Koh Sin Hock repairs damaged schoolbags and breathes life into old ones, saving parents the cost of new school bags.
MALACCA: Every year before the new school session begins, Koh Sin Hock, 68, affectionately known as “bag doctor”, will have requests aplenty to fulfil.
With the spiralling cost of new school bags that many parents cannot afford, some have turned to artisans like Koh to repair damaged schoolbags or make old ones look new again.
Koh who has been in the trade for 38 years, sees his services increasingly in demand especially in this current sluggish economic situation.
He has two such bag repair outlets, namely in Kampung Jawa, here, which he runs himself and in Bukit Piatu, also here, which his wife Yong Yoon Yin operates with their eldest son, Darrious Koh.
The father of five said his work as a bag repair artisan was challenging and required immense patience, since he mended all kinds of bags from purses and wallets to chunky luggage.
“I usually suggest to my customers to repair what is necessary first, depending on the damage and their budget because I know many come to me to save costs instead of buying a new bag.
“Whether it’s a cheap bag or branded one, I will regard it as my own and will repair it to the customer’s satisfaction,” he said.
Koh mends holes in bags, scratches, as well as broken slings or handles. Incidentally Koh also has tailoring skills and sews jeans.
One of Koh’s loyal customers, Wahid Abdul Rahman, 62, who has been sending his bags and those of his employer to Koh for repair for over 20 years now, and said Koh’s charges were reasonable.
“His stitching is also neat and tidy and this makes me want to continue seeking his services,” said Wahid, who works as a driver.
Shahiran Zainal, 39, who sent a bag of his costing RM1,000 for repairs for the first time, said he learnt about Koh from a friend.
“I am satisfied with the outcome as it has saved me from buying a new bag and it looks new after the repair job,” he said, looking pleased.
Koh’s outlets operate from 11am to 4.30pm.
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