Serial No: IAH006
Title: Money Changer
You see the rows of money changers along this street? We have become a landmark on
Shaik Ibrahim bin Hj Isahak, born 1960
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town
My grandfather and father came from Ramnad, India. They settled in Kampung Dodol at Jalan Perak. They travelled to George Town every day on bicycles to work. My grandfather was a fish seller in Chowrasta Market. My father later started a small business on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, selling gold and jewellry. He has the support of the Chinese jeweller taukehs on the same street. The Chinese jewellers are no longer here today.
The original business suffered after several years, so my father decided to venture into money changing. The jewellery was maintained as a side business. I followed my father since around 9 years old, we were very close. I got married at the age of 22 and gradually took over the business. I’m happy that after 46 years in business, today my son Faez has joined me and hope that he will continue the family business in the future.
To me, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling was my second home, this is where I spent most of my time and I’m close with the Indian Muslim community here. The Masjid Kapitan Keling is nearby, there is where the community meet. And food, we used to have food peddlers coming to our doorstep round the clock. Nasi kandar, roti benggali, tau fu fah, fresh coconut… you would never get hungry here. Today some of them still come, see, the roti man is here!
Business was at its peak during the free port era, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling was famous as the money changing hub in Malaysia. Although business is more competitive today, we can still survive because the location is established. You see the rows of money changers along this street? We have become a landmark on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. I am proud to identify myself as a money changer from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, this is our identity.
I Am Home 