Tamu Sosondoton goes traditional with barter trade

One of the stalls

26 July 2024

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: The Tamu Sosondoton sited in Kg. Piasau is going authentically traditional by encouraging tamu vendors to adopt barter trade, a norm in the olden days. This will lend a unique and attractive allure to the tamu.

However, the barter trade is not a must and should be agreed upon by both parties, said the Village Development and Security Committee Chairman of Kg Piasau, Jolyhame Saran.

Briefly, about the traditional tamu, it was a gathering place in the olden days where people would come together to barter their goods. People from different regions would bring their specific products, such as resins, dried game meat, and rattan from the hills, rice and pickled fish from the plains, and fish and salt from the seafarers. Through the bartering process, each community would acquire the items they needed, creating a system of trade and exchange.

Jolyhame

Jolyhame shared that Tamu Sosondoton, established six years ago, is primarily oriented towards tourism, showcasing the scenic beauty of the rushing river adjacent to it and the locally grown produce of the region.

The market features a variety of food, vegetables, and intriguing items for sale along the riverbank, attracting visitors who engage with vendors, purchase goods, and relish in a leisurely paddle in the river. Some visitors watch their children play in the water while enjoying the serene surroundings.

"The Tamu takes place every Saturday from 6 am to 12 noon, followed by a period where vendors and guests can linger and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere and picturesque river views," shared Jolyhame. He noted that vendors also appreciate spending the day at the market, not just to sell their goods, but enjoy the day by the riverside.

Enjoying the riverside

The 120-foot-long stall is divided into two sections, with one half on the left side and the other on the right side of the site. This setup accommodates 40 vendors offering a diverse range of products, including farm produce, food items, plasticware, electrical gadgets, and fish. Of the vendors, 70% are residents, while the remaining 30% come from outside the village, selling fresh and salted fish, as well as various marine delicacies.

The Tamu ground is undergoing upgrades, Jolyhame said, adding that space is being cleared where an open community hall will be constructed with good toilets and running water, as well as a management office.

In support of the construction of the open community hall and the enhancement of the tamu site, Kadamaian State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick recently announced an allocation of RM250,000, initiating the upgrade project.

Jolyhame expressed gratitude towards Ewon, who also serves as the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, for his unwavering support, care, and dedication to the welfare of his constituents.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) had also contributed RM20,000 towards the upgrade of the site, he added and expressed his appreciation for this contribution from the tourism promotion body.

"We are eagerly anticipating the completion of the project as it will undoubtedly enhance the allure of Tamu Sosondoton. The upgraded facilities will provide an even better experience, and when we host foreign guests in the future, we can ensure that our offerings will meet their needs," he expressed confidently.

He also aspires for the tamu to be selected as the venue for the annual Tamu Besar, a prominent event featured on the Sabah Tourism Board's calendar of events. This platform would allow them to exhibit all aspects of tradition in their village, encompassing traditional food, attire, and cultural practices.

In anticipation of Visit Malaysia, he is optimistic that they will leverage promotional opportunities to maximise the benefits for Tamu Sosondoton.  Ensuring that the market is well-prepared for the event is a top priority. He believes that if the present upgrade is completed in time, they will be well-prepared for VMY2025.

About the tamu’s proximity to the river and concerns about potential flooding and erosion of the riverbanks, he said this has been addressed.

Jolyhame reassured those proactive measures, such as deepening the river and shoring up the banks, have been implemented. Notably, since the establishment of the tamu, there have been no instances of flooding, underscoring the market's resilience to such natural challenges.