ANN/THE STAR – For four decades, Zaleha Tasrib, now 62, served as a photographer at Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, capturing the essence of Malaysia through her lens. With an insatiable curiosity and dedication to her craft, she traversed the nation, meticulously documenting its beauty for the museum’s archives.
Upon retirement, Zaleha’s passion for discovery and sharing persisted. Rather than succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle, she embarked on a new adventure, immersing herself in endeavours that bring her profound joy. Eschewing leisure, she transformed her home into a bustling hub of activity.
Today, Zaleha presides over Koleksi Bonda Zaleha Enterprise, a charming bookstore nestled within Bangi Gateway, Bandar Baru Bangi, Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, she showcases her vast array of antique treasures at flea markets scattered throughout the Klang Valley. Over the years, Zaleha amassed an impressive collection of over 1,000 books and 2,000 antique artefacts, each possessing a unique narrative. Her journey into books and antiques began as a practical endeavour, initially acquiring them as references for her photographic work.
Encouraged by former director-general of Muzium Negara the late Datuk Shahrum Yub, Zaleha expanded her collection, driven by a desire to preserve history.
Reflecting on her venture, Zaleha shared, “Every book and artefact holds a story waiting to be told. Through my store and market stalls, I aim to ensure that these stories endure, transcending time and enriching the lives of others”. Her bookstore isn’t just about business. Instead, for the mother of five, it is a labour of love and a way to preserve and share the stories of the past with future generations.
RETIRING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“My work at the museum instilled in me the importance of preserving our heritage. Opening this store seemed like a natural progression for me.”
Her books (mainly in Bahasa Malaysia and English) come in various genres ranging from Malay history, textile, culture to fiction. She also offers encyclopedias, magazines and reading material on Islamic history. Most of her customers are university students and vintage book collectors.
“Some buyers like old books that are hard to find. These books are expensive, ranging from MYR200 to MYR1,000. As these books were published before the 20th Century, they are not easy to come by,” she explained. “While the landscape of book buying is evolving, many old books continue to hold value for both younger and older generations. This trend is reflected in the increasing sales of rare books, especially those no longer found on the market.
“There are also those who come to my house to view antique items and purchase them,” said Zaleha, who was born and raised in Batu Pahat, Johor.
“If I don’t keep active in my retirement, I will spend extra time sleeping (laughs). I don’t want any sickness to come my way so it is best to keep active.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
The Johorean mainly sells her antique items at flea markets around the Klang Valley. Among them are brassware, ranging from traditional tepak sireh (a Malay traditional metal container for storing betel leaves), cook ware, candlestands and charcoal irons.
Zaleha says that she’s always “on the move” doing different things just to keep busy. Since 2005, she’s been running a home-based business selling homemade currypuffs. “I ventured into the food business, selling curry puffs, cookies and rendang. Now I focus on three things – my bookstore, selling antiques and my currypuff business.”
BUSY BEE
Zaleha says that she’s too used to being active to relax.
“I’m used to keeping a routine and filling my time with productive activities. After dawn, I start my day by making about one kilogramme of pastry for currypuffs.
“Once that’s done, I cook meals for my family, then I go to the bookstore from Mondays to Thursdays. It is closed on Fridays. My kids manage the bookstore on the weekends.” – Sheela Chandran
