Glutinous Rice Cakes

Glutinous rice, sugar, bamboo tubes, banana leaves, firewood, rack stove, big pot, and a small knife to be hung on the pot’s lid, combined with a marathon-like 24-hour non-stop steaming and stirring. The glutinous rice liquid caramelise from white to to golden in colour, and thicken into a paste; the craft passed on from elders to youngsters, cultural customs and traditions being inherited from one generation to another, all of that happens at the conventional Hakka Chinese New Year rice cake making project in the village of Kuala Kubu Bharu.

The project is actively joined by villagers of all ages, cooperating with each other, following the traditional ways of making rice cake, and also sustaining the cultural rituals. The elders teach devotedly, and the youngsters learn modestly. In the process, the two generations get to interact with each other, which is a seldom occasion. The round (cylindrical) shape of the rice cake symbolises reunion, whereas the sweet and sticky mouthfeel of the rice cake is likened to expectations of the upcoming year: living a sweet life for the entire year, and a firm relationship between the family members.

Even though the process of making the traditional steamed rice cake is complicated, the younger generation never cease to explore and learn under the guidance of the elders, until they master the skills to make rice cakes independently. It is indeed an excellent opportunity, especially for those who regularly work outstation, to gather with their family and friends, and make rice cakes together.

The procedures of making rice cakes require 24 hours of continual commitment, from lifting the pot lid to stir to ensure even heating of the glutinous rice liquid, the youngsters also need to stay up throughout the night to take care of the stove, battling high heat and fatigue, until the next day when the mass is transferred to their bamboo tube containers lined with banana leaves. Preparation of the equipment and ingredients started a week beforehand. From washing, soaking, press dry, and compressing the glutinous rice, to collecting and processing bamboo tubes and banana leaves. Interestingly, the firewood used in making rice cakes were either blown down by wind or abandoned. After collecting, the wood is stored in a shed to ensure dryness.

The rice caking making project of Kuala Kubu Bharu is not practised for decades, but rather an accidental success in 2014 that engaged villagers of all ages to participate in the event. The scene where both old and young generations join forces to make rice cakes illustrates the fine culture legacy, embracing their heritage.

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
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Lovely Candies from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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Moisturising Powder

A plethora of milky white granules in the shape of a teardrop, put a few into the palms, dip some water, and spread it on the face or skin for a cool and refreshing effect. This is what older generations have been using to battle the scorching sun and its heat, also acting as sunblock. Besides, this is the traditional skincare product of grandmothers and grandaunts, having the functions of oil cleansing, getting rid of acne, reduce swelling and stop itchiness. This is the most natural form of skincare products, simply made from rice and water. This handicraft is rarely seen now, and there are only a few who mastered it. This is moisturising powder.

Back in the days when skincare products and makeup were not popular, almost every family uses moisturising powder, or even make it themselves, as the ingredients are simple, and have no side effects, suitable for all ages. As times change, there are a wide variety of skincare products on the market, therefore the time-consuming and laborious craft of moisturising powder fell out of favour, especially the stringent smell during the crushed rice fermentation process, which drives people away for miles.

Located at a riverside village in Balik Pulau, Penang, in Kampung Jalan Baru, stands the only remaining traditional handmade moisturising powder manufacturer, Lean Seng Cooling Powder, also known as Wei’s. Yeoh Siong Huat, the second generation owner of the manufacturing site, took over the business that his dad Yeoh Keng Beng started. The senior Mr Yeoh worked humbly for the whole of his life, picking up multiple trades and experienced in various fields. He started manufacturing moisturising powder part-time when he was 31 years old and established the moisturising powder factory, which was about 40 years ago. Over the years, Mr Yeoh senior worked tirelessly with the two ingredients (rice and water), as well as dealing with the weather, and was content with his work. He gained precious experience in estimating the consistency and quality of the rice liquid, moreover he designed a new machine to ease the process of having to press the powder granules one by one using a conical bag.

Although the procedures of making moisturising powder are time-consuming and laborious, having to bear the odour from the fermentation process, and also need to keep an eye on the weather changes, but moisturising powder gradually gained recognition and popularity under Mr Yeoh senior’s perseverance. His wife and him seldom travel, their three children helped to supply the moisturising powders outstation to wholesalers. They also welcome visitors and students to take a tour if the manufacturing site. The general public play an important role in spreading word-of-mouth for traditional crafts to gain more acknowledgement and support, just like the powers of a fountain, pushing the cultural tradition further.

The second generation owner, Mr Yeoh Siong Huat, quitted his job as a goldsmith in 2016, and went back to his hometown to assist his father in the moisturising powder business, in order that the craft continues its legacy, repaying his father’s lifelong efforts to promote the business. For traditional skills and crafts to flourish, willpower and dedication are two key factors that could never be missed. In that same year, the senior Mr Yeoh passed away.

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
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Touching Moment

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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Puppetry Master – Dr. Loy Chee Luen

In the northwest of Kuala Kubu Bharu, driving along the federal route No. 1 for about 30 minutes, you will arrive at Tanjung Malim, where Puppetku House Malaysia nests. The black exterior stands out but maintains a low key profile in the row of shophouses, home to a wide range of puppets that Dr Loy Chee Luen sourced locally and also from countries all around the world, more than 300 types, and is a puppet museum rarely seen in Malaysia.

Although the single lot double-storey Puppetku House may seem small, it gives a complete overall experience. Near the entrance is a showroom displaying Malaysians in all sorts of traditional costumes; the middle section is a resource centre housing puppets from all over the world and their related reading materials, which is also the main place of activity; at the back is a workshop and storeroom; and a mini theatre upstairs, to stage plays and convene. 

Puppetku House Malaysia is the brainchild of Dr Loy, who puts hard work and efforts in its creation. He is currently employed as a lecturer at UPSI, where he is senior lecturer of early childhood educational arts and creativity, as well as associate professor in preschool education. He has expertise in the fields of puppetry drama, theatre studies, and childhood theatre. Dr Loy is extremely enthusiastic about puppetry, he pursues his passion in puppetry after writing his masters thesis on the subject. He delves into research and practise on the educational skills and usage of puppets, for instance in class teaching, psychiatric counselling, and oral care, for both professionals and hobbyists to use in combination. 

Dr Loy established Puppetku’s Theatre Malaysia in 2003. He is actively participating in showcases and conferences both nationwide and worldwide, such as the World Puppetry Festival, Malaysia International Puppetry Festival, Rainforest World Puppet Carnival et cetera. Dr Loy is committed to the development and advocacy of puppetry, and is dedicated to related studies and shows. Besides, he founded UNIMA Malaysia and MPA – Malaysian Puppetry Association, putting in all his efforts to popularise puppetry.

The term ‘Puppetku’ is derived from the english word puppet and malay word ‘aku’, meaning my puppet. From falling in love with puppetry to engaging in the publicising of puppetry, he endures numerous hardships to achieve his hard-earned success. To date, he upholds his mission, adheres to his vision, oversees and contributes to his cause.

For tour reservations, please drop an enquiry at Puppetku House Malaysia official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PuppetKu-House-Malaysia-酷偶屋-2036494066660988/

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Music : A Day To Remember from BenSound

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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