It is a tough life, being a trader in a market. The hours are long, competition is stiff and there are always risks involved; among other reasons, sometimes due to droughts or epidemics, their goods don’t always arrive. And perhaps it is for these reasons that not many youngsters are keen to take up the business.
Pulau Tikus Market turned 60 this year in August, and its long-time traders have a tale or two to tell. A lot of them went into the business at a young age – at first to help earn a living for their family, and later to finance a better education for their children. In their silver years, however, many now face a dilemma: to retire or not to retire? Once they do, there is no guarantee that someone will continue their business…
