MALAYSIANSKINI | In 2013, senior journalist Chen Chooi Har quit her job and started a new career at an events management company. 

After going through a steep learning curve, Kajang-born Chen set up a non-profit bartering group in her spare time, hoping to inspire others to live better and spend less, and raise awareness for environmental preservation. 

"KL-Selangor Barter Trade Exchange", a community-based group founded on Facebook in March 2016 by Chen, has since attracted over 10,000 members and organised 10 bartering bazaars in the Klang Valley. 

While bartering is not something common in Malaysia, a Chinese-speaking bartering event and community is even rarer on the peninsula, she noted. 

"Why barter? You see, as much as a homemaker wants to save money, she may be tempted by a sale and get 'buy one free one' type of things when there is no need to. 

"This is definitely not a good buying habit," the 41-year-old said. 

"Some may even buy kitchenware and bakeware when they just have a brief interest in baking and cooking. What happens to these utensils when your passions die?

"Surely every house has unused stuff in their storerooms for months. At the end of the day, you either throw away the items, donate them or even send them for recycling," Chen lamented.

"With bartering, we are offering you a free platform to give out these unused things, be it clothes, utensils or even non-expired foods, in exchange for something you need," she said. 

Rapid growth

The first bartering event, which was held on March 19, 2016, only attracted over 10 vendors and 50 attendees. However, it gained traction after several media outlets covered the event. 

Chen no longer needs to fork out money to rent venues for the bartering events, as she is either sponsored by retail outlets or media organisations. 

Although Chen receives hundreds of applications for a stall at the bartering bazaars, she is forced to limit the final number to 80 vendors due to space limitations at the shopping centre where the event is held.

For some members, the bartering bazaars (photo) have become family outings, during which their children will contribute their own used items and assist in setting up the stalls. 

Furthermore, around 2,000 members of the "KL-Selangor Barter Trade Exchange" Facebook group actively barter items among themselves on a daily basis at other venues.

In these cases, members will upload their items with specifications and state what they wish to exchange their items for. Upon reaching a consensus, the barterers will bring their items to a physical location and exchange them on the spot. 

Some vendors even barter foods and herbal drinks in exchange for toilet rolls, candies and soaps.

The bartering events have seen members make new friends. Chen herself has reconnected with former journalism colleagues who share her ideology. 

Moderating disputes

Chen, who is also the administrator of the group, soon found herself dealing with disputes between the members over the quality and value of the bartered items. 

"You have to be prepared for the possibility that any item being bartered in the bazaar or on Facebook may have depreciated in value (since the time you purchased it). So, do not barter any expensive item in the bazaar," said Chen.

She noted instances where members tried to take advantage of others by selling expired items. Chen said she would normally expel these members from the Facebook group. 

"A vendor argued that there is no harm consuming a packet drink that expired last year. A mother cried after receiving baby products that had expired more than one year ago. I felt so bad that I kept on apologising to her. 

"I really hope that these people will not be the rotten apples that spoil the whole barrel. Those who do this have an integrity that is worth only few ringgit," said Chen, who has taken to Facebook to condemn such immoral behaviour. 

She has advised against bartering products carrying the image of politicians, condoms and other controversial items.

"This would not happen in other countries where people have higher civil awareness," she said. 

She has also barred the bartering of pets, as she likened this to abandoning the pets. 

A minimalist lifestyle

Chen's involvement in the bartering community has eventually changed her spending habits for good. Additionally, her mother and sisters have joined her cause, helping her to organise the bartering bazaar. 

"Apart from my collection of Doraemon-related items, I am a minimalist. I no longer buy my groceries with cash or credit cards, I get them via barter exchange.

"I do not buy new clothes and bags but opt for secondhand stores," she said. 

Chen, who loves reading, music and movies, has given away most of her books and CDs over time. 

She hopes that her story will encourage the English-speaking community to join her efforts.

As a firm believer in living life to the fullest, Chen has always made sure that she completes what she has included in her “bucket list”. 

"I have learned ice-skating and roller-skating. I set my target to master two foreign languages. 

"My dream came true when I organised a Doraemon-themed birthday party last year in which my friends and family wore themed attire and gave me Doraemon products," Chen said.

"But now I pledge to continue this bartering community and, in our own way, I want to see more Malaysians being influenced," she added. 

MALAYSIANS KINI will be going on hiatus starting next week. Instead, Malaysiakini will be publishing a new series called Calon Kini, featuring potential candidates who will be making their debut in the 14th general election. Malaysians Kini will return after the general election.

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