From the locals: A furniture maker’s story of the Old Klang Road Chong Yon Yam (67), rattan furniture maker living in OKR for more than 40 years. By Ng Pau Ling pauline@thestar.com.my Chong Yon Yam, 67 Occupation: rattan furniture maker Years of living in OKR: more than 40 years i n a modest old wooden house in Batu 3 Old Klang Road that one might easily miss out, lies the workshop of a rattan furniture maker named Chong Yon Yam (67).
Chong was born in Negeri Sembilan but moved to Old Klang Road in his early 20s to become an apprentice furniture maker.
He then settled down in this place and witnessed the transformation of the oldest trunk road in Kuala Lumpur to become one of the property hotspots in Klang Valley.
Bustle, crowded and rapid development ——are the adjectives Chong used to describe Old Klang Road.
“In the old days, this area is occupied by wooden houses.
However, old buildings started to be torn down since the last decade, while the mushrooming of high-rise buildings has breathed a new life into the place,” said Chong.
He added that the 11km long Old Klang Road is also known for its extreme traffic congestion during the peak hour.
However, for him, the congestion is a sign of a strong economy and incoming business opportunities.“We are fronting the main road, in slow moving traffic, it creates a chance for people to notice our place,” said Chong.
Busy weaving a rattan chair, he added that Old Klang Road is located not far away from the city centre, which consists of residents with stronger spending power, benefitting the surrounding businesses.
“The surrounding community is willing to spend money on their lifestyle; thus my business here is considered quite good.
” Besides handmade rattan furniture, the shop is also providing furniture refurnishing, repairs and upholstery services.
The rattan furniture workshop located in Batu 3, Old Klang Road is one of the remaining old wooden structures in the vicinity..
