Despite his silver hair and advancing years, the 75-year-old’s hands remain steady as he hammers stainless steel into shape, turning sheets of metal into a multi-tiered steamer ordered by customers for making putu piring.
The Melaka-born craftsman, who resides in Batu Berendam, has been keeping this family legacy alive since his early 20s.
“For over five decades, my workshop has supplied pots, ladles, ice containers, and other kitchen tools to hawkers and households alike,” he told Bernama recently.
“Things are very different now compared to the past. When I was younger, I could work faster and produce more, but now I only take orders within my capacity because of my age.
“Everything is still made manually without machines,” added the father of three, whose children have chosen different career paths.
Yong noted that most of his customers are locals, particularly small traders who prefer customised items. The time needed to complete each order depends on the size and type of metal used.
“Even for soldering, I still use the old method by heating on a charcoal stove, without electricity. That’s why the work takes more time,” Yong explained, showing the simple tools on which he has relied for decades.
Rising prices of raw materials such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper have not dampened his determination to maintain quality. Each piece, he insists, must meet the standards his customers expect.
Working with fire and sharp tools often leaves Yong’s hands nicked and scarred, but he shrugs it off as part of the job.
“If you’re careless, it’s easy to get injured. That’s why you must always be careful and focused. Over time, you get used to the pain,” he said.
What truly drives him, Yong stressed, is passion: without it, he believes, few would have the patience or resilience to continue this demanding craft.
“I’ll keep working as long as I have orders and the strength to do it,” he said, adding that he has no plans to retire soon.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have anyone to inherit this trade because my children are not interested. They see the job as rough and dangerous.”