Since 1931: Amirul (right) and his colleague taking a wefie with the factory’s workers in Skudai. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: A huge image of a pineapple is seen on its beige facade, but apart from that, it appears like any other nondescript building at a glance.
Yet, people have been flocking to this 92-year-old pineapple factory in Skudai here to take pictures after word went around about its supposed closure.
They are seeking a slice of history, especially those prone to nostalgia.
“Growing up, I would pass by this factory. The building is quite iconic,” said data controller Amirul Hafiz Hasbolah, 29.
He said there is talk about the factory ceasing operations soon.
“So, my colleague and I decided to take some photos as mementos. Coincidentally, I wore a blue T-shirt that is a similar colour to the factory uniform. Some of the workers even agreed to pose for photos with me,” he said.
Private tutor Sherlyn Teh, 35, was among those who also stopped by to capture images of the factory with her mother last weekend.
“The canned drinks and cut pineapples produced by the factory are staples of my family’s Chinese New Year celebrations,” she said.
The news about its apparent closing has saddened her family.
“We feel sad as it is an iconic structure that has stood against the test of time and even the war,” she said, referring to the Second World War.
A security guard at the factory, V. Velu, said many people had been stopping by to take photos of the exterior.
“There was also a surge in people coming to ask about the products, hoping to buy the remaining stock. But canned drinks are sold out at the moment,” said Velu, 70.
Factory worker Tan Yee Yoong, 73, said she has been working there since she was 18 years old.
“I left my hometown in Kuala Lumpur to work here based on a relative’s recommendation. Back then, my pay was not more than RM300.
“I sometimes cannot believe that I have worked here for 55 years. My experience here has been enjoyable and most of my colleagues have also worked here for decades.
“We heard about the closure but we have yet to receive an official notice, so I will continue working until then,” said Tan.
All the speculation about its closure has left her feeling heavy-hearted, she added.
Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau recently quoted an unnamed management employee from the pineapple processing company as saying that the 92-year-old plant will shut its doors as it gradually phases out pineapple cultivation and switches to oil palm.
A staff member at the factory told The Star that she is unable to confirm if the business would shut soon.
“All matters pertaining to this will only be released by our headquarters. So far, we have not received any official notice,” she said.
It is stated on its official website that the family business has been growing pineapples since 1931.
