BY JASNITA AHMAD and LAKESH KUMAR
KUCHING: A family-run textile shop nestled in bustling India Street in the heart of the city boasts a seamless blend of modernity woven into its original charm.
The 67-year-old outlet, Jasmin Jawahar Sdn Bhd, offers a refreshing take on retail, preserving its roots while embracing the future.
From the moment shoppers step inside, they are met with an experience unlike any other.
The shop, with its sleek modern interior, invites curiosity, merging contemporary design with its historical foundation.
A rare feature that sets it apart from other shops at India Street is its very own lift — an uncommon sight in the heritage-rich area.
Sarawak Tribune had the opportunity to sit down with the family behind the business to uncover what makes Jasmin Jawahar Sdn Bhd unique.
Its managing director, Hidayatulla Basher, who has been doing business at India Street since 1995, said the shop was originally founded by his father-in-law, Mohamed Ikbal Abdul Majid.
“An interesting fact about the business is that it was named after Ikbal’s two daughters, Jawaharnisa and Jasmin, a tribute to his family,” he said.
Originally from Labuan, he explained that Ikbal’s business journey began in 1957 with Majid Restaurant.
Over the years, the business evolved, first into a bookstore before transforming into the textile shop it is today.
“Interestingly, this shop might be the tallest among all the other shops here,” he said.
One of the shop’s most striking features is its lift, a rare addition to a heritage building.
He said there was an airwell there since the very beginning, which later became the space where they installed the lift.
He added the shop possesses a certificate of fitness for lifting machines, issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia.
Certificate of Fitness for Lifting Machines is a mandatory certification for lifting machines under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139).
It ensures that a lifting machine, such as a lift, crane, hoist, or escalator, is safe to operate after undergoing inspections and compliance checks.
Despite its modern additions, Hidayatulla said the first floor still maintains the original structure as it still uses the original wood and that they only changed the interior design.
He said Jasmin Jawahar Sdn Bhd is one of the eight shops the family has successfully established as a team, including restaurants besides textile shops.
Among the younger generation involved in the business is Mohamed Safiullah, who grew up witnessing the hard work and dedication of his family.
“I remember seeing people supporting my dad selling tudung to the point where he had to keep his earnings in a plastic bag because of the overwhelming crowd,” he recalled.
Initially uninterested in the business, Safiullah admitted that his perspective changed once he started working in the shop.
Now, he is passionate about samping (a traditional Malay garment) and thrives on the healthy competition between their different store branches.
When asked if it is challenging to keep the family business going, he said he believed that tradition and innovation can coexist.
“It’s simple. Trust the process and invest in new ideas. This company is proof that with the right mindset, we can go far,” he said.
Jasmin Jawahar Sdn Bhd sells high-quality fabrics, some of which are exclusively designed by Mohamed Nizamullah, the son of Hidayatulla.
There also offer ready-made Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu, perfumes, head scarves, and button studs for Baju Melayu and many more, making them a go-to destination for shoppers.
With the upcoming Hari Raya season, the shop has been busy preparing for the festive rush, with months of planning going into their stock and collections.
The family has been busy and preparations are always made months before Ramadan comes.
Looking ahead, the family hopes to expand their presence beyond Sarawak.
“With my sons by my side, I believe we have the opportunity to open another store in Kuala Lumpur,” said Hidayatulla.
Now, what keeps the family business thriving is their unwavering commitment to their customers.
“We treat our customers like family. If you don’t treat your customers well, it’s over. You may never hear them say it to you but word-of-mouth is very powerful,” he said.
His brother, Mohamed Ismail Basheer Ahamed, who is director, agreed.
“Maintaining strong relationships with customers has been key to our success,” he said.
