Old can still be gold: “Fix-it” mentality not only easier on the pocket, but better for the environment

3 months ago 40

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By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Aug 4: After completing Form 3 in 1987, Chai Ming Boo, or Ah Boo, who liked solving problems in all things electrical back then, worked as an apprentice and an employee for an electrical contractor before venturing out on his own.

With determination, skills, knowledge and confidence, in 1995, he opened his electrical shop.

Ah Boo told DayakDaily that his former employer and elder brother, who was an electrician, spurred him to take up the profession and make it his livelihood.

“When I was 15, I was intrigued by how people made a good living from electrical services and pondered whether I could make money from this profession.

“I saw my employer was well-off and my brother was doing well. So I thought since I like solving problems I too could be like them. So there was no need to further my education,” he said.

“These days, I realise it is a decent profession where you can make a living. I have many skills and qualifications, but I focus on repairing electrical appliances that people still need and do not want to discard.”

Ah Boo revealed most of the electrical appliances he dealt with just need minor repairs and opined people do not have the right tools to fix it themselves.

“These are the people who come to me to repair. Most of the time, it (the appliance) is simple to fix. If not, the appliances need new parts, and I fix them. It is cheaper than buying new.”

He added he learned new things every day about electrical components, but his knowledge of the basics of the trade and fixing the appliance have always been there.

“I fix mainly circuit boards, backlights and electronic components that need to be changed, and nothing major. I charge reasonably for my work. So far, my customers are happy, and they become my friends.”

Ah Boo opined the services he offers benefits not just the community but is a way to sustain the environment.

He lamented that there is so much waste in the world and believed that people are often ignorant of the environment.

He believed that if people tried to fix things first rather than immediately throw them away, the amount of waste can be significantly reduced.

“If the electrical appliance still can be fixed, then (by fixing it) we save all the materials that make all their components. Of course, all these can be recycled. I am not an environmental expert but I know what I am doing contributes to saving our planet in a way,” he added.

“We buy appliances to be used and not for show. If the appliance is at fault, we should try as much to fix it, but it is up to people. I am providing such a service, and I do encourage sustainability.”

Ah Boo hoped people with old electrical appliances would think twice before simply discarding them.

“New technology has dominated people, but I am not. I care about the environment and want to help as there are a lot of waste materials. You can see at my shop there are parts from broken appliances (circuit boards). Most of it could still be reused and scavenged to repair other appliances.”

Ah Boo also provides key duplicating services. He says that people lose keys all the time and come to him to have new and duplicate keys made.

“They (customers) told me that they duplicate for family members so that they could help them look at their homes while away. Some customers need duplication because they need spares. When they duplicate their keys here, they are more careful not to lose or misplace them, to ensure the safety of their house or properties.

“I’m happy to provide these services to our community, both for the safety of our property and the sustainability of our environment.

“There are not many doing my job anymore, as people go for bigger professions. If you need these services, let “Mr. Fix It” do the job,” he said.

Ah Boo’s shop is at Ik Soon Electronic & Electrical Service Centre, BDC Commercial Centre. He is open daily from 8am to 5pm and half-day on Sunday. For more information, call 014 991 9303. — DayakDaily