Image: Tengku Ahmad Rosdi Tengku Abdullah, Founder of Koleksi Dang Anum and Head of the Textile and Creative Products Bureau of Dewan Teraju Usahawan Johor.
By : Mike Paul
Johor Bahru, Feb 24— Established in 2009 by Tengku Ahmad Rosdi Tengku Abdullah, Founder of Koleksi Dang Anum and Head of the Textile and Creative Products Bureau of Dewan Teraju Usahawan Johor, the brand has grown from a Ramadan-only booth at Plaza Angsana Johor Bahru into a heritage fashion label known for refined tailoring and premium fabrics. Each festive season, Koleksi Dang Anum introduces more than 30 new designs, sustaining its reputation for Aidilfitri elegance.
This year, however, Rosdi described the atmosphere as “moderate,” with sales no longer as vibrant as before. “Now at 2 p.m. people are just starting to come in, but it’s not like before. Previously, big shops could earn RM20,000 a month, now maybe only half. Customers who used to buy three outfits now settle for one,” he explained.
He attributed the slowdown to both consumer priorities and economic pressures. “Normally customers buy three pieces, but this year some only purchase one. We expect last-minute shopping closer to Hari Raya, though in recent years even the eve of Raya has been quiet,” he said.
Rosdi pointed to rising costs and currency shifts as key challenges. “One factor is the stronger ringgit. When the ringgit was weak, many Singaporeans came. Now Malaysia’s currency is stronger. At the same time, transport costs, rent, and SST have all gone up. We used to rent two lots for RM41,000, now it’s RM46,600. Worker salaries rose from RM1,500 to RM1,700. But if we raise prices too much, customers run away, so we swallow the bitterness and sell at the old price,” he explained.
To sustain demand, Koleksi Dang Anum continues aggressive promotions. “We always have promotions, discounts up to 70 percent. New stock has arrived, while old collections are sold at clearance. Less affluent customers buy the clearance items—not ugly, still beautiful, just last year’s collection,” he said.
Rosdi also addressed perceptions about Plaza Angsana’s clientele. “Usually customers from Singapore make up 50–60 percent. But I want to correct the view that Angsana is only for Singaporeans. It is for locals too. Our products are imported, high-quality, and far superior to night market offerings. Angsana is for everyone, not just Singaporeans,” he stressed.
He acknowledged that school expenses have affected family cash flow. “When school starts, money is spent on children’s school items. Raya clothes come later. So the beginning is not like before,” he said. Looking ahead, Rosdi expressed hope that Visit Johor Year 2026 will bring more visitors. “I hope Johor tourism organizes as many events as possible. If it’s lively, outsiders will come in large numbers, and we can rise again,” he concluded.
- TNS News