Elangovathi ironing her customers’ laundry. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: The operator of a 100-year-old traditional Indian dhoby outlet in Jalan Sibilin here, the only one of its kind left standing, is worried about its continued existence.
K. Elangovathi, 75, said an international school behind had started building a carpark on the site where she dries clothes.“Construction started this month and it has been quite challenging for me as there have been power and water supply disruptions. Now I have to dry the laundry on the other side of our outlet. I hope the carpark project can be halted.
“Up to last year, there were two dhoby here. The owner stopped operating after falling ill and he has since moved in with his son.”
Elangovathi said she took over her husband’s dhoby business after he died three years ago at the age of 76, adding that he was the fourth generation of dhoby wallahs (traditional Indian washerman).
“I am now relying on my sister-in-law, S. Susila, 65, for support.”
Despite her age, Elangovathi remains committed to her work, operating the business six days a week from 9am to 5pm.
“I still want to continue this traditional and century-old trade, which was brought here from India. People still seek our services,” she said, adding that she learnt the tricks of the trade from her husband.
Toiling away: (Left) Susila washing her patrons’ laundry by hand at the dhoby house in Silibin. Elangovathi ironing her customers’ laundry. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
“I am also happy that one of our children has expressed interest in taking over the business.”
She added that the dhoby started operating in 1924.
When contacted, Wesley Methodist School Ipoh (International) principal Choong Wai Seng said that about 0.14ha of land had been allocated for the construction of the carpark.
“We received approval from the Ipoh City Council to build the carpark in October last year. The carpark can help ease traffic flow after school hours.
“The location also has a ponding issue, which attracts mosquitoes and snakes,” he said.
The city council has yet to respond to queries.
