Section 13: The Timber Industry · Historical Photographs
The Booming Timber Industry: Transformation and Change in Bahau's Economy
Oral accounts: Lee Guan Sheng, Jiang Wenfeng
Time passes swiftly. Looking back to the 1960s, as Bahau's economy underwent transformation, the logging industry flourished, and the development of forest resources played an important role.
Surveying the forests and determining suitable areas for extraction was the foremost task of forestry contractors. Before logging began, contractors would hire a foreman to manage the work on their behalf, known locally as a "kepala." Besides allocating manpower, the foreman had to identify timber species, carry out selective logging, plan felling methods, decide which locations and species should be cut first, and determine which trees should be left standing. Experienced foremen also had to inspect logging sites and supervise workers for oversights or deliberate failure to fell designated trees. In addition, they were responsible for machinery repairs, food supplies, arranging advances and payment of workers' wages, and other matters.
The Forest Logging Process In the 1960s, both road building and logging relied heavily on manual labour. The tools were quite simple, mainly axes, large knives (also known as "parang"), and long steel saw blades. Long steel saw blades required two people to operate them together. For trees several tens of feet high, wooden ladders had to be built so workers could stand on them to fell the trees, after which the timber was transported by ox cart. For logging workers, this was extremely arduous work.
Because transportation was difficult, most logging areas were near riverbanks. This allowed felled trees to be dragged into the water by water buffalo, tied together in a row, and floated downstream. If high-value trees measuring fifty or sixty inches in diameter, such as merbau and chengal, were felled, the income from their sale could be considerable, equivalent to half a month's wages.
From 1965 onwards, Bahau's economy flourished, and the timber industry rose rapidly, bringing opportunities for prosperity and providing many jobs. During this period, Bahau was known as the "Little Gold Mountain" and produced many millionaires.
By the 1970s, the introduction of modern tools such as chainsaws, bulldozers, transport lorries, and harvesters brought major changes to working methods. Workers sawed huge trees into lengths of timber, bulldozers pulled the timber down the slopes, and it was gathered at designated places in the forest. There, piles of timber could be seen stacked like mountains, awaiting transport out of the forest.
Booming Development of the Timber Industry: Transformation and Change in Bahau's Economy
Dictatet: AK LEE, JiangWenfeng
Time flies, and years pass by in a hurry. Tracing back to the 1960s, with the transformation of the Bahau town's economy, the timber industry flourished, and the exploitation of forest resources played an important role.
Examining the mountains and forests and finding suitable locations for exploitation is the primary task of forestry contractors. Before logging, the contractor would find a logging foreman, locally known as "Ka-Pa-La," to represent them. The foreman's responsibilities include allocating manpower, identifying the types of timber, selectively harvesting, planning the felling methods, determining the priority areas for logging, as well as deciding which types of timber to prioritize or abandon. Experienced foremen also need to inspect the logging site, supervise workers for any negligence or intentional non-compliance issues. In addition, they are responsible for handling machinery repairs, procuring food supplies, managing worker wages, loans, and disbursements, as well as impoundment and restitution matters.
Logging and Harvesting Process in the Forest In the 1960s, whether it was road construction or logging work, both heavily relied on manual labour. The tools used were very basic, primarily consisting of three types: an axe, a large knife (also known as "ba leng dao"), and a long steel saw blade. The long steel saw blade required two people to operate it manually. For trees that reached several tens of feet in height, a wooden ladder was often constructed to facilitate the felling process. Once the trees were cut down, they were transported using oxen. It was still a challenging and physically demanding job for the logging workers.
Due to the difficulties in transportation, most logging areas were situated near riverbanks. This allowed for convenient utilization of water buffaloes to drag the felled trees into the water. The trees would then be bundled together and left to float downstream with the river's current. If they managed to fell a valuable tree with a diameter of around fifty to sixty inches, such as Merbau or Cengal, the income from selling it could amount to nearly half a month's wages.
Starting from 1965, Bahau's economy began to soar, and the timber industry rapidly emerged, bringing about a vibrant development and providing numerous employment opportunities. It was once hailed as the "little gold mountain." This period gave rise to many millionaires.
