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By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 12: Lorong Cathay, better known as Cathay Lane at Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang, was a centre of attraction for Kuchingites as it was bustling with commercial activities during the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.
Even though its popularity has waned over time, locals still come as they have fond memories of the lane and the surrounding areas, as notable landmarks like the old Cathay cinema building, the Electra House shopping arcade, and the Tower Market still exist with delectable food available.
Cathay Lane is still thriving with 14 active vendors offering tailoring services and selling confectionaries and reasonably priced accessories such as bags, belts, hats, sunglasses, wallets, and watches.
A vendor, 66-year-old Shah Jahan Mohd Ali Shah, who is a retiree and third-generation businessman, said although the area’s bustling commercial era has come and gone, they are willing to continue to do any legitimate business to keep the tradition going.
“We do not want to let go of the legacy that my grandfather and his family started in the area as traders.
“They came before the Japanese occupation. It is not right that we let go of the heritage, trade, and skills that we inherited and made us (who we are) today,” he told DayakDaily at the lane today.
“The area has a lot of history and memories, and it is where the Indian-Muslim community thrives today.
“Lorong Cathay is part of us and other traders who have dwelled and thrived here, becoming successful business communities and building the commercial integrity of Kuching and Sarawak as a whole,” he elaborated.
Shah Jahan said that after retiring, he became a vendor at the Lane to continue the family’s legacy.
He admitted that shopping today is different, with the infrastructures providing the customers’ needs with comfort and luxury ambience.
“Shopping malls are a challenge for us small traders here. But not everybody goes to shopping malls to buy goods.
“We have our own kind of customers, but we must also adapt and study customers’ needs and wants. We also keep track of shopping innovation and technologies to be competitive,” he said. — DayakDaily
