By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Jan 10: Third-generation tinsmith Ho Chin Hin, or Ah Hin as he is known, admits that he will probably be the last in his family to operate the business started by his grandfather Ho Khee Nyen, who arrived in Kuching from China in the early 20th century.
Ah Hin, 69, inherited the century-old Ho Nyen Foh business at Bishopsgate Street. He revealed that there are probably one or two tinsmiths in the vicinity in the profession that he categorised as a sunset industry.
He said in those days when their craft was in demand and working side-by-side with his late father, Ho Shui Nam, the sound of clanging tin was deafening.
“I do not miss the sound then, but reminiscing back to those years, it was a sweet echo to the ear. It is just a memory, and now, the only sound is the hissing noise of my gas stove heating my soldering tools to join the metal together,” he told DayakDaily.
Ah Hin, who has been a tin smith for 51 years, lamented that his seven siblings did not take up their father’s profession nor are his children following in his footsteps.
“Only my wife helps me in the workshop, and she manages the business while I focus on my craft at the workshop,” he revealed.
Ah Hin said their shop makes postboxes, coffee scoops, containers, measuring gauges, cooking containers for boiling water or noodles with or without stand holders, and many more assorted containers.
“I remember in my early years, I used to make metal containers that we modified to be comfortable backpacks for my Iban customers from Betong and Sri Aman.
“These customers told me that the metal container is more durable and lasts longer than their rotan or bamboo container when they wanted to carry goods in it.
“I remember they came to our shop to order such containers as they stayed at the nearby lodging house along Jalan Main Bazaar.”
Ah Hin reminisced how Bishopsgate Street used to teem with crowds as people bought all sorts of metal containers made by the tinsmiths.
“Our craftwork and products were in demand, and as years have gone by, with technology and other materials used, we are now a nearly forgotten industry.”
He said these days, the business has fewer customers and walk-ins.
“We still get orders from other towns in Sarawak, from coffee shops, and for those items needed in kitchens. Our most sought-after product is the cooking container (to boil water or noodles) which we always have in stock,” he disclosed.
The jovial Ah Hin, who grew up in Bishopsgate Street, loves his workshop and craft and does not get bored with his work.
“Ever since I was a teenager involved in the profession, I love to handle the tools I use in my trade, to cut, to shape, to solder, until the tin becomes an object that gives conveniences to the end users.
“Customers who come are always satisfied and come to us for repairs or to buy a new one. I will only stop doing this craft work when it is time.”
Ah Hin appreciated the fact that he is in a profession he inherited from his grandfather and father.
“We are also proud that the government, their agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) acknowledge our contributions to Sarawak and society.
“Bishopsgate Street and its history will always be here. Even when we are gone, we hope the place can still echo the legacy we left for future generations and visitors,” he said.
Ho Nyen Foh is at No. 16 Bishopsgate Street, Kuching. It operates daily from 8am to 4pm, and is closed on Sunday. — DayakDaily
