Wooden clogs, known as terompah in Malay, hold a significant place in Malaysian culture. These traditional wooden shoes were common items in many households during the 1970s. The process of making terompah involves woodcutting, nailing, and painting. Despite their practicality, clogs face challenges due to competition from modern shoes.
Clogs can be worn by both men and women. Straight-sided clogs are meant for men, while those with inward-curving sides are for women. They are particularly useful for wet surfaces, such as when washing clothes, working in kitchens, or using bathrooms.
Recently, we revisited a small wooden shop tucked away in an alley of Kampung Jawa in Melaka. It was easy to spot this shop. First, because it was uniquely small. Second, because the door was blue. Third, you could see the finished terompah hung in the middle of the shop.
Meet Auntie Tham Fong Ling, 64, who inherited the shop from her father, also a clog maker. According to Auntie Tham, the shop is almost 100 years old. Using traditional tools like wooden mallets and iron hammers, she is one of the few remaining clog makers in Malaysia, still in business but struggling to keep going as demand drops.
Despite this, Auntie Tham is determined to continue making clogs for as long as she can. Most orders, she said, come from souvenir sellers and individuals. Traditionally, Chinese people often wore these wooden sandals for walks, while Malays used them in mosques and prayer halls. However, they are not well known among the younger generation today.
This was our third or fourth visit to Auntie Tham’s shop. Our first visit was in November 2022. For those interested in visiting, the shop is located near Restoran Line Clear Kg Jawa. While you’re there, you can explore the area further! So many interesting places are within walking distance.
Drop by Kafe Tuju for their Padang Bowl, and then head to Sin See Tai (新时代) and The Curious Bakers for their delicious coffees and donuts. Thank you for reading. More pictures on Facebook and Instagram.
