Born towards the end of the 19th Century and grew up in the transition from tumultuous Imperial China to the conflicting Nationalist era, my grandfather saw his parents endured hardship and difficulties in raising a stable family in the years to come. Call to a greener pasture in South Seas by friends and relatives gave him hope to pursue his ambition to find a better land to feed his family and h
elp his siblings and others too. With some change given by his father-in-law to begin a new life ahead, he took his pregnant wife and 4 children to join a group of risky sea-goers landing in a new country called Nanyang or Malaya. Civil war had broken out back home. There was no going back. Work he did, diligently. Typical characteristic of the Chinese. Grandfather was a smart man, quick with his arithmetics and business acumen. In business, he found success slowly but surely. From a mere stall selling ducks & fowls at Central Market Kuala Lumpur, he grew the business into wholesaling of all poultry in the city. When the buildings across the road was built, he bought a lot and there at number 40, Rodger Street. Chop Cheong Fatt (Cheong Fatt entity) was established. Meanwhile, he didn't forget his hometown in China. There were mouths to feed back home. He sent money to them. He sent food, clothing and extras to repair the dilapidated home. Life were still very difficult then. War has reduced food supply to everyone, ration coupons were used. Each household was allowed to buy a small portion of meat only once a week. A bag of rice every two weeks. Fresh vegetables were practically non-existent except from home-grown patch. Salt were allowed to be purchased in limited quantities too. The money and items he sent home were received with gratitude and cheers by young and old. Grandfather never stopped sending. He helped whenever he could. He made money and shared his earnings with everyone close to him and at times strangers too. He was a good family man. Chop Cheong Fatt, the business of grocery had its existence for 40 years before it was closed down. The relocation of the wet market in Central Market brought about the biggest change in business in the surroundings. Today, his granddaughter is bringing alive the name Cheong Fatt with his life-story of the trial and tribulations of yesteryears. Cheong Fatt is synonym with hope, vision, grit, endurance, perseverance, honesty & integrity in business whereas it is associated with love, passion, unity, compassion and filial in family and country. We proudly bring you a trusted brand from our fore-fathers. CHEONG FATT.
