Mr. Kuah, whose full name is Kuah Leong Chuan, has been a tombstone carver for over 50 years in Kuala Selangor. Currently, he is working on his own at Pekan Kuala Selangor. Originally from China, his ancestors began making tombstones in the late 1800s. It was later passed on to their generation, until now.
His family started the business by only making Chinese tombstones, along with the other families as well. Years later, only Mr. Kuah's family remains in that small town that made the tombstone. Due to the increasing number of Malay people, his father began making Muslim tombstones. In addition, they learned how to write in Jawi. “It’s not that hard to learn Jawi. It’s on us after all." Mr. Kuah stated during an interview at his family's shop. He had caught the attention of the local media and tourists because of his unique talent for making the Muslim tombstone and his ability to write in Jawi.
There are lots of stones that can be used to make gravestones, but only a few can last. Mr. Kuah only makes the Muslim tombstone using granite because he claims that it will last longer than the other stone. “The granite stone will not only last longer but they can ‘grow’ too”, he added. The range of prices for the gravestone starts at RM100 and above.
