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Goodbye Malay Village

* Malay Phrase = Please insert your table number.

Geylang: Tenants bid their farewells on 15th September as the Malay Village closed down after its

lease expired, signalling the end of its 23-year history.

It was a significant contrast from its joyous atmosphere during the fasting month. Wires were

hanging loosely from corners. Wooden planks that were previously walls were taken apart and

stacked all over the place.

The only people left were either movers moving furniture onto trucks or tenants hugging and giving

well wishes for their own uncertain future.

The scene came about after Malay Village Pte Ltd took over the village and inherited a six-digit

debt. Despite announcing plans to revive the place, it was finally decided that it will make way for

Wisma Geylang Serai, a civic centre that is expected to be up by 2016.

Ms Hafizah, 28, secretary of Malay Village Pte Ltd, said that they will venture into other fields that

is not confirmed yet.

The future of her company was as bleak as the future of the tenants there. With regards to thetenants' future, she said We have asked HDB(Housing Development Board) about it, but results

have not been positive.

Similarly, a frequent visitor, Ms Yasmin, a 22-year old student, was concerned about the tenants'

livelihood. She said Their income is uncertain.

Many of them are entrepreneurs of malay-related items. That is why the Malay Village is a

strategic location for them to set up their businesses.

After the village closes down, where is the best substitute location for them to revive their

businesses again?

Some shops were lucky. Good Luck Supermarket was one that was moving their supplies to their

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Jurong branch. The cashiers were cheerful but it was noticeable that they constantly looked back at

the run-down place as they left.

Hazwani Food Junction ended their contract earlier in August. However, the owners, Mr Jumari and

Mdm Yati, both 45, have not found a replacement venue. Mdm Yati, said We were warned about

the closure at the end of last year.

We thought they will recommend us to other places but nothing happened.

The couple was still looking for another location but is currently focusing on their wedding catering

business.

AJR Wellness & Holistic Consultancy was also another company which had a back-up plan after a

10 year stint. Mdm Umi, 46, focused on her home-based clients after her husband passed away prior

to the shop's closure.

Subsequently, there were shops without any contingency plan. Zain's Cafe's facebook

announcement was Zain Cafe will be relocating to another space Insya-Allah, so do take note thatwe are no longer operational at Malay Village Geylang Serai from now on. Thanks for all your

support till we serve and meet again.

However, L.Y.H Home Furnishing boss Mr Jeffery Leong, 43, raised the issue of poor business. He

said Business can survive but I think its better I moved out. He emphasized that it was not

practical to carry on.

Malay Vilage was not able to sustain its declining sales and popularity. Hence, it was not gaining

much support for its petitions and appeals for extension of the lease.

Nevertheless, those who strongly support the appeal were suggesting for improvements rather than

replacing the village.

Upgrade it as needed will be great, but totally demolish the 'Malay Landmark' is unacceptable

said Hermann on the facebook petition page.

The 'Malay Landmark' was also a museum-styled exhibition site which showcased the lifestyle of

the local Malays before the sixties. Many Malays are afraid their culture would slip away in a

modernising multi-cultural society.

My children will grow up not seeing the iconic places that I have seen said Onyr Ruel.