WHAT started as a small gathering of antique enthusiasts has grown into one of Johor Baru’s increasingly popular weekend attractions, drawing collectors, bargain hunters, and vintage lovers from both sides of the Causeway.
Held every Saturday at Angsana Johor Baru Mall, the Pasar Pagi flea market has become a bustling hub for those in search of nostalgic treasures.
Pasar Pagi spokesperson Harris Irfan Jamaludin, 22, said the flea market began in 2024 after a group of collectors and vendors decided to create a dedicated space for the vintage-loving community.
He said the idea originated from a friend, who is an antique enthusiast from Perak and active in both the local collectors’ scene and online vintage trading.
“Many collectors and vendors were already selling online, so we decided to gather them together in one place,” he told StarMetro.
According to Harris Irfan, the flea market initially attracted 100 vendors and now hosts between 120 and 130 vendors, including those from Perak and Pahang.
The event quickly gained traction after traders and visitors began sharing photos and videos of the market online.
“Many people posted about Pasar Pagi online and the response has been encouraging,” said Harris Irfan.
Among the vendors, he said, were independent artists selling unique items.
Harris Irfan said visitors could find a wide range of rare and nostalgic items dating back decades and in some cases, even centuries.
“Some items are from the 1800s while others include old radios, vintage accessories, platform shoes from the 1970s and classic collectibles,” he said.
The market also features bundles of thrift clothing, vinyl records, antique decorations and vintage fashion pieces from the 1960s and 1970s.
Harris Irfan said the pioneering vendors intentionally focused on collectible and pre-loved items because there was strong local interest in these products.
He noted that affordability played an important role in attracting visitors and vendors alike.
“Space rental is currently set at RM50 per day to keep participation accessible for small traders and hobbyists.
“We want to keep costs low so more vendors can join us in the near future and make it livelier for the people,” he added.
According to Harris Irfan, many young people are now turning hobbies into side income opportunities through the flea market.
“Some vendors have full-time jobs but they come here every Saturday because they enjoy collecting and selling vintage items,” he said.
For Harris Irfan, the flea market started as a personal interest in antiques and collectibles.
His hobby is collecting 1970s fashion, which has become his trademark look.
The flea market currently operates from 7am to noon, although organisers occasionally extend operating hours into the evening depending on crowd response and special events.
Harris Irfan said the strategic location at the mall had also contributed to the market’s growth, offering convenience to both vendors and visitors, especially those travelling from outside Johor.
“People can easily access eateries, toilets and parking facilities here,” he said.
Harris Irfan said the location helped attract visitors from Singapore looking for affordable vintage items and collectibles.
“Many Singaporeans come here to look for antique and vintage items because prices are more affordable,” he said.
Harris Irfan believes the flea market has potential to become a tourism attraction for Johor Baru if properly supported and promoted.
He said the market not only benefitted collectors and traders but also increased foot traffic for surrounding businesses.
According to him, the flea market organisers actively manage online groups to keep collectors and vendors connected.
“Through these online communities, traders from different states are informed about available vendor spaces and upcoming market activities,” he added.
Despite its commercial success, Harris Irfan said the flea market’s strongest appeal laid in its community spirit.
“Collectors from different generations regularly gather to exchange stories, knowledge and experiences about vintage items.
“Younger visitors are often seen browsing for vintage fashion and music collections while older collectors search for antiques and rare memorabilia,” he added.
Harris Irfan said the market’s growing popularity reflected an increasing appreciation for vintage culture and pre-loved items among Malaysians.
He expressed hope that the flea market could continue expanding while maintaining its close-knit atmosphere. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
