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 is a need for weight measurement, the weighing scale industry will continue to thrive.
The sole remaining weighing scale shop in Jalan Kampung Pantai, Melaka, Thye Chong, was established in 1943. Apart from selling weighing scales, they also perform repairs and adjustment, as well as assist with weighing scale license renewal. According to the laws of Malaysia, commercial weighing scales are subject to annual examination by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. Approval stamps are then issued on compliant scales. Therefore, the weighing scale shop is not just about trading, but acts more like a service provider. If customers are unable to send in their weighing scales, door-to-door collection is available. The shop also has extra scales to lend out, to avoid customers’ daily business disruption during the period their weighing scales undergo maintenance or examination.
The second-generation owner of Thye Chong, 74-year-old Uncle Yong Koi Hin, has been dealing with weighing scales for over 50 years. A narrow aisle barely allows one to enter his shop, which is lined with piles of brand-new scales and stacks of used scales. Approval stamps are displayed on all the scales; the ones marked CTC belong to Thye Chong, while the rest bear markings from their respective owners for easy identification and return.
In the early 20th century, Uncle Yong’s father migrated from China to Ipoh, where he learned to make and repair wooden steelyard balance with his elder cousin. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he chose to set up his own shop in Melaka, and settled there. Uncle Yong was born in 1952, the eldest of 10 siblings. At 17 years old, he had to give up his studies to take up the family business.
In the 1970s, the Malaysian government prohibited the use of wooden steelyard balance, only spring scales are permitted. Therefore, when he entered the trade, Uncle Yong focused on learning to repair spring scales, familiarizing himself with their working principles and internal structure. After 2000, electronic scales gradually became more common. Uncle Yong kept up with the times, mastering relevant technological knowledge and integrating it into his work.
No matter spring scales or electronic scales, the basic maintenance procedures are largely the same. Firstly, disassemble the casing, clean all dust and debris, and lubricate to ensure a smooth reading. Next, reset the scale and calibrate using standard test weights. Under most circumstances, Uncle Yong only needs to adjust the spring tension of the spring scale or replace the damaged parts inside the electronic scale. From time to time, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs personnel will conduct audits to verify that the scales and weights in the store comply with international standards.
Till this day, Uncle Yong and his wife still live in the upper storey of the shop. Their children had grown up, moved out and formed their own families. However, two sons chose to follow in their father’s footsteps. The eldest son recently set up a new branch, Sin Chop Thye Chong, in Taman Merdeka, specializing in industrial scales such as load cells. Their second son takes over the old shop, performing collection and delivery, as well as sending weighing scales for examination, while semi-retired Uncle Yong helps to look after the shop.
For over 80 years, Chop Thye Chong remains rooted in Jalan Kampung Pantai, upholding the weight of integrity as well as bearing the weight of history.
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【Locality Info】
Jalan Kampung Pantai is on the west bank of Melaka River, once a vibrant trading centre second to Jonker Street during the 1800s, the pulse of Melaka’s riverside development. Back in those days, there were ports for barges to transport goods, therefore Jalan Kampung Pantai is full of grocers and wholesalers. As the city develops, land transportation became the main mode of logistics, yet the narrow roads are inconvenient for loading and unloading freight. Many businesses chose to relocate. Nowadays Jalan Kampung Pantai is less lively, however a handful of old shops are still in operation. Surging tourism sparks new vitality into the historic neighbourhood.
有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Michael Lerk
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
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