Tutong - Keep your old worn-out, obsolete and old-fashioned items as they could become rare collections in the future.
The suggestion was made by Hj Suhaili from Surabaya who sold obsolete items such as old records, radios, record players, telephones, cameras and Indonesian old currency at an exhibition in Tutong recently.
He even kept old-fashioned clothes and shoes as he found out that such rare collections were much in demand now.
"Singers no longer record their songs on records as it was an outdated technology. They now could record them digitally on CDs.
"But do not throw these outdated items as they are in demand by enthusiasts who collect rare items," he said.
He was indeed surprised that people in Brunei were also keen on collecting rare items.
"I brought these items from Surabaya as they were requested by buyers here. I first exhibited a few rare collections only when I participated in local exhibitions and expos selling clothes and textiles.
"When I found out that Bruneians are also interested in rare collections, I now mainly sell these outdated items aside from clothes and scarves," he said adding that he normally participated in local exhibitions once every few months.
He claimed that most of the collectible items were given free by people in Indonesia who were just happy to get rid of their outdated possessions.
He again added that most of the old-fashioned products that he brought to Brunei are still in working condition.
"The old telefunken radio is still working. The records can still be played using the old turntables. So is the camera and the black and white television," he said.
Hj Suhaili said that he has been participating in local expos and exhibitions since 1989.
Most of the records were his personal collections as he was also an avid singer who used to compose his own songs and record them many years ago. By Rosli Abidin Yahya
Source: http://www.brunei-online.com (September 15, 2008)