‘Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.’
– Vivienne Westwood, English fashion designer and businesswoman.
Who doesn’t love good retail therapy? It is my favourite thing to do to unwind and reward myself.
Shopping as a means of de-stressing may seem counterintuitive, especially considering the potential financial strain that can come with excessive spending.
However, when approached mindfully, shopping can provide a temporary escape from stress and offers a respite from daily pressures.
Engaging in the act of browsing, trying on clothes or exploring products can divert our attention away from worries and immerse us in the present moment.
From psychology and biology’s perspectives, the experience of shopping stimulates our senses and engages our minds.
It activates the release of endorphins which is the brain’s feel-good chemicals that can alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
The act of making a purchase, especially when it aligns with our desires and preferences, can create a surge of positive emotions, thus furthering enhancing the stress-relieving effects.
On that note, I was thrilled to find out that Syarikat Jakel Holdings Sendirian Berhad will be setting up new JAKEL branches in Sarawak next year.
I am certain that I am not the only Sarawakian who is excited about this development as it is a known fact that most of us often travel to Kuala Lumpur, especially during the festive season of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to do some shopping.
When it comes to Hari Raya Aidilftri shopping, it is an annual tradition for my family and I to travel to Kuala Lumpur. There are more options and promotions offered by various shopping malls and outlets there.
Over the years, I began to realise that local sellers who brought stocks from various shops in Kuala Lumpur were selling them at higher prices for profits.
While I am all for supporting the local businesses, I enjoy good bargains just like anyone else.
As for the convenience of various online shopping platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora, it does not provide the same shopping experience as physical shopping.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy online shopping, but I have been a victim of receiving items that are not up to my expectations and inaccurate measurements far too many times when it comes to purchasing clothing items.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting Syarikat Jakel Holdings Sendirian Berhad’s group managing director Datuk Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel who was charming and friendly.
It was lovely to hear him speak so highly of Sarawak, expressing his admiration for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership and how far ahead the state was.
“It has always been my dream to see JAKEL in Sarawak. We are in all states (in Peninsular Malaysia), but we are not here which means we are not that good yet.
“One of our policies is reaching our customers and now we are reaching our customers in Sarawak. Thus, having a branch in Sarawak will complete JAKEL’s mission,” he said.
JAKEL is set to establish its branches in Kuching and Miri which will certainly create economic spillover and multiplier effects on the local people and the state.
At the same time, I had the opportunity to meet Cypark Resources Berhad group chief executive officer Datuk Daud Ahmad and chairman Datuk Ami Moris.
The company is the nation’s pioneering developer and provider in integrated renewable energy, construction and engineering, green tech and environmental services, waste management and waste-to-energy and Daud and Ami have expressed interests in sharing Cypark Resources Behad’s expertise with Sarawak.
Daud and Ami also spoke highly of Sarawak and their admiration for Abang Johari’s foresightedness in paving the way for the state to become a renewable energy powerhouse.
“We have been so inspired and amazed by the level of determination and focus that Abang Johari has in launching the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and achieving the target of net-zero emission by 2050.
“This is very forward looking not only in the local regional context but also globally. We have learned so much from our visit here and we are interested to become a partner to the state government,” Ami said.
The state government is known for its commitment in creating an ideal climate for investment through various business-friendly policies and initiatives.
It is good to see various local and international parties showing interest in coming over to Sarawak, be it through investments or sharing of expertise and technology.
Looking at how Sarawak has impressed other nations, I believe that the state will achieve its goal of becoming a developed and high-income state by the year 2030.
This is definitely the manifestation of the policies and leadership of Abang Johari and the state government.
