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Correspondent Report
Indians take
over Chinatown
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 9 pm 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 6 pm.
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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