At 81, Jerantut locksmith Ah See still opens shop every day
Chong Ah See, who took up the trade more than 45 years ago, says he has never depended on his seven children and will keep working while he has the strength.
JERANTUT – At 81, when most people his age are enjoying retirement with their families, Chong Ah See still opens his shop every day to earn a living as a locksmith, a trade he took up more than 45 years ago.
Operating as Jaffa Marketing Enterprise along Jalan Tahan here, Ah See continues to make all manner of keys, making him one of the longest-serving locksmiths in the town.
He said the trade was not merely a source of income but had become part of his life since he began as a young man.
“I have been doing this work for more than 45 years. As long as I still have the energy, I will keep working because this is my livelihood,” he told Utusan Malaysia. (Translated from Malay)
Charges start at RM5
Ah See said his charges for cutting keys start as low as RM5, while certain keys can cost more than RM60 depending on the type and level of difficulty.
He does not, however, accept orders for safe keys, as the job requires specialised skills he does not have.
Not dependent on his children
Born on 5 May 1945 in Kampung Baru, Jerantut, he said he was blessed with seven children but had never relied on them to get by.
“I can still earn my own keep. There is no need to ask my children for money. As long as I have the strength, I will keep working,” he said.
Ah See, who rents his shop for about RM300 a month, said he was grateful that the business still covered his daily needs.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
