PHOTOJOURNALIST David ST Loh preserves a moment as he roams the streets of George Town, Penang capturing moments and scenes that are slowly disappearing from our country.
As the country develops, we see a trend of mom-and-pop shops slowly being replaced with big name high-street outlets. Franchises and large corporations are increasingly taking over commercial spaces in Malaysia that have traditionally been occupied by small family-run shops and eateries.
These mom-and-pop shops tend to be unique, operating from a single location and often occupying a physically small space and they are unable to compete with the big boys who can survive on thin profit margins.
Furthermore, as their owners, many now in their 70s and 80s, become too old to continue, their children are reluctant to take over the family business.
It is just “Nostalgia” that we have a wistful yearning for the past, holding on to the memories of the “good old days” or a “warm childhood”, or is this a march towards development that we have no control of? – October 23, 2017.
A roti man waiting for customers outside the Chowrasta market in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.Master weaver Yin fixing a lounger at his shop in Armenian St in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A vendor removing a large joss stick for a customer at her stall at the Kuan Yin Temple in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.Two friends chatting over having coffee and tea at a kopitiam off Pitt St in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A group of customers at a noodle shop at the five-foot way in Kimberley St, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.An elderly vendor preparing to open her shop near Chowrasta market in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.Tourists from Indonesia posing for pictures at the Poh Hock Seah Tua Peh Kong Temple, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A man sitting at a metalsmith shop in Chulia St in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A fruit seller arranging her wares at her stall near Chowrasta market in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A cigarette vendor waiting for customers near Little India in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A man scratching his back at his living room cum shop near Chowrasta market in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A shopkeeper with a customer at his provision shop outside Chowrasta market in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A hawker selling duck meat koay teow thing preparing a bowl of noodles at her stall in Ngah Aboo Lane, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.A goldsmith working at his booth in Little India in Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, October 23, 2017.
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