81YO M’sian Man Forced To Close Free Museum After Thieves Heartlessly Steal His Collection

2019-10-23 , 12:00 am

When I was younger, I used to collect squishies OBSESSIVELY.

During that phase, I spent over $200 on pieces of scented sponges that are honestly of no use.

I had this thought in my head- that I would be rich and famous one day from the collection because it will become a “rare artefact”.

Well, that phase is over and I’m just realising the amount of money I have lost. And it goes without saying that they are far from “artefacts”, let alone “rare”.

However, this man who went around collecting antiques when he was mere 15 managed to collect enough for him to open his own museum of antiques. The antiques he collected are nothing like the “squishies” I used to collect because for one, they are actually priced and valued.

In fact, so precious and valued that visitors would steal them. Poor Uncle 🙁

Free Antique Museum

Entries to museums are not always free. Depending on the nature of the museum, it can get quite expensive. However, the owner of the private mini-museum named “Rumahku Muziumku” (My House, My Museum) kept his house-turned-museum free for everyone.

Following the footsteps of his late father, Nordin Ali, 81, had begun collecting antiques at the age of 15.

His collection of historical artefacts came from all over the world. From China all the way to the Netherlands.

And for 17 years, he was living his dreams of operating his own museum with “Rumahku Muziumku”.

Money Wasn’t The Priority

Even though Nordin had forked out his own money to buy the artefacts from the original owners, he still kept the entrance fee of his museum free.

Even with over 2,500 artefacts in the museum with some dating back to the 18th century, making money was never his intention.

Instead, keeping it free as his intention was to showcase the antiques that he owned.

I wonder if anyone would come to my house if I showcase my squishies for free. Maybe not.

Antiques Stolen

Unfortunately, visitors took advantage of the free museum by casually stealing the antiques.

Some of the stolen items include two 100-year-old keris (Malay daggers), ancient knives, old Malaysian coins and notes, as well as an ancient lock from China.

According to Harian Metro, the antiques are openly displayed in the museum which makes it easy for visitors to steal them. He and his wife are not capable of spotting or catching some of these thieves due to various health issues.

Heck, given their age, they won’t be able to outrun any thief.

Antiques Are Hard To Replace

Nordin said that he was disappointed and upset not because of how much money he had lost but because he had worked very hard and long to collect the items, only to have them stolen.

Moreover, the antiques are almost irreplaceable and will be hard to find again.

And remember: entrance is free.

Making Money Off Stolen Antiques

Two of the items stolen in September- a copper manicure bowl and an antique iron, were being sold online.

The copper manicure bowl, valued at S$585 SGD was sold only at a measly S$121 online.

The antique iron on the other hand was put up on sale on Carousell at S$65.

Nordin is determined to close his museum so people will not steal from him again. I guess this is why we can never have good things… because the bad guys will always find a way out for them to benefit.

I don’t think I’m going to showcase my squishies liao.