Indians Take Over Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown
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www.nst.com: Chinatown has acquired a touch of India. Where once you would haggle with Chinese shopkeepers, you now do so with Nepalese, Bangladeshis, Indians and Pakistanis who man many of the stalls here.
These are, of course, foreign workers employed by the Chinese who prefer to be behind the scenes or to concentrate on some other businesses elsewhere. These foreign workers have even picked up a smattering of Cantonese so as to better communicate with their customers.
Chinatown is no longer what it used to be. For one thing, it now has a covered walkway. An elaborate and brightly painted Chinese gateway arch identifies it as a prime destination in town. Petaling Street also offers an experience of one of the most vibrant night scenes in Kuala Lumpur.
There is more variety in the goods sold, from the latest fake designer watches, leather bags, shoes and fashion accessories to fruit, tea and Chinese herbs. There are also many restaurants where one can relax and have a bite after all that shopping. Those who love bargaining would definitely not want to miss this place.
But there is a dark side too. For one, where there are crowds, there are pickpockets and unscrupulous salespeople who take advantage of tourists. But it is also part of the Petaling Street culture to bargain till one party gives in. If you pretend to walk away, chances are they would call you back with an offer you can’t resist.
Those looking for fruit should come at about 9pm when the stalls are about to close as the fruit-sellers would sell cheap rather than cart the heavy fruit all the way home.
Those who love silver jewellery, semi precious stones, Buddha images and ethnic Tibetan or Nepalese embroidery should come earlier as these little Nepalese stalls in some of the shoplots here close early, at about 6pm.
In the 80s and early 90s, Nepalese silver jewellery were badly made but these days, they are very finely crafted. But beware as fake stones are sold here too, so unless you know how to tell the difference, be prepared to end up with fakes.
Apart from shopping, there are plenty of interesting tourist spots within walking distance such as the Central Market, the Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Chan See Shu Yuen Association (1906) and the Kwong Siew Temple (1886).
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World Islamic Tourism Mart / Malaysia
WITM 2012 InCoMTHU Conference will feature quality and world renown speakers not only from Malaysia but from around the globe. In its 6th Year, the WITM InCoMTHU Conference 2012 will have speakers fro (16/05/2012)
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