Poh keeps an old trade turning in Sandakan

Poh Kim Tong, a 70-year-old locksmith, continues to practice his trade in Sandakan after more than four decades. He moved to the city from Sungai Petani, Kedah in 1979 and built a locksmith business with his wife, Lim Chun Hiong. The small shop supported the family and their children's education until they pursued careers in Kota Kinabalu.

Despite changes in the trade, Poh continues to cut keys for homes, cars, and motorcycles at prices ranging from RM3 to RM10. While technology has made the work faster, Poh notes that one of his machines is over 38 years old. He worries about the younger generation's lack of interest in learning the trade due to perceived difficulties.

However, Poh's loyalty to his customers remains a driving force, as some have been visiting his shop for decades. One such customer, Selvia Ben, 46, has been coming with her mother since childhood, trusting Poh for all her key-cutting needs. Despite the shifting landscape, Poh remains committed to his craft as long as people continue to seek his services.