Category: Traditional Trades

“Lotuses are good!” (Cantonese direct translation: Every year is good), describing this pair of sisters in the Yap family: Good Sister and Lotus Sister.

Beneath the carpark of an ancient building located in an alley behind Jalan Sultan, a big sunshade umbrella, two wooden benches, two pails, several pieces of sharpening stones, one sitting in front and the other at the back, the two sisters work in the space between the carpark and a pillar for half a century, sharpening knives for the neighbourhood and customers, regardless of the weather.

The Yap sisters inherited their skills in the trade of sharpening knives from their father who is also a master in knife sharpening. The elder sister Yap Juin Hou (transliteration) (Good Sister, 81 years old) has been following in their father’s footsteps since the tender age of 12, learning to sharpen knives and scissors; the younger sister Yap Yoke Lin (transliteration) (Lotus Sister, 71 years old) is also influenced into the mastery of this trade. The two sisters mentioned that in earlier times, they set up their stall in the corridors in front of the shops nearby, however after the 513 incident they shifted to their current address.

The era of high mass-consumption directly impacted traditional trades, the two sisters inevitably feels sentimental. Even though they reached the age where they could live in ease and comfort, the sisters each have their own families, Lotus Sister still does business every single day, enjoying herself immensely; recently Good Sister needs the aid of clutches to walk, however whenever her children are free they will send her to and fro the stall.

Nobody knows how mmuch longer Good Sister and Lotus Sister will be operating here, the ancient building above the carpark is also due to be renovated. The future of knife sharpening in the back alley of Jalan Sultan is uncertain.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Music : Buch from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Upon walking into the backstreet of Klang railway station, the pre-war shophouses standing on both sides of the street have been in existence for almost a hundred years. This area has once been the most bustling area in Klang. The distinctive characteristic of these shophouses located in the old street is that businesses are operated downstairs, meanwhile setting up living quarters upstairs. As times change, even though business is not as flourishing as it used to be, a few traditional trades stand fast to date, among them Wah Sang Brothers watch and clock shop.

Having been in operation for almost ninety years, Wah Sang Brothers watch and clock shop was founded from scratch by the father of Mr Lee Lai Choy who migrated southwards from China to Malaysia. The main business of the shop is repair of clocks and watches, supplemented by sales. After their father passed away, the Lee brothers took over the business, Mr Lee who was only seventeen years old then followed in his elder brother’s footsteps learning how to repair clocks and watches. In a blink of an eye, currently 87-year-old Mr Lee witnessed the rise and downfall of this traditional trade, yet he feels optimistic about the future of the watch and clock repairing trade. In Mr Lee’s opinion, although fewer watch and clock repairing tradesmen remain, there are still many who walked in to ask for repairs, especially some timepieces with sentimental and historical value, or even expensive timepieces, the shop accidentally benefitting from being one of the less popular tradesmen.

Due to declining health and sight in his advancing age, Mr Lee has retired, currently his nephew Robert Lee takes over as the third generation successor. Out of the three working tables in the shop, now there is only one with its lamp alit.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Music : Star Gazing from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

The rattan rocking chair in the old house, the rattan basket which elders carry, and the cane which is much feared by all children. In the 70’s to 80’s, it could be said that rattan products are a must-have in each household, due to their being remarkably durable and practical. The longer they are being used, their colour and lustre becomes prettier. 

Just opposite the gates of Kwang Hwa Private High School in Klang, there is an old shop situated at the roadside secluded by trees and bamboo groves, which is among the few long-established rattan products specialty stores in Klang. Beside selling ready-made rattan goods, they also provide custom made and repair services, especially rattan chairs which is the most sought-after, as well as the majority of items sent for repair.  

At just 30 years old, Mr Loh Poh Pin (transliteration) not only is the second generation owner, he also succeeded his father’s trade in order for the craft to be sustained. Each piece of rattan product put the smith’s skills to the ultimate test, as the manufacturing procedures are strenuous, requiring careful attention and patience. Varying degrees of thickness, as well as different parts, each have their own function, from supporting stand, wrapping and curling, to weaving a seat, taking into consideration the endurance and groundwork of the overall structure, it all depends on skill.

Youths such as Mr Loh who are willing to inherit the valuable art of rattan making and weaving skills, are truly inspiring.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Music : A Familiar Touch from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD