No dial tone: photographer captures the sad demise of public phone booths

A close-up detail of Chong's photograph 'Tunku Adibah' (digital print on archival paper, 2018). Photos: Chong Kok Choon

"Telefon ini boleh digunakan" (this phone can be used), says the sign - except not really. The phone isn’t even there.

It was not that long ago when telephone booths were not just everywhere, but a public amenity that was put to good use. Today, you would be hard-pressed to find one, much less one in working condition.