UNINESS

The Story of Kampung Baru Kalumpang

Walking upon the streets of Kampung Baru Kalumpang, it is absolutely empty of cars, just a crowd of children riding their bicycles, elders meet up for chit-chat at the teahouse, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of simplicity and ease. Currently housing a population of around 3000 people, the small town of Kampung Baru Kalumpang has the longest historical standing within Hulu Selangor district, its cultivation tracing back to more than a hundred years ago. In the past, during the late 19th century, the rich tin mine deposits of Kalumpang attracted the influx of large crowds of Chinese immigrant workers. Later on, with the rubber boom, rubber plantations expanded rapidly into another important economic activity in Kalumpang.

Federal Route 1 separated the old streets of Kalumpang from the village, therefore after the construction of the highway, the old town of Kalumpang became diminished and gradually fell into a slump. Nowadays, the historical old streets have become a ghost town, with a handful of shophouses remaining in operation and occupied. Among them is Kedai Kopi Cheong Fong, which is famous for their handmade pau, currently operated by the third generation, persisting in producing handmade delicacies fresh daily, practising the valuable skills inherited from his father.

Apart from that, the only temple in the vicinity, the ancient Kalumpang temple which is located near the old town, was completed in 1905. The temple is still flourishing with devotees, and holds a divine procession festival once in every three years. A legend circulates around the ancient temple, of which to date people still take delight in talking about, that Dr Sun Yat Sen once spent a night at the academy behind the ancient temple.

With picturesque scenery and a laid back lifestyle, the small border town of Kalumpang is unable to escape from the scenario of youth outflow and population ageing. It is comforting that during recent years, more activities regarding humanities, culture, and creativity are organized, and receiving positive feedback from the public, injecting fresh vitality and development into the town. Not long ago, SJK (C) Kalumpang welcomed the ranks of Orang Orang Drum Theatre and their presentation “The Myth of The Sunrise” with enthusiastic response. Thus, a professional theatrical performance is brought into a rural village, broadening the villagers’ horizons and enhancing the “soft power” of the village.

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
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Battersea Bridge from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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Roast Pork in Lukut

After dark, the surroundings of Lukut Sri Parit village is veiled by serenity, however the See (transliteration) father and son are busying themselves at the rear of their old family house. Hanging on stainless steel racks are processed and marinated whole pigs as well as slices of cut raw pork, ready for firing in the kiln. Kenny and his three siblings are the third generation heirs to Heng Kee roast pork stall, growing up in a family of roastery, they are familiar with every single procedure from handling raw meat to taking the roasted pork straight out the kiln. Among all, the greatest challenge lies in the technique of using a traditional kiln.

The See (transliteration) family’s traditional kiln roasting technique started from Kenny’s grandfather, lasting for well over half a century till the third generation at present. They are also among the handful who persist in the ancestral practice of using rubber tree trunks as firewood to roast the pork over low heat. The process of roasting pork over a traditional kiln is a test to the skills, especially exercising control over the temperature, how to ensure the pork is roasted evenly and not burnt, at the same time preserving the juiciness of the meat as well as the crispiness of the skin. Both father and son showcase their years of experience through the practice of solid skills, using bare hands, observation, torchlight, and metal shreds to determine and control the heat, and to which extent is the pork roasted.

As the third generation inheritance of the family business, Kenny and his brothers who all graduated from university are reluctant to see the extinction of their ancestral trade. As a token of appreciation towards their family for the hard work in raising them, they decided to take up the family business, as well as expanding it. Apart from continually operating a roast pork stall inside Lukut wet market, they also set up a retail store in the commercial area selling roast pork and mixed roast items such as barbecued pork and roast duck, steadily refusing to compromise on quality, all items homemade. Kenny hopes to organize the traditional kiln roasting technique into a more systematic way, transforming the family business into a corporate.

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 : A Good Feeling from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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Charcoal Stove Factory in Jalan Kuala Kangsar

Be it in red or original clay colour, charcoal stoves were once a must-have kitchen equipment in every household, lending a unique charcoal aroma to foods cooked on it. Besides, charcoal stoves could be sighted on the traditional ceremonies of moving into a new house or ancestor worshipping, in order to pray for good luck or get rid of bad luck by stepping over a stove with burning charcoals. As times change, the convenience of gas stoves, as well as the increase of environmental friendliness lead to a steep decline in the demand of charcoal stoves, causing a slump in the local manufacturing of traditional charcoal stoves.

At the riverside area of Jalan Kuala Kangsar in Ipoh, there is still one family working in the industry of charcoal stove manufacturing who persists in using a traditional kiln. Mr Foong Cheah Thong is the second generation successor of Ban Li Stove Factory, a simple erection under an old zinc roof which houses two small workshops, a kiln, and an empty space. Over five decades, the factory is family-run under a small capital.

The manufacturing process of a traditional charcoal stove is time-consuming and strenuous, the work environment stifling hot, even foreign labourers are unable to endure the harshness of this industry. Market demand for charcoal stoves is lacklustre, with the increase in production costs, the profit margin is quite faint. Moreover, from time to time people complain about the environmental issue of heavy smoke erupting from the kiln to the authorities, which prompted inspection visits from the ministry of environmental health. Apart from receiving complaints, compounds were issued due to their inability in getting a legal operating license.

Despite the various challenges and blows, Mr Foong and his family are tenacious in keeping the family trade alive. The hard work involved in a seemingly simple charcoal stove is difficult to perceive by onlookers.

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 : The Back Porch from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2018 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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