The prosperous Era of the timber industry: the Golden Age of Forestry in Bahau
By the 1970s, various tools such as chainsaws, bulldozers, trucks, and harvesters had appeared in that era. Workers would saw the enormous trees into sections of timber, and bulldozers would pull these sections down the slopes, gathering the trees at specific locations within the forest. There, one could witness towering piles of timber, densely packed and eagerly awaiting transport out of the forest.
Meanwhile, Bahau gradually developed large-scale production and established plywood factories and sawmills, venturing into downstream industries. This not only increased foreign exchange earnings but also created more employment opportunities.
In the 1980s, logging operations began to mechanize, and bulldozers, commonly known as "god hands," were employed for road construction. These bulldozers had the flexibility to rotate 360 degrees. The task of transporting the trees was handled by the "Mountain Kings," referring to large diesel-powered trucks used for starting and transporting the trees. They could navigate through the forest effortlessly, earning them the title of "Mountain Kings." However, within the forest, the use of large knives, axes, and chainsaws still prevailed for logging operations.
Between 1980 and 1990, this period marked the peak prosperity of Bahau. Barber shops, bars, and karaoke lounges were found everywhere. At that time, people from other places referred to Bahau as "Little Hat Yai" or the "City That Never Sleeps." From 1988 until now, this era has become considerably advanced. Nowadays, helicopters are used for forest reconnaissance, which is not only accurate and fast but also saves time and effort, often yielding greater results with less effort.
"The Magnificent Transformation" Unfolds Bahau had many outstanding timber merchants in the forestry sector. Timber merchants from different eras made significant contributions to the production and development of Bahau. Their journeys were not easy, as they experienced the ups and downs of life. Even when faced with obstacles and challenges, they saw them as turning points in their life journeys. They stumbled and collided in adversity, but they grew stronger. Along the way, they experienced pain that needed to be personally felt in order to understand the hardships of life and cherish what they had.
One of the earliest timber businesses was Sum Hap Saw Mill (森合板厂), which started with a small factory in Chu Ward and later expanded its operations and relocated to Sum Hup in the late 1970s.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, there were numerous timber merchants, including Jiang Fohua, Jiang Wenfeng (father and son), Li Liang, Dato' Lee Sin Hwa, Dato' Leong Lim Ting, Li Guansheng, Rau Chinch, Ho Beng, Wong Bing Lim, Li Shengxiang, Liao Shuisong, Lai Xiangsheng, and many others.
The prosperous Era of the timber industry: the Golden Age of Forestry in Bahau
【Memories of the Lives of Logging Workers】 Logging is an incredibly demanding and high-risk job. Despite the higher income compared to other industries, logging workers left their prime years in the forests. Working in the logging camps was an enviable profession during those years because it not only provided high income but also offered food and accommodation. In the 1960s and 1970s, an ordinary shop assistant's monthly salary was only a few hundred Ringgit, and even clerks in government or private institutions earned just over two hundred Ringgit per month. Therefore, being able to find work in the timber mountains, learning a skill, or becoming a driver for timber trucks or tractors with a monthly income exceeding two thousand Ringgit was considered a highly advantageous occupation.
Entering the forests early, the rugged paths and steep mountains left deep footprints of the logging workers everywhere. In the tranquil wilderness, apart from the sound of the rhythmic thuds of chopping wood, there were rarely any other sounds. At dusk, they returned to the camp with weary bodies, where they ate, chatted, and rested. In the late night, the camp illuminated with bright lights. This scene repeated itself in the bright mornings.
Working in the timber mountains, whether on a monthly salary or a contract basis, there was no weekend rest or public holidays. They worked day and night as long as the weather was clear. Most people could only return home and reunite with their families every one or two months, and each time they had only three or four days off. During the rainy season, logging workers had long breaks. On rainy days, they couldn't work or go home, so they had to stay in the camp. Gambling was mostly prohibited in the mountains, and there were no entertainment facilities. They spent their days idle, listening to songs on battery-powered cassette players and engaging in conversations with each other. Despite the lack of activities, they enjoyed themselves and made the camp a large community. At that moment, they no longer felt lonely.
