Gold rush vs election fever in Kota Baharu

KOTA BAHARU -- The heat of the 13th general election campaign here is a hot as the rush for gold with people, especially women, patronising gold shops here to buy gold jewellery, following the drop in gold price since last week.

The price for the 916 gold is said to have dropped to RM380 per 2.7gm, from RM420 per 2.7gm previously.

A survey by Bernama here found people patronising the gold shops as early as 9am, some even waiting along the five-foot pathway for the shops to open.

An assistant at the Kedai Emas Wan Hassan Wan Omar, Wan Ahmad Salihan Wan Mohd Zaki, 18, said there was a rush to buy gold after news of the drop in its price was reported in the newspaper.

As such, our shop is now open until 7pm, from 5.30pm normally, to cater for our clients, he added.

Rozilawati Sallehuddin, 41, said she had no qualms about spending on buying gold jewellery as she considered it an investment.

"When the price goes up, we can sell it and sometimes, the price can be as high as two-folds," she added.

Nik Mahani Nik Abdullah, 55, said she preferred buying Kelantan gold because of its uniqueness and better quality.

She said she would normally look for new designs, as well as check for the price, before deciding on the type of jewellery to purchase.

"If I don't the designs that are available, I will get a custom-made one. Although it is more expensive, it is worth it. The satisfaction is there," she added.

-- BERNAMA