Habib was a gem of a person
Habib Jewels founder remembered for business acumen and age-old values
GEORGE TOWN: Starting from a small shop in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling back in 1958, Datuk Habib Mohamed Abdul Latif managed to turn his jewellery business, Habib Jewels, into a household name.
The shop is still in operation after 60 years as a sales gallery as he was a man ahead of his time.
He was well-known for his ironclad age-old values but he also had his own views which would amaze others.
Habib Mohamed, 92, died at a private hospital here yesterday. He leaves behind five children, nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
“My father never compromised on values such as sincerity and integrity. His invaluable advice on business is something I cherish.
“He is my mentor, and the business today is his vision of how it should be developed,” said his son Datuk Seri Meer Sadik Habib to newsmen at the burial of the businessman at the Muslim cemetery in Perak Road yesterday.
He added that the workers were treated like his own children.
“I regard many who are here today as my brothers and sisters.
“My father’s heart has always been in Penang, and he was instrumental in preserving and conserving our origins, which is the original Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling shop,” he said.
Penang Muslim League president Datuk Najmudeen Kader fondly remembered the businessman for his advice on forming the league of which he was the vice-president 20 years ago.
“His ideas on the league were effective and we owe him a lot for our progress over the years.
“I was talking to him just a few weeks ago. Never did I expect that it would be our last conversation. His death is a loss to the community,” he added.
The family-owned business is a typical “rags-to-riches story”.
Habib Mohamed’s aspiration had always been to offer the finest jewellery at competitive yet affordable prices to his treasured customers.