08Early-rising customers get watches
repaired at a shop. Though huge malls
now boast upscale brands, locals still
prefer old-timers’ services10The sun shines through pillars flanking
a Chinese medical store, just open for
business. These ubiquitous shops are
dotted throughout the city09A wall in the workshop of a Chinese Ghost
Festival doll maker. Many Chinese operate
businesses out of their homes and work
morning to night during peak periods09
01
Reading the news is a common routine
for older residents. Come morning, every
corner of Malacca seems inhabited by an
old man and his paper
02
A man dutifully conducts prayers along
Jonker Walk. Among Chinese, it is
customary to offer incense in front of
family houses or shops for blessings
before the day begins
03
A carpenter reads the paper in his
workshop during a quiet period before
business picks up
04An early customer visits the barber, who
ends the service with an ear-cleaning
session. Such services are only offered at
old shops – never at modern hairdressers05An old woman pushes her bicycle up
sloped streets to cross a bridge06Malacca’s last tin maker clears his
shopfront for the day ahead07A blacksmith shows off his old profile
story in the local newsPICTURESQUE