The Malaysian Insight

PHOTOJOURNALIST David ST Loh preserves a moment as he roams the streets of George Town, Penang capturing moments and scenes that are slowly disappearing from our country.

As the country develops, we see a trend of mom-and-pop shops slowly being replaced with big name high-street outlets. Franchises and large corporations are increasingly taking over commercial spaces in Malaysia that have traditionally been occupied by small family-run shops and eateries.

These mom-and-pop shops tend to be unique, operating from a single location and often occupying a physically small space and they are unable to compete with the big boys who can survive on thin profit margins.

Furthermore, as their owners, many now in their 70s and 80s, become too old to continue, their children are reluctant to take over the family business.

It is just “Nostalgia” that we have a wistful yearning for the past, holding on to the memories of the “good old days” or a “warm childhood”, or is this a march towards development that we have no control of? – October 23, 2017.