【Green - Source of Life】 By the mid-1990s, the timber industry gradually declined. The once vast forest resources and abundant timber reserves have entered the sunset phase after decades of rampant logging. It wasn't until March 21, 2021, when Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin proposed that state governments reduce their dependence on forest logging and announced the National Forestry Policy Act, calling on state governments to ensure the true implementation of the national forestry policy to protect and reforest the forests.
After weathering storms for sixty years and achieving fruitful results, we look forward to the new generation continuing the work of reforestation and logging. Only through a coordinated balance between logging and planting can we ensure the sustainable development of forest resources and achieve environmental greening. As the second and third generations of Bahau's descendants, we have made efforts for the country's economic growth. Let the new generation figure out and plan out on how to transform the setting sun into a rising sun!
The mountain deity, Datuk Gong Datuk Gong is revered by those in the timber industry. Timber workers are often referred to as frontiers or "tree fellers." They worship Lu Ban, the god of carpentry, and hold a special respect for Datuk Gong, who is considered the deity of the timber industry. Before commencing their logging activities, they must perform rituals to seek the blessings of Datuk Gong or the local deities.
Datuk Gong is the representative of the mountain deity. One is forbidden to bring pork into the forest, as it is considered disrespectful to the divine. However, daily routine of incense-burning ceremonies are conducted in the morning and evening, which are essential practices. Regular household deity offerings typically occur on the first and fifteenth day of each month, while the worship of Datuk Gong is observed on a weekly basis, specifically on Fridays. In addition to incense-burning, this day is marked by a more significant emphasis on specific offerings.
As a child, I always loved listening to my father's stories. He would narrate in great detail the history, feng shui, politics, work, and interesting anecdotes of Bahau. I would attentively hang on to every word he spoke. Among them, the most remarkable story that left a deep impression on me was a breathtaking tale that unfolded in the forest.
One day, the logging workers told my father that wild elephants were wandering near the forest, and they were so frightened that they couldn't continue their work. The next day, the wild elephants came closer to the worksite, and on the third day, they even approached the workers' dormitories. Surprisingly, the wild elephants didn't harm the workers; they simply stood there, motionless. Helpless, my father had no choice but to pray for the safety of all the workers under the protection of “Datuk Gong” (a local deity), and he hoped that the wild elephants would return to the deep forest. Miraculously, starting from the next day, the wise elephants began retreating day by day, as if they had received divine guidance. Gradually, they moved farther away until on the fourth day, they were no longer seen. This incident further strengthened everyone's belief in the blessings of Datuk Gong. It just goes to show that there are many unsolved mysteries in this world.
Upon hearing this unheard-of story, I found myself unexpectedly developing a strong interest in forestry. In the end, my father couldn't resist my insistence and took me to explore this "land of secrets." Along the way, he repeatedly reminded me not to wander aimlessly once we reached our destination, as the forest had many rules and regulations. Let me uncover the mysterious veil of this lush forest! (source :Rebecca Ho Mui Moi)
Chasing Memories of the Forest
"Zuo ya" or "Year-End Feast" is a traditional activity in the logging industry On the 2nd and 16th day of each lunar month, timber workers perform rituals to offer fruits and sandalwood as a sign of respect to the land deity. Afterwards, they invite their colleagues to enjoy a sumptuous meal together, commonly known as "Zuo Ya". The "Year-End Feast" on the 16th day of the twelfth lunar month is the most lively event. On this day, the boss grandly treats the employees to acknowledge their hard work throughout the past year. The more abundant the dishes, the more it showcases the boss's generosity and magnanimity. Employees are willing to stay on for the following year based on this event, as it determines whether they will continue working.
In the past, the logging industry was primarily dominated by Chinese workers. However, nowadays, they no longer encourage their children to inherit this high-risk job. Currently, the majority of logging workers are foreign labourers, and it is uncertain whether they strictly adhere to these taboos.
The life and taboos of Timber Workers The timber workers reside in longhouse dormitories constructed with wooden boards. On both sides of each bed, there are long mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The beds are spaced approximately 3 feet apart, and each bed is equipped with a mosquito net. Every morning, everyone is responsible for waking up on their own, even if someone oversleeps, others will not wake them up. If the person who oversleeps encounters an accident during work, the responsibility would be attributed