Weighing scales are indispensable tools in daily life. From wooden steelyard balance in ancient times, spring scales invented in the 17th century, to electronic scales which have become common since the 20th century, accurate weight measurement is essential for commerce. While ancient units of measurement varied widely, nowadays, there are internationally standardized units such as the gram, kilogram, and metric ton. As long as there...
Category: Traditional Trades
Original field stories about Malaysian craftspeople, family businesses, workshops, and traditional skills that continue across generations.
Yong Kong Haberdashery in Jinjang
In daily life, it is common to find clothes with threads coming loose, holes, missing buttons, or broken zippers. It would be a shame to discard them when minor repairs could extend their lifespan. The materials required, such as needles, threads, buttons, and zippers, may be purchased from a haberdashery. Yong Kong Haberdashery, established in Jinjang Utara for 50 years, is the only remaining store...
Handmade Joss Sticks in Kampung Baru Rasah
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...