Shopping fever in Brunei
Shopping frenzy: Shopping centres are seeing more activity than usual as the annual bonus, year-end sale and the need to prepare for the new school year give Bruneians all the more reason to spend. Picture: Zamri Zainal
Monday, December 31, 2007
OVER the past three days, many in the capital have been complaining of various symptoms such as the loss of children at shopping malls, broken down ATMs, congested traffic, headaches, stress and so on.
Observers have pointed out that all these symptoms are from what some would say is the outbreak of a very well known condition called 'Bonus Fever'.
Starting December 28, many have been on a shopping frenzy throughout the country, taking full advantage of the year-end sales and promotions at shopping outlets.
According to several observers, this is a normal condition seen every year, as many are known to be quite indulgent when they come into a huge amount of money with no proper plan for spending it.
Hj Serbini Moksin, who works for a private company in Belait, said that most of the shopping that he does during this time is actually fulfilling promises he made to his children earlier on for getting good grades during the recent exams.
That, coupled with the need for replenishing school supplies and house renovations, he added, has taken up a sizeable chunk of his bonus money.
He pointed out that others seem to be spending their money very unwisely. As an example, some of his friends without family obligations have used it to go out and make a down payment on a new car.
Nuraini Yahaya, an IT professional, said that conservative spending is the way to go for her this month, as she needs to keep focus on her priorities.
Keeping a portion of her bonus money in savings, paying her bills and buying the essentials for home are the only things that she needs for this month, she added, even though a large amount of money in her account has given her the urge to splurge.
However, she pointed out, she has plans to save up for next year's Hari Raya celebrations, therefore the money in her account will go a long way for her and her plans.
The Brunei Times
Observers have pointed out that all these symptoms are from what some would say is the outbreak of a very well known condition called 'Bonus Fever'.
Starting December 28, many have been on a shopping frenzy throughout the country, taking full advantage of the year-end sales and promotions at shopping outlets.
According to several observers, this is a normal condition seen every year, as many are known to be quite indulgent when they come into a huge amount of money with no proper plan for spending it.
Hj Serbini Moksin, who works for a private company in Belait, said that most of the shopping that he does during this time is actually fulfilling promises he made to his children earlier on for getting good grades during the recent exams.
That, coupled with the need for replenishing school supplies and house renovations, he added, has taken up a sizeable chunk of his bonus money.
He pointed out that others seem to be spending their money very unwisely. As an example, some of his friends without family obligations have used it to go out and make a down payment on a new car.
Nuraini Yahaya, an IT professional, said that conservative spending is the way to go for her this month, as she needs to keep focus on her priorities.
Keeping a portion of her bonus money in savings, paying her bills and buying the essentials for home are the only things that she needs for this month, she added, even though a large amount of money in her account has given her the urge to splurge.
However, she pointed out, she has plans to save up for next year's Hari Raya celebrations, therefore the money in her account will go a long way for her and her plans.
The Brunei Times
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