Sandakan Bundle Fest sells expensive vintage items

SANDAKAN: Nike limited edition ‘Sumo Wrestlers’ T-shirt priced at RM10,000 was the expensive vintage and rare garment displayed for sale during the Sandakan Bundle Fest Volume 3 held here recently.

According to the seller, Ruddy Alham Zulkifli, the vintage white colour T-shirt is being aged to perfection as it was produced in only a few numbers during the early 1980’s.

“The Nike ‘Sumo Wrestlers’ T-shirt was one of vintage and rare items in my booth apart from ‘Iron Maiden’ T-shirt priced at RM9,500, Nike Geisha at RM5,000 and several other items,”said the co-organiser of Sandakan Bundle Fest.

Ruddy admitted that Sandakan Bundle Fest which had been held for three consecutive years was one of the most awaited events in this district as it is a ‘goldmine’ for vintage collectors.

“As a seller and collector too, this Bundle Fest was an opportunity for me not only to earn money but also to meet other vintage sellers looking for any interesting items which I am keen to have.

“This Bundle Fest also had been a place to meet with other collectors. It is an opportunity to learn vintage and rare bundle items since it was first held in 2015,” he added.

Another seller and vintage hardcore collector met by The Borneo Post at the Sandakan Bundle Fest, Masdiacy @ Yarn Spartan, 38, explained that the value of each bundle item would depend on the interest of collectors.

“There are collectors keen to collect sporty brand items while some look for music band or famous figures printed on T-shirt produced in limited edition.

“Even so, I still give priority to each collectible vintage and rare item. We definitely want the items as our collection or memorabilia but it should be in good condition for a long time even if we do wear sometimes,” he said.

Masdiacy said the ‘bundle’ industry had grown into a profitable business both for part-time  sellers like him and full-time operator.

“Having been in the bundle industry for 20 years now, my knowledge in bundle items widens as I get to learn, and thus sharing information of each bundle item, especially the rare and vintage items with other sellers and collectors,” he added.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Sidzam @ Saidzam Saidan said the Sandakan Bundle Fest which was held from January 27 to 29 had attracted some 30,000 visitors who travelled from as far as Peninsular Malaysia.

“The Sandakan Bundle Fest this year was merrier as it was held at a large area compared to the two previous fests. Apart from collaborating with the Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC) and Radio SandakanFM, the Bundle Fest for this year was filled with various activities such as ‘Hot Wheels’ Race competition and religious forum.

“There were around 100 booths during this bundle fest with items ranging from shoes, clothes, bag, hats to belts being priced as low as RM1 to thousands of Ringgit,” he said.

Looking at the positive response of the Sandakan people to the bundle industry, Sidzam said another similar event would be held this month and details of the event would be announced soon.

“The difference is that the coming event will be bigger. Therefore, we name it Sandakan Mega Bundle as there will be sellers from the peninsula and more well-known hardcore collectors will be coming too,” he said.