Old Bookstore Comes Alive Each National Month In Kuching

By Zaphne Philip

KUCHING, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- When the National Month arrives each year, the three-decade-old Guang Ming Bookstore in Kenyalang Park here springs to life with rows of flags fluttering in front of it.

For store owner, Shirley Lau, 59, this is the most anticipated time of the year, especially as sales of books, magazines, and newspapers continue to decline. Flag sales, ranging from small ones priced at RM1.50 each to large banners priced at RM10 each, have become an income lifeline.

“Although it's not as great as before, there are still buyers for the flags. I sell the flags not only in-store but online too," she told Bernama.

The bookstore, which opened in 1994, was once a haven for bookworms in the 1980s and 1990s, when Kenyalang Park was the main shopping centre in Kuching.

She reminisced that in those days, on the front shelf, would be neatly arranged books from various publishers, popular magazines, as well as Chinese, Malay and English newspapers. She said she would be able to sell dozens of copies of magazines in a single day.

“Now, it's difficult to sell even 10 newspapers. People prefer to read their news on their phones. Bookstores like mine are attracting fewer customers," lamented Lau.

However, as August approaches each year, the atmosphere changes slightly as customers come looking for the national flag ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and the Sarawak flag ‘Ibu Pertiwi’, to decorate their homes, vehicles, or business premises for the National Month.

She said flags are sold in various sizes and shapes, and that everything is according to standard... but up to the customer whether they want plain fabric or thicker fabric.

In utilising online platforms like Grab to facilitate purchases, she admitted that sales through this method are still not very high, compared to the demand especially from nearby schools every time the National Month arrives.

For her, every flag sold carries a meaning greater than just profit; it is a sign that the shop built with her sweat and tears still endures despite the changing times.

Acknowledging the current business challenges, Lau said that many long-time traders in Kenyalang Park have closed their businesses. This has made the area's atmosphere vastly different from its heyday.

“I don't plan to pass this business on to my children because it's too difficult and the profits are uncertain," she added.

Despite these challenges, she remained committed to the principle of selling quality goods and maintaining friendly service as a way to ensure customers would not forget her store.

The golden age of Guang Ming Bookstore as a popular bookstore may have passed, but its owner remains patient, waiting for her fortunes to improve, especially during the National Day celebrations.

-- BERNAMA