We are Shopkeepers

One of the prominent name in the blogging world is Awang Goneng of 'Growing Up in Trengganu' which made it to print. I have two copies of it on my shelves, along with his later works 'A Map of Trengganu'.

All are collecting dust as I found time to go on a trip back in time through them quite scarce nowadays.

With his other half, Kak Teh of Choc-a-Bloc initiating the re-opening of Sentraal Station, I suddenly remember his words a few years back, commenting on the re-development of his beloved Kampong Tanjong:

"One day we will be just shopkeepers."

Day by day we in Kuala Terengganu are seeing his words becoming a reality.

The reclamation project which had begun in 2008 to transform Kuala Terengganu into it supposedly 'City by the Water' tagline has seen numerous commercial area been created.

A surau which used to be surrounded by houses now stands alone

I am not sure whether these commercial lots will be taken up anytime soon with the rental cost could rival those in the Klang Valley, which in turn will leave these buildings empty.

For me it is a huge loss for the government to demolish all the houses in Kampung Tanjong.

With the area was well known for making local handicraft such as brass making, it would make more sense if the government earmarked the area as a traditional Malay settlement.

The remains of the houses which will soon be cleared away

The Kampong Tanjong that we know before was a crammed area with houses built close to one another. Instead of demolishing them, the government should have retained some and convert them into homestays surrounding an area which could become a square where all sort of traditional activities can be carried out.

Cranes and all sorts of equipment cover the horizon

Tourists could begin their day walking through the settlement, experiencing life there with all sorts of traditional games being played by children and adult alike and then go through the Payang Market before ending their walk in Chinatown.

I really do not understand what goes on in the heads of those in powers, chasing modernity at the expense of traditional values.

It was a loss, a great loss for me seeing the chance to retain our heritage and culture and showcase them to the world was not taken up.

Shopkeepers.

That's who we are going to be.


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