Burning desire for creature comforts


30 March 2012 | last updated at 11:41PM

By OLIVIA MIWIL AND JOELLE CHEONG|PETALING JAYA|streets@nstp.com.my 

DEATH WISH:As Qing Ming nears, shoppers are spoilt for choice as they go for the latest ‘gadgets’ and ‘must-haves’ for their dearly departed

PARAPHERNALIA  for Qing Ming  is enjoying brisk sales as the festival nears. These items are burnt as offering  for the dead   so that they are well taken care of in the netherworld. 
 Jeffrey Te, who runs Joo Hing Trading  in  Petaling Jaya Old Town, said the "horse-racing club" and "gymnasium" were the best-sellers for Qingming which falls on April 4 this year.

 "The 'gymnasium', which has 'workout machines' and 'sauna' facility, was snapped up like hot cakes within a few days," he said.

 Other new items  are the "Panasonic 3D television" which comes with three "3D glasses". Surprisingly, there is also  the "iPhone 5" available for those who are techno savvy.

 There are also "Chinese smoking pipes", "bedroom furniture", "dentures" and  petrol station."  Papier-mache items for children are also on sale.

 Te  mentioned that the merchandise came  from China and also produced locally.

 "Although local products are cheaper,  made-in-China items are meticulous in their details," he said.

 Another shop, Yow Kei Trading, here has sold out its Malaysian hell bank notes.

 Shop owner Chong Swee Ching said a set of the "RM100 notes" was sold at RM3.90.

 "We also have life-size 'mahjong tables' with 'chairs', and also 'golf sets'."

 At Chong's shop, "carbonated drinks" and "Old Town white coffee" are also on sale.

 A regular customer named Jiang said she bought the paraphernalia to show her filial piety  to her ancestors.

 "Normally, I will buy the  items according to my budget, and not  buy those expensive  items just to show off.

 "Sincerity is not measured by the price tag  of the items," she added.

 Another customer, who wished to be known as  Fatt, bought some items for his late  parents and wife.

 "I purchased some 'clothes' and 'shoes' for them," he added.

 Fatt said he would buy the items come Qing Ming every year for his dearly departed  to show his love for them.

 The 41-year-old Lim said he would certainly purchase the hell money for his mother.

 "Other than that, I will buy 'things' which she loved when alive," he said.  "Since my mother loved to make up, I have also bought  traditional
burning
Automobiles running out of gas can fuel up at the Hell petrol station. Pix by Olivia Miwil

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