Many people have offered to buy his copy of The Sunday Times from 1st September, 1957, which had reported Malaysia’s independence from British rule…
However, 45-year-old Mohd Tarmizi Ismail believes that the newspaper has a far higher value.
Photo via BERNAMA
He told BERNAMA that he found the newspaper while rummaging around his late parents’ house after a big flood in 2014.
The newspaper was found in good condition, along with an heirloom keris.
The father of eight children aged between two and 15 added that he didn’t know that his late father, Ismail Salleh, who ran a sundry shop and passed away in 1998, had it in his possession.
His late mother, Saodah Omar passed away last year.
Mohd Tarmizi said that the copy states that it was published and distributed by “The Straits Times Ltd. Cecil Street Singapore” and “111 Pudu Road Kuala Lumpur”.
“This newspaper would be 64-years-old, which is very long, and moreover, it has a historical account,” he told BERNAMA.
He also believes that the newspaper has a high value and not many copies still exist, adding that it is priceless and that he hopes he will be able to take care of it well.
Photo via BERNAMA
Asked if he would be willing to sell it, he said: “It is a valuable treasure and I would welcome antique collectors or experts to my house to see it.”
He disclosed that a man once offered RM20,000 for the newspaper a few years ago despite claiming it was fake.
Tarmizi is currently looking for a suitable place to keep it so it doesn’t get damaged.
Wah, so cool! That is literally a piece of history right in front of you!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
