Blessed with the availability of raw material such as ball clay and kaolin Perak was the hub for ceramic industry. It started in the early 40s with the production of ceramic latex cups used in the rubber plantations.
Flower pots then came into the scene in the 70s as an important product using modified hydraulic presses and small wood fired kilns.The factory progressed to using more sophisticated machineries.Overall the industry continued to be operated as small family owned businesses located along Jalan Kuala Kangsar until late 80s.
As it progressess pollution became an issue for the residential area nearby.
The government together with the association (PCIA)that was formed in 1984 decided to build the ceramic park in Chepor and it was an important milestone for the industry.It was built in 1991.
The industry reached its high during the period between 1997 and 2001..It was a money spinner at that time with demands from UK,Denmark and other western countries. Most of the pottery factories are in Perak and even other states buys from Perak.In fact 90 percent of the pottery production originates from Perak.
Fast forward to now and it is a different scenario.In fact these factories had dwindled down about ten years ago.What used to be 40 factories had become 20.
I met and spoke with Ah Bee from Yuk Sung factory who is a major player in this business and his factory is in Bercham.
"Sekalang banyak susah." (Now it is difficult)
Ah Bee's factory began from scratch at jalan Kuala Kangsar more than 30 years ago and he is lucky to be able to sustain his business.
His factory supplies to all States in Malaysia on a daily basis. He exports to Denmark and UK.He must be making money but he tried to be modest and said 'cukup makan'(just enough)
The special clay and kaolin found only in certain areas of the Kinta Valley is slowly diminishing and this is what the factory owners are worried about.
I then met and talked with Datuk Gan,chairman of FMM.We discussed about the plight of the ceramic industry in Perak which includes the 'labu sayong' in the Kuala Kangsar district.
The problem that started about ten years ago according to Datuk Gan is because of gas.They need gas as fuel for the oven but gas was not coming into Kinta Valley and so the government has to do something about the gas.Datuk Gan said that if the government could push for the approval of budget to lay the gas pipes to Chepor Ceramic Industry Park,the problem of fuel shortage would be resolved.
The pottery manufacturers are currently using special industrial oil,the Refined Fuel Oil or Recycled Engine Oil.However ,as it is an open market,PCIA(ceramic association) members are facing shortage of supply and strong competition from other states and even countries like China and Indonesia that could offer to pay higher for the oil.
Labu Sayong is very attractive to tourist and could boost the tourism industry in Perak.They should remain as cottage industries in the village of Sayong but they can double their income by learning to sell online like e-bay for instance.
Another problem is lack of skilled workers.Lack of workers be it local or foreign is a problem for the ceramic industries.Locals are creative but they have no way of channeling their creativity and this is when the government should step in and help this industry. The market is there but they need help.
To add to their woes these pottery factories has to compete with Vietnam,China and Thailand.Vietnam is selling cheap ceramics and some of the shops along Kuala Kangsar road are importing from Vietnam.Comparatively, our clay for pottery are better than China so we can still export our potteries.
So the bottom line here as we can see is for the government to step in and boost this industry again.It used to be our pride,Ipoh pots are the best and very cheap too.Labu sayong is still a tourist attraction but they need to go a step up by selling online.
Such is the story of our ceramic industry and thank you FMM for the information.
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