Sunday March 22, 2009
Passionate about paper bags
By CHRISTINA CHIN
KATHLEEN Goh Swee Ling is a colourful personality and every bit as vibrant as the many paper bags she collects.
The bubbly 38-year-old bank executive officer is recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for having the largest paper bag collection in the country.
''That was in 1995. At this moment, I have more than 4,000 different paper bags from all over the world in my collection and I believe no one has broken my record yet,'' she said when met at her mother's home in Bukit Mertajam.
Goh with her collection of paper bags. ''I live in an apartment on the island. Due to space constraints, my 'treasures' are kept at my mum's place as well as in my in-law's house on Perak Road,'' she added.
Goh, however, said she didn't get the chance to admire her paper bags as often as she liked to because they were folded and kept in boxes.
''Perhaps when I retire, I can create a catalogue of all the bags I have,'' she said, adding that she was also toying with the idea of creating a website to network with others who share her passion.
''I started collecting paper bags when I was 18. My collection started with a Christmas paper bag from the Super Komtar departmental store. The theme of the design was 'Let's Party'.
''It was so colourful and beautiful — the design and shape really attracted my attention, so instead of reusing it, I kept it to make sure that it remained in good condition always,'' she said.
Explaining her love, Goh said she only collected paper bags that were given away with purchases.
''I never buy paper bags off the rack. I buy things and collect the paper bags.
''To me, a satisfying and successful shopping spree depends on the number of paper bags in hand at the end of the day! Collecting paper bags also reminds me of the fun I have shopping and travelling.
''It can be considered an expensive hobby because sometimes I end up making unnecessary purchases just to get the bag. Some shops will give me the bags when I tell them I am a collector but there are some who are very strict as they demand a minimum purchase,'' she said.
She credited her family, friends and colleagues for helping to expand her collection.
''I have five sisters who all love to shop and travel, so that definitely helps. Our friends are also always on the lookout for interesting paper bags and I am grateful.
''Every weekend, I'll be back at my mum's place checking the latest bags my sisters have brought back for me and although it sounds unbelievable, I can remember every single paper bag in my collection; one look and I already know whether it is something I already own,'' Goh said.
She said she was lucky that her husband had always been very supportive.
''In fact, he was the one who suggested I contact MBR. It is he who helps carry my boxes — stacking and counting them for me.
''It's still too early to tell whether my only daughter shares my interest because she is still too young but like her father, she does help me arrange my paper bags for storage and alert us whenever she spots a peculiar paper bag at the mall,'' she said.
According to Goh, the best time to collect paper bags is during festive seasons because that's when specially designed seasonal ones are given away.
''Since I only keep one of each kind, all my bags are different and special, although those collected during holidays are closer to my heart because they bring back so many good memories,'' she said, adding that it was easier to collect bags overseas than in Malaysia.
''One memorable haul was during a vacation in Paris. The check-out girl at Printemps Shopping Mall gave me a few different ones with just a single purchase because I told her about my collection. Here, most stores are not as generous,'' she said, noting that people were often surprised when they learnt about her hobby.
''They think it's funny and are curious how I manage to store it all. These days, I've slowed down because of storage problems.
''I have more commitments now and the minimum purchase requirement to get a bag has also increased. Plastic as well as reusable woven bags seem to be more common nowadays which is a hinderance,'' she said.
Goh described her collection as ''invaluable''.
''I don't know how much they're worth but to me, these bags are priceless,'' she mused.
Goh's extensive collection also includes paper bags from government departments and learning institutions.
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