BETONG: Ahead of Christmas Day which falls next Sunday, many people will be looking for fresh flowers.
In major cities flowers may be readily available but it’s not the case in Betong and not everyone is willing to go through a six to seven-hour round trip to Kuching just for the flowers.
However, there is an enterprising woman who is concerned and tries to help the local community who want fresh flowers.
Her name is Josephine Bawin and many people do not know her, but if one mentions Josnawi, Betong residents will think of fresh flowers such as chrysanthemum or kekwa.
Before 2019, it was very difficult to get fresh flowers here, especially as selling fresh flowers is not as easy as selling other goods.
Speaking to Suara Sarawak yesterday, Josephine described the income from selling fresh flowers as just a sideline.
She said she started selling fresh flowers in February 2019.
“I come from Kampung Siol Kandis, Kuching and live in Betong after following my husband who works here.
“At that time I noticed that there is no one selling fresh flowers directly here. If there is, it is very limited through advance booking, besides the colour selection is not many.
“Since then I have dared to try, even though I know there are many challenges.
“However, I am trying to help the community here to have fresh flowers on a certain day. I am determined to sell directly and customers can come and choose the types of colour they want.
“It can be said that I am the first person to sell fresh flowers directly in Betong,” she said.
Asked about the challenges she mentioned, the 40-year-old Josephine said her main focus is simply to help the community in Betong to easily get fresh flowers.
“Because when asked about income, it’s only incidental. It can’t be sold every day and usually the right time to sell fresh flowers is only four times a year.
“Not to mention care. To make sure they last, fresh flowers need to be kept in the fridge…can last up to a week, even then the water has to be changed every day.
“Without cooling and just changing the water every day, normal fresh flowers can last up to five days,” she said.
However, Josephine is grateful for the good response from the people of Betong, which has fueled her enthusiasm to continue selling fresh flowers.
“The reception is quite interesting, especially on festive days such as Good Friday, Christmas or Gawai Dayak.
“But the highest demand is during All Souls Day, when Christians remember deceased family members by visiting cemeteries and laying flowers.
“For example, on All Souls Day which is celebrated every Nov 2, this year I managed to sell up to 50 bouquets or 650 fresh flower stalks,” she added.
Next Dec 24, Josephine announced that she will be selling fresh chrysanthemum flowers of various colours in conjunction with the Christmas celebration.
“In conjunction with the arrival of Christmas, next Saturday I will prepare 25 bouquets of chrysanthemums of various colorrs or 325 stalks (with five to seven colour options) for the community in Betong.
“Anyone who is interested can visit Tamu Baharu Betong from 7 am until 12 noon,” she said, adding that the fresh flowers were taken from a supplier in Kuching and flown in from Genting Highlands.
