MODERN times have hit central Bandar Seri Begawan hard. According to many, it could not compete with other new commercial areas such as Kiulap and Gadong which offer more modern facilities. Shops, which were famous way back in the 80s, have closed down and those who still operate today are applying different strategies specifically designed to attract expatriates who make up the majority of shoppers.
Kiulap and Gadong , which were just empty lots before, were developed in the late 1990s where, in just a short period of time became a hotspot for the entire population due to extensive highways leading to it and better facilities such as malls.
According to Hj Azizi Rahman, a civil servant, the atmosphere in Gadong itself is alluring enough to attract anyone. "The modern buildings, abundant choice of items, bright lights and the crowds are sufficient enough to attract people. Central Bandar is gloomy and lacks lustre in comparison to Gadong. The buildings in Bandar need to be renovated and checked for safety reasons as most are rundown and dreary," he said.
According to Suhaili Aman, in his late 20s, shops such as Kompleks Darussalam and Wisma Jaya were an integral part of growing up in the 80s. With changing times, he prefers to shop elsewhere. The lack of parking space and inconvenience contribute more to people avoiding the area.
"If I do decide to go to shop in the capital, I would rather pick the Yayasan Shopping Centre, which is more convenient. Parking space is abundant and readily available. It has amenities such as clean toilets, which are lacking in most of the the capital," he said, adding that the erosion of amenities has contributed to the lack of hygiene standards. '
The Municipal Department has also made efforts to liven up the strip along Jalan Sultan. Every Saturday night, the strip is closed to traffic for an open night market. Sadly, their efforts have been shortlived and the number of entrepreneurs can be seen visibly dwindling down.
During the first two months, people from all corners of the Sultanate flocked to the strip to enjoy and revel in the lively atmosphere, said an ex-exhibitor, who declined to be named. She reiterated that not much marketing efforts have been made after that. Shows and the organiser's effort in marketing started to dwindle and it became redundant. The attendance has also become thin and the supposedly 24-hour market becomes quiet after only 9pm.
Hj Saiful Matali, claimed that he has stopped going there due the of redundancy of shows and lack of choice for consumers like him.
"There was only stalls which sells food, counterfeit clothes which are too expensive and CD stalls which blare out bad music during the wee hours. The shows are so redundant that I don't even glance at them," he said, adding that maybe a reshuffle of events and newer items for consumers could be a trigger for consistency and sustainable development for the 24-hour Saturday night market.
But on the contrary, it has become a meeting and enjoyment hub for our foreign workers who work hard throughout the week and come there to spend their off day.
These economic contributions from the expatriates are a much needed stimulus, said one shopkeeper in the area. According to Chua, who operates a record shop along the strip, he has dedicated his entire store to them by offering music CDs from countries such as India, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. "Some other business friends of mine have also started to cater to their taste," he said.
Eman Sulaiman, a Bangladeshi, and Irwan, an Indonesian, both come to the capital during weekends. "I meet my friends, shop and just talk over nothing and enjoy my weekend after a week of labour," said Irwan. He claimed that it makes him feel a little bit at home where he can find items such as Jamu and ethnic food from Indonesia readily available in shops. Whereas Eman, just comes to Bandar Seri Begawan to relax and enjoy the view.
"I cannot find any of my country's items here maybe because it is far but being here just makes me feel relaxed and welcoming, as most of us here are far away from home. This similarity actually bonds us all together
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