Grasp hundreds of fine bamboo sticks, align them, dip in water, coat with finely ground sandalwood powder. Swirl the wrists in a “blooming” motion, the powder that float up in the air will attach to the bamboo. Repeat the above steps thrice, produce batch by batch, spread out on racks and dry under the sun. Once dried, dye the base and pack. 67-year-old Foo Kok...
Category: Traditional Trades
Original field stories about Malaysian craftspeople, family businesses, workshops, and traditional skills that continue across generations.
Scissors Sharpening in Petaling Street
“Did you know that scissors have got a heart?” Uncle Chow Hon Meng points at the pivot screw connecting the two blades. This heart, which does not beat, plays a key role in cutting performance, as it controls the blade tension, neither too tight or too loose, in order to function properly. Sharp blades create a smooth, clean cut, whereas dull blades are inefficient, resulting...
Ling Lam Tit Tar
Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, Kampung Baru Seri Damansara is adjacent to Section 17, Petaling Jaya. Nestled within this new village is Ling Lam Physical Training and Treatment, founded by Master Ngui Pong since 1979, and has not relocated since. Back then, the spot was quite lively, folks come to learn martial arts and lion dance. In recent years, the focus...