[NON-HALAL]
Handing over the popiah to them, it is clear his customers receive more than just delicious snacks as each packet comes with a warm smile.
The humble business, known as “Stadium Popiah” has an interesting history. Speaking to FMT, 74-year-old Yeoh shared that the business was started by his father back in 1945.
“My father went around areas in Kuala Lumpur such as Brickfields and Petaling Street to sell popiah. On his shoulders, he carried a long bamboo pole with two baskets on either end,” he said.
Yeoh, the third of nine children, took turns with his two elder brothers to help their father on weekends and public holidays. He was nine years old then.
“Life was hard for us. Some of the roads were not tarred and when it rained, it got very muddy. It wasn’t easy to be a hawker back then, but my father kept on working, come rain or shine.”
In the late 1950’s, he said his father manned a popiah stall just outside Stadium Merdeka. Later he moved into the stadium’s canteen. “And that’s how our name, ‘Stadium Popiah’ came about.”
Passing the baton
Sadly, when Yeoh was 24 years old, his father met with an accident and died about three weeks later. Yeoh took over the business, assisted by his younger brothers and girlfriend, whom he later married.
“In the years after I took over, business was good as there were activities at Stadium Merdeka such as football matches and exhibitions. People dropped by for meals before and after these events,” he shared.
His one official day of rest was New Year’s Day, he said, but added that when other businesses in the canteen continued operating, he decided to keep his stall open too.
Although Yeoh used to operate his business from 9.00am to 10.00pm, as time passed, he noticed that the night crowd was growing less by the day.
“That’s because more people could afford to buy television sets for their homes. So, I started closing my stall around 6.00pm.”
Changing his business model
Over the years, Yeoh has had to go with the flow, modifying how he operated his business. He said that when the canteen closed for good, he took to selling his popiah at the various pasar malam in Petaling Garden, Subang Jaya, OUG, SS2 and Bangsar.
“It was hectic,” he said of those times. And just like he did for his father, his three children tagged along to help.
Then came the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. And Yeoh had to review how he operated business once again. Taking his eldest son’s suggestion, he shifted his business online, allowing customers to place orders via WhatsApp.
Customers could opt for either self pick-up or delivery. He did this until Covid-19 restrictions were eased. “But these days, with age catching up, I only operate at the pasar malam in OUG, SS2, and Bangsar.”
Today, Yeoh is the proud grandfather of three boys and is happy that all his kids are doing well in their respective careers.
With the passing of time, one can’t help but wonder if he has made any changes to his father’s original recipe. “Yes, I have made slight changes, but they shall remain a secret,” he said with a smile.
He added that he and his wife prepare all the ingredients, including the soft popiah skins, to ensure good quality and hygiene.
More than 70 years old and counting, but what’s next?
As Yeoh steps into 2023, what are his plans for the future? He shared his perspective – both as a father and a businessman.
“I wouldn’t encourage my children to take over my business as it is a very hard life. Instead, I am at my happiest when I see them better off than me,” he said, adding that he was leaving it up to his children to decide whether they wanted to retain or sell the business when the time comes.
For now, he is happy to keep selling popiah for the sake of his customers, some of whom have become friends.
“I want to keep serving delicious popiah to my customers for as long as I can. When they tell me that they enjoy my popiah, it keeps me going. So, I won’t retire while I can still work.
“I would like to wish my customers a happy new year. I am thankful for their support, especially those who live abroad but still take the time to visit me when they are in town.”
Enjoy Alex Yeoh’s popiahs (non-halal) at:
- SS2 pasar malam (Monday)
- OUG pasar malam (Thursday)
- Bangsar pasar malam (Sunday)
Business hours: 4.00pm onwards