“Ah Di”, as he is affectionately called by fellow vendors of Sungei Road Market, has been selling secondhand goods for 20 years.
At 2pm today, the market, typical of a weekday afternoon was barely set up. But he already was, enjoying a packet of dried cuttlefish while lounging on a blue-striped couch he has brought there himself.
He takes up about 6 lots at Sungei Pasar, each at $10 per day. Piles of sunglasses, electronics and other odds and ends cover that space. And if u ask him nicely, he will also show u his special stock of higher end items in a box, like brooches and dragon cufflinks.
“Rental is a couple of hundred dollars a month, but business not that good sometimes.” He tells us.
“Then why do you continue?”
“It’s my trade, and it is hard for me to find work. I used to be a bus driver, but I am too old for that now I am told!”
” But you can manage? Even if u make a loss?”
” Can lah, or else do what?”
Visit Ah Di and the rest of this spirited group of vendors at Old Boon Lay’s Sungei Pasar. 220 Boon Lay Place, opposite Boon Lay Shopping Centre. Till 31st December.
Source: FB post by Save Sungei Road Market