Kelang Leather’s journey: Once a Klang tannery, now a one-stop leather crafting hub in PJ
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Do you like the look and feel of leather? Have you always wanted to try making something f...
Kelang Leather, a 43-year-old homegrown brand in Malaysia, has transformed from one of the last working tanneries in the country to a premier leather crafting hub in Petaling Jaya (PJ). The company was founded in 1983 by its founder and former tannery manager, Wong Shang Teck, who started the business as a tannery in Pandamaran, Klang.
Ann Wong, now the managing director of Kelang Leather, and her brother Alec Wong, the marketing director, grew up working at the tannery, learning the craft and honing their skills. They took over the business in 2020 after their father retired, and have since expanded Kelang Leather's offerings to include leather products, tools, care items, and handmade goods.
Initially, Kelang Leather operated as a tannery, specializing in the liming process that turned hides into leather. Over time, they started importing wet blue hides and mass-producing leather goods for local makers of shoes, wallets, bags, and belts. In the 2000s, they shifted focus to leather finishing work, and in 2018 they completely stopped operating their tannery due to manpower issues.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Ann started selling leather and crafting kits online, which helped the business survive financially. In 2024, Kelang Leather opened a retail store and workshop space in Zebra Square, Kuala Lumpur, and has since shifted to a retail model while offering leather crafting classes. The company now boasts a new logo designed by Alec, featuring six spokes representing the six family members involved in the business.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
