I FIND the comments of consumers’ associations’ spokesmen regarding the new trend of buying second-hand goods surprising and curious (”Things that don’t cost a bundle” — NST, Sept 2).

Consumers’ associations should be all for Malaysians making their money go further. Why shouldn’t this include patronising second-hand shops?

Second-hand buying is nothing new. Antique shops do it all the time. Many a time I have searched antique shops and emerged triumphant with lovely English bone china cups that have been used probably countless times. And I use them. They are washed well in soapy water and, after that, what could be more hygienic?

The same can be said for secondhand clothes. If you can find good-quality items which you wash carefully and wear with pride, all for a few ringgit, why on earth not?

There is nothing uncivilised about that. “Nearly new” shops are popular in the West, too, and well-heeled matrons and fashion-conscious young people patronise them without a second thought.

In fact, a British magazine once ran an article in which three models paraded three outfits. Readers were asked to pick the one dressed in “op-shop” finds. They all looked equally good and I picked the wrong one.

As for second-hand bookshops, the one I recently discovered in Kuching that imports used (sometimes well-used) books from America has been one of my main sources of pleasure in recent months.

The books are not neatly sorted by subject, but search its shelves and you can find books that you would never find in a bookshop, and on a huge variety of subjects, even out-of-print gems.

Let’s not make Malaysians out to be more snobbish than some undoubtedly are. Pride in oneself should not be solely in buying and wearing expensive and new goods. It should focus on being honest and trustworthy in all your dealings and being kind to your fellow Malaysians.

J.S. , Kuching

Source: NST – September 5, 2008