In an era when it is often easier to buy something new than to fix what is broken, a group of eco-conscious volunteers gathered one Saturday morning to prove that “damaged” does not mean “destined for the bin”.
Armed with toolboxes and sewing kits, the group hosted the Friends Craft Cooperative’s inaugural “Small Fixes” event.
The initiative at Petaling Jaya Industrial Park, Selangor, offered free repair services and hands-on lessons to breathe new life into household items, from
wobbly wooden chairs and worn-out bags to faulty electrical appliances.
The volunteers aimed to reduce waste and encourage others to do the same.
“Repair is one of the most effective ways to reduce resource extraction.
“It also helps people become less dependent on large and exploitative businesses.
“Economically, it opens up opportunities for craftsmen, especially in a shift toward degrowth,” he said.
Teoh added that the initiative served as a platform for collaboration with like-minded partners, giving the public a space to learn, appreciate and develop skills that contribute to building a better world together.
On the cooperative itself, Teoh said they aspired to provide a space for craftsmen to practise their skills.
“I like woodworking. As a crafter, I know how difficult it can be in the beginning.
“Everything is expensive – the space, tools and the search for knowledge.
“So, I created this cooperative to offer an affordable space I wished I had when I was starting out,” he said.
Hands-on mending
About 250 people turned up to get their damaged items fixed, and while some just dropped off their items, many stayed to learn the ropes.
There were three dedicated sections, namely woodworking, sewing and electronics.
At the woodworking section, volunteer Dev Naresh, who honed his skills under Teoh at the cooperative, was busy mending stools and chairs brought in by the public.
“Most items were either wobbly or had broken legs, which were relatively easy to fix with some glue and the right fastening techniques.
“Most people told us the items had been sitting unused in a corner for a long time,” he said.
Dev, who has a passion for various forms of art, said he never tried woodworking before joining the cooperative.
“I am privileged to have a fellow craftsman who provides hands-on guidance.
“Now, I am able to make and repair furniture on my own.”
In the sewing circle, volunteers helped mend tears in clothes and bags.
Among the visitors was university student Amalia Rosdi, 32, from Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
She brought a cherished top and two cloth bags.
“One of my favourite tops has several holes in it.
“I’m trying to adopt a minimalist lifestyle and make sustainable and environmentally friendly choices.
“This top was purchased from a thrift shop and already had a hole in it, but I still decided to buy it,” she said, adding that the top was comfortable and she wore it often.
“It has more holes now and I tried mending it on my own without success, so I kept wearing it despite the holes.
“Here, I’m learning the right techniques to patch the holes,” she added.
The electronics section was equally busy.
“When repairing electrical items, you need the proper tools to open these appliances without causing damage.
“Some people may not have the necessary tools or know how to open them without damaging the casing,” he said.
See said a school trip to a landfill left a lasting impression on his younger self.
“The landfill was enormous and the smell was terrible.
“I never wanted to contribute to that waste.
“Since then, I have always tried to repair broken items rather than throw them away,” he said, adding that he also volunteered as a way to meet new people and learn new skills.
For university student Ally Addnatasshia Ammy Adrian, 24, from Sarawak, the session was a revelation.
Ally said a cat feeder she bought online had stopped working and she wanted to get it fixed.
“I thought the motor had failed but it was the fuse.
“Now that I know which part to replace, I am trying to see if I can get the spare part online,” she said.
The event also featured a clothes exchange, where visitors could bring pieces to exchange with others for free.
Professional touch
There were also two much-sought-after professional services – a cobbler and a knife sharpener – offered for a fee.
Cobbler Muhammad Husni M. Hussein, who usually operates from the Happy Mansion sidewalk in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, said he received many requests to mend shoes.
Although he said most shoes could be repaired, he advised that some were not worth repairing unless they had sentimental value.
“There is much demand for cobbler services.
“It is important to keep the prices affordable to make sure people have the option to repair and reuse footwear.
“Usually, I will advise the owner accordingly,” he said.
Knife sharpener Loh Yiren, who operates The Polished Edge from a mobile van, said while he could sharpen almost any type of blade, he would advise customers to invest in good-quality knives.
“All knives will become blunt with regular use, but better-quality knives are made from tougher steel, so their sharpness lasts longer.
“Lower-quality knives are usually made from softer steel, which becomes blunt more quickly and needs to be sharpened more often.
“Since the price for sharpening a knife is the same regardless of its quality, I usually advise customers to invest in better-quality knives,” Loh said.
He added that some of his customers gave him their old knives to donate to non-governmental organisations supporting underprivileged women.
