HUN LENG HEONG HANG: Dragon joss sticks factory

I was searching for places to explore around Port Weld or Kuala Sepetang, and I came across this giant joss stick factory. Checking the distance on the map, it did not seem far from where we were planning to stay for the night. Somehow, I came across the name Hun Leng Heong Hang and when I typed it into Waze, I was brought straight to this factory! 

This factory is situated on the same road after you pass the Matang Museum, on the right. No signboard. No banner. No name. Or, at least I did not notice one.

Nevertheless, you won't miss it. From the road, you will notice a temple-like house and the surrounding are filled with giant joss sticks.

This giant joss stick factory is run by someone named Tan Seow Kheng whose parents originated from Guangzhou, China. Joss stick making skills were passed down at a young age.

These joss sticks are burnt as offerings to Chinese gods during special occasion. They are used in Chinese religious ceremonies especially the Chinese New Year, birthdays of gods and Chinese festivals like the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. The fragrance emitted is said to be pleasing to the gods and the smoke is a signal to the gods that an offering is being made.  

The workshop

Stocks of joss sticks all ready made

Joss sticks here are made from a paste originated from a local tree named Kayu Teja or Wild Cinnamon Tree.

A special powder is made from ground chips and bark of kayu teja. When mixed with water, a sticky dough is produced. The dough is first compressed by machines and then stretched through metal rollers to the required thickness. Kinda like making cinnamon rolls in a giant way!!!

Dough is compressed

Dough is stretched 

Play dough!

Dough is shaped on a metal mould on cement slabs

These pillar joss sticks are made of 20% sawdust and 80% kayu teja dough

These giant joss sticks cost about RM600 each

Worker quarters

Spray-painting the joss sticks

There are 2 types of main colors used for painting of these joss sticks:

1) Bright colors like red and yellow are for celebrations like Chinese New Year or the Nine Emperor Gods Festival

2) Dark colors like black and blue are for the Hungry Ghosts Festival

Hand-painted as well

Joss sticks are a type of incense and in this case, these are giant-sized incense. Burning joss sticks for the Chinese people is a ritual to pray for blessings. They are also burned to commemorate important occasions such as festivals and prayers.  The smoke of a burning incense is a symbol of prayer of the faithful rising to the heavens.