More Than A Burning Residue
J-on
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Thursday, July 11, 2013
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Trip to discover where charcoals come from
By Jasmine Koh Khai Wen
“Let’s have a barbeque party this
weekend!”
Does that sound familiar?
Without any doubt, it is one of the
most common phrases used by today’s youngsters to make their Saturdays or
Sundays well-spent.
The most important elements which
ensure a classic barbeque party can be carried out are indeed, charcoals.
From the local stores located
within the resident’s area to huge supermarkets, charcoals can be very easily
obtained. However, how many have the knowledge about how or where do charcoals
come from?
On the 7th of July 2013,
the Committee Service Society organized a trip to a charcoal factory, located
at Kuala Sepetang, a few miles away from Taiping, to allow students to have a
better understanding of the origins of charcoals, and who are the ones behind
the production of the main contributors of the youngsters’ favorite past-time.
The journey to the destination took
approximately 2 long hours. Games were played to make the journey more enjoyable.
Participants were welcomed by Mr
Chuah, the legal heir of the charcoal factory, who took over the production of
charcoals after his father.
“The factory has a history of 60
years and I have been running it for the past 35 years,” he said.
Participants were guided, step by
step, by Mr Chuah for a clear view of how charcoal is made, beginning from a
mangrove’s trunk into a black residue of carbon.
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Mr Chuah giving explanations to the students.
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“People think charcoals are made
through the burning process, that’s not true, to be precise, charcoals are
produced through smoldering,” said Mr Chuah.
The crowd was informed that
manpower is the only thing that allows the charcoals to be produced in the
factory. There is no innovated technology or machinery being used throughout
the whole process.
Mr Chuah performed a few skills
needed to produce charcoals. He had also insisted that the participants try
their hand in doing what he performed.
He said, “As long as you have
experience, you will have no fear.”
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Mr Chuah performing how the work is done.
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Students have the opportunity try their hand in the
charcoal making process.
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Mr Chuah led the participants into the
main section of the factory where six igloo-like kilns built from bricks can be
seen. These kilns are used for the six different stages of charcoal production.
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Worker, Mr Lim, moving the mangrove trunks into one
of the igloo-like kiln.
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Participants were clearly intrigued by Mr Chuah as
everyone listened tentatively to his explanations despite the scorching
environment.
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Participants paying full attention to Mr Chuah.
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“Learn from the older people, they
are wise. Their life is tough, but they never give up, they are happy and
satisfy with it.” said Mr Chuah, when asked to advise the younger generations. He
was referring to his loyal and effective workers who have been working for him
for years.
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| Couple who has been working for Mr Chuah since 35 years ago. The packaging of charcoals. |
After getting their souvenirs and saying goodbye, the troupe left for lunch. Students were given two hours’ time to have their lunch before heading to the next destination.
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| Oil made from charcoal. Effective to stop irritated skin for being itchy. |
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| Piece of charcoal as decorative accessories. |
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| Group picture with Mr Chuah before leaving the factory. |
A quick visit to the famous Taiping
lake afterwards gave the participants an opportunity to take memorable pictures
with the breathtaking scenery as background.
At the end of the day, the journey
to discover the truth behind charcoal making came to a successful and
enlightening end.
