Demand for ‘black gold’ soars

Ready for the gates of hell: Shop assistant Angeli Choo showing the black gold at her shop in Rangoon Road, Penang. (Left) Volunteers assembling the Tai Su Yeah effigy in Bukit Mertajam. — K.T.GOH/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Blocks of charcoal dubbed “black gold” are in huge demand throughout the month-long Phor Thor celebrations (Hungry Ghost Festival).

Prayer paraphernalia shop owner Teh Guan Heng said black gold is considered an auspicious item that can be auctioned off at dinners organised by a Phor Thor committee.