Uncle Chan, or Api, has worked at his traditional parang workshop in Kuala Selangor since his youth, inheriting the trade from his late father.
Over the years, he has enjoyed a throng of multiracial customers and admirers mostly made up of farmers, weapon collectors and enthusiasts. According to Uncle Chan, a large parang, from the furnace to the sharpening of the blade, takes about three to four hours to complete. A good, large blade will cost about RM50-RM60.
At 76 years old, Uncle Chan is part of a shrinking pool of traditional craftsmen who are slowly going extinct in the 21st century. None of his children will continue the trade when he retires.
