Tailored for the job

GOLDEN Attire and Company (Golden AC) is the oldest tailor shop in Seremban.

Established in 1959, it is situated in the middle of Jalan Bandar Tunggal, formerly named Birch Road.

The trunk road is the busiest since it connects Seremban with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Golden AC which has stood the test of time still thrives with the oldest tailor in town Chen Mah Lian.

The 76-year-old Chen’s wife Leong Nyuk Moy died in 1991 at the age of 58 due to diabetes.

They have three sons as well as three daughters, all of whom are married, blessing him with 19 grandchildren.

He was born in Kwantung, China, and came to Malaysia when he was three years old with his parents and studied in SJK(C) Pei Hua in Seremban.

Most of the customers are Malays, Indians and Chinese and even the former Yang di-Pertuan Besar Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman used to sew coats and suits at the shop.

Chen, who speaks Mandarin and Malay said: “Initially I learnt tailoring in Kuala Lumpur for two years before venturing into this business.

“I have also trained 10 young men who have now opened up their own shops.

“We sew coats and suits, batik shirts, Baju Melayu, Safari Jacket and hospital uniforms.

“My eyesight is still good and I keep fit with an hour of brisk walking at the Seremban Lake Gardens every day at 6am,” said Chen.

True to the saying “The apple does not fall far from the tree”, his son Chen Thian Leong, 55, is helping him to run the business.

The shop is closed on Sundays.

Thian Leong, who learnt the trade 19 years ago, said: “We are busiest during Hari Raya and wedding seasons.