By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 5: For over two decades, a makeshift mobile fruit stall nestled between two buildings along Jalan Song Thian Cheok has been the livelihood of 64-year-old street fruit seller Mr Jee.
Known fondly by his regulars, Jee is a familiar figure in Kuching’s fruit trade, a business he has devoted three decades to mastering.
The current location of his stall is one of several spots he has operated over the years.
“I’ve moved between various locations around this area to find the best spots to attract customers who need fruit as part of their daily diet,” he shared with DayakDaily.
“It’s better to work without immediate competition, and finding a strategic spot really helps.”
Jee admitted that life as a street vendor comes with its challenges, marked by fluctuations in business.
“The trade is like the weather—sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy, sometimes cold. You just have to deal with it as it comes,” he said with a chuckle.
“Thankfully, my regular customers often make my day, but age is catching up with me.”
Despite economic downturns, Jee approaches his work with the wisdom of experience.
“Even if you’re street-smart, there are times when business is slow, and you just have to accept it. Like every small business, we all face ups and downs,” he said.
Jee acknowledged that the changing nature of the area has affected his business.
“Twenty years ago, I’d run out of stock almost daily. But now, there are fewer office workers around, and the once-bustling commercial centre isn’t as busy anymore. I’ve had to adjust my stock to manage costs,” he explained.
Still, Jee remains committed to his work. He continues to sell a variety of fruits, including watermelon, papaya, pineapple, guava, bananas, and other seasonal produce.
One of his most popular offerings is coconut water, especially sought after during hot weather.
“Coconut water is a customer favorite—it quenches thirst and replenishes electrolytes. It’s healthy, and I’m happy to provide something good for them,” he said enthusiastically.
Looking ahead, Jee is excited for the upcoming durian season in mid-December, which he says will help supplement his income.
Regular customers often pre-book their durians, either to take home or enjoy on-site, where Jee provides tables and chairs for their convenience.
Before entering the fruit trade, Jee worked for various employers. After saving enough money, he decided to start his own business selling fruits.
“Life is like that—we work to put food on the table. I’m grateful for this spot, where I’ve made many friends over the years. Moving elsewhere at my age isn’t an option, so I’ll stay here as long as I can,” he shared.
Jee is also deeply committed to maintaining the quality of his products, working with trusted suppliers to ensure he offers only the freshest fruits.
“I don’t want to take advantage of my customers. Selling fresh, high-quality fruits is my way of showing gratitude for their support. Good service and quality are the best ways to run a small business,” he said.
For Jee, his stall is more than a place of business—it’s a hub for building relationships.
“Selling fruits to my customers makes me feel good because I know I’m promoting a healthier lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve grown used to this trade and its challenges. That’s life—you just keep going,” he said with a smile.
Jee’s fruit stall, located behind a parking payment booth along Jalan Song Thian Cheok, operates daily from 6.30am to 2.30pm.
For more information, call 010-961-0102. — DayakDaily
