Malaysia - Thailand Border: Network to Trading Relationship of Melayu Retailers

Abstract

The research objective was to study the types of trading relationship networks for Melayu retailers using qualitative research. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations, which aimed to display the significant phenomenon for understanding Muslim Melayu in terms of cultural society and the way of life for Melayu retailers on the Thailand-Malaysia borders. The results of the study demonstrated that there were two typical types of trading relationships. The first was network by water transportation, while the second was network by land transportation. Both trading relationship networks were based on mutual benefit, empathy and compromise between the actors in this area. Although the frontier or border areas remain clearly divided by geo-political borders, the cultural aspect finds a homogenized relationship by Melayu-ness. It is an identity that is embedded and persists within the Melayu retailers and Melayu products. This fact serves as the main linkage in trading relationship networks between retailers on both sides of the international border.