As we commemorate Malaysia’s Independence Day, we’re looking back at things that represent what it’s like to be a child growing up in such a diverse country. Here are three brands that immerse you in time-honoured Malaysian culture, with their unique offerings!
Childhood Memory Lane Shop
Wander into this shop and you’ll be welcomed by Malaysian patriotic songs and an interior filled with items from when the country gained its independence in 1945 until the late ‘90s. With old school Malaysian snacks like the whistle candy, haw flakes and gula ketuk (hard candy made from palm sugar and coconut milk, chiselled off once it hardens) to toys like tikam-tikam (guessing game) – this shop also offers miscellaneous items used back in the day like solid mascara, ointments and soaps.
Childhood Memory Lane Shop
WHERE Lot B1-080, MyTown Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur
WHEN 10am-10pm
TEL 010 896 5237
facebook.com/childhooooooooood
Batik Martian
Traditional batik used to be so popular that it was imprinted on almost every clothing item worn in the olden days. To create awareness and to preserve the country’s heritage and culture, the founders of Batik Martian decided to add a twist of their own to conventional batik for men and women by using the hand-blocking technique – where every shirt comes out different from the other. This results in unique and contemporary detailed cotton batik shirts and dresses.
Batik Martian
WHERE Fireworks Multibrand, 2nd floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre
WHEN 10am-9pm
TEL 017 272 9952
Bingka
With the aim of producing economical and authentic designs, Bingka – a name inspired by a famously eaten traditional tapioca sticky cake – churns out original designs using silkscreen printing methods. The brand offers tea towels, pouches, bags and home décor that includes Malaysian themed items like festival snacks and wooden houses. Bingka has also produced a special Merdeka collection to celebrate Malaysia’s 62nd Independence Day.
Bingka
WHERE The APOM Store, KR-05, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
WHEN 10am-10pm
TEL 012 906 8798