Category: Traditional Trades

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

“It has been seventy years!”, Mr Mah Jun Chew (transliteration), the second generation owner of Sang Cheong Tailor, exclaims while using one hand to signal five and the other signalling two. Since young, he helps his father as well as picking up the trade of tailoring, seventy years passed in the blink of an eye.

Sang Cheong Tailor is located in a pre-war building with over a hundred years in history, situated in the old streets of “Pahang Well” (Jalan Raya East) on the south bank of Klang river. The 1940’s to 50’s was the golden era of Pahang Well, people live on the upper storey while operating businesses on the lower storey of the shophouses located on either side of the road. As of now, most of the shophouses are weather-beaten and vacant, only a handful of businesses and elderly people continue to stay at the decrepit place.

Mr Mah, who inherits the family business from his father, still lives on the upper storey of the shop, each day he opens the shop after having breakfast with his wife. Since the early days when his father established the business till now, never once relocated over the decades. At the same place, same building, doing the same thing, persevering this industry.

As times change, traditional tailoring inevitably became a struggling sunset industry, 83-year-old Mr Mah jokingly said that he is elderly and thinking of retirement. This old street which is gradually being forgotten has stood witness to an age of prosperity and deterioration. 

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 : Junipers from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD