Dragon joss sticks: a fragrant tapestry weaving tradition, spiritual reverence

Ong said he was only 22 when he took over the joss stick factory in Bukit Mertajam in Penang, which was built by his grandfather Ong Ah Kaw more than 60 years ago. Photo: Bernama

Dragon joss stick makers are among the busiest people with the approaching of the Chinese New Year (CNY) as they work non-stop to keep up with the increasing orders for the prayer paraphernalia.

Ong Chin Chye, 64, who runs a traditional dragon joss stick factory in Kubang Semang - a small village in Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai in Penang - said he received orders for 10,000 dragon joss sticks of various sizes for this CNY celebration, which is a two or threefold increase than in previous years.