Memories bought and sold

SINGAPORE — Many call it the Thieves’ Market, but given the long and rich history of the Sungei Road flea market — it is believed to have been around since the ’30s — some regular visitors have coined their own moniker for it.

Indonesian Indra Krespayana, who works in the shipping industry, calls it Sun Plaza because of the flea market’s exposure to the elements.

Nevertheless, he prefers to shop there rather than in the air-conditioned comfort of a typical mall.

He added that the prices are so low, they are virtually a steal — although that is not how the flea market got its popular name.

In the early days, the flea market, which occupies the length of Larut Road and Pitt Street, was used as a venue for people to sell stolen goods.

Today, about 300 vendors — who occupy the spots on a first-come-first-served basis — sell their legitimate wares there from 1pm to 7pm daily without the need for a licence. They also need not pay rental.

The vendors are typically middle-aged or elderly peddlers whose wares, mainly household discards, are usually sourced from karung guni businesses or picked up directly outside homes which had disposed of them.

The market thrives on the spirit of the old adage — one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Almost everything can be found here, from old postcards, coins, vinyl records, vases and walkie-talkies to computers, electronics, clothes and shoes.

The flea market will have to make way for developments around the yet-to-be-completed Jalan Besar MRT Station.

Responding to media queries, the authorities said yesterday that the development plans for Sungei Road are “expected to be initiated after the construction of the MRT station is completed in 2017”. Advance notice will be given before the site is closed, they added.

Last Friday, the vendors sent a petition to the authorities asking for arrangements to relocate the flea market. The authorities are understood to be looking at the petition.

One of the peddlers, Mr Oeu Lai Heng, 55, grew up in the flea market as his father used to sell fruits there. “It has always been a part of my life and is now like my second home. The people I see here every day are as familiar to me as family,” he said.