at the new site. “I was made to understand that we could not combine the sale of both items at the new site,” he said.” My daughter is also keen to set up business at the new site, and has asked me to get her a registration form.”
Senior citizen, Haji Metassan bin Haji Metassim, once sold meat at the Gadong market, but stopped, owing to stiff competition from nearby department stores and supermarkets. He told the Bulletin that the new Tamu Kianggeh complex would bring back the good old days of Bandar Seri Begawan as a tourist and business hub.
Construction began last April, and the new area is divided into 10 sections, for the sale of handicrafts, fresh produce, frozen items and freshly-prepared food. There is also a carpark, which can accommodate up to 400 vehicles.
Several months ago, His Majesty paid a surprise visit to Tamu Kianggeh, and spent time mingling with both the vendors and their customers.
*See also ‘Tamu Sungai Kianggeh Complex opens today’ by James Kon
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