Wednesday March 30, 2011

‘Quality’ products latest offerings for Qing Ming

JOHOR BARU: Products like whisky, abalone, ginseng, oysters and fish maw are the latest to be introduced as offerings for Qing Ming (Chinese All Souls Day).

Unlike the real thing, however, these paper products cost only RM8 per piece.

K.H. Tan, who runs a shop selling prayer paraphernalia here, said these products were much sought after by those looking for premium items for their deceased loved ones.

“Besides burning paper massage chairs, electronic products, hell notes and clothes, customers can now offer food to the deceased.

For the afterlife: Tan holding the premium products and a set of luxury watches at his shop in Taman Johor Jaya.

“Even the dead have to take care of their health in the afterlife. That's why I believe such products are so popular among customers this year.”

Tan, 40, said relatives of the deceased who had a taste for the finer things in life could also opt to offer them a set of luxury watches.

“Families can pay their respects by burning a set of eight luxury watches along with other must-have items such as clothes, accessories and bungalow houses. Some spent up to thousands of ringgit to buy the prayer items,” he said at his shop in Taman Johor Jaya here recently.

Tan said some of the prayer items were brought in from Muar and Ipoh but most were imported from China.

“Business is slower this year compared with previous years as prices of these items have increased by about 15%.

“But I'm confident sales will pick up a week before Qing Ming on Tuesday,” he added.

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