FOR some, old banknotes, vintage watches and household items may simply be things of the past.
But for Ken Lim, they are treasured pieces of history that tell stories of a bygone era.
The owner of Lim Kee Old Collection Shop at Chowrasta Market has turned his lifelong passion for collecting old items into a business, offering visitors a chance to browse through thousands of vintage pieces under one roof.
During an interview session with Buletin Mutiara at his shop today, Lim said his collection comprised a wide variety of old items, including banknotes, watches, household equipment and other memorabilia.
The items are sold at prices ranging from as little as RM5 to several hundred ringgit, depending on their age, rarity and condition.
“I have been in this business for about four to five years, but collecting old items has been my hobby for much longer.
“Previously, I simply collected and kept them at home. Eventually, I decided to bring my collection here and share these items with others,” he said.
Lim said some of the items in his collection are more than 20 years old, while the oldest piece currently at the shop is a newspaper dated 1958.
He estimated that the shop houses between 5,000 and 7,000 old items, making it a treasure trove for collectors and those looking to reconnect with the past.
According to Lim, most of the items come from his personal collection, while some are purchased from other collectors.
His customers are mainly locals, but the shop has also attracted collectors and visitors from abroad, particularly from Singapore and Hong Kong.
For Lim, the appeal of collecting old items goes beyond their monetary value.
“It has always been my hobby to collect old things. Every item has its own story and brings back memories of a different time,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat