One of the most ubiquitous products you can find at a roadside stall or bazaar in Malaysia has got to be drinks sold in a transparent container or as the locals like to call it, Air Balang.
Throughout the years, the beverages and the containers themselves have evolved thanks to the creativity of the sellers in trying to attract customers.
We’re sure you’ve seen Air Balang containers in various shapes or sizes, even some that resemble an aquarium than a traditional cylinder container.
Well, speaking of comparisons to aquariums, this Air Balang seller went a step further and not only used a container resembling an aquarium but actually used a water filter and pump you’d normally see for aquascaping.
As shared by Tasnim Yusuke in the Malaysian Aquascaping Club Facebook Group, two photos credited to crawffle/Iyad show the Air Balang stall in UiTM Shah Alam utilising two water pumps and filters, one for each drink that he was selling.
Thanks to the apparatus, the drinks continue to flow in a loop, creating a creative gimmick that makes the stall stand out from the rest. As of the time of writing, the post has gone viral with over 1,400 shares and more than 1,000 reactions on Facebook, as well as being reposted by other pages on the social media platform.
However, in the post’s comments section, while amused by the creativity of the beverages seller, many said that such an act is actually unhygienic and could contaminate the drinks being sold.
Given that the Facebook group where the photos were posted is for enthusiasts and hobbyists of aquascaping, many shared their knowledge on the filter and water pump system not being suitable for beverages.
One commenter said that this is not how to make a marketing gimmick as the motor filter is oily. Meanwhile, another commenter questioned if the silicone used for the container is food grade, with another netizen echoing the same sentiment, asserting that aquarium silicones are not food grade.
So, what do you guys think of the Air Balang seller’s creative yet questionable marketing gimmick for his stall? Have you seen anything like this before?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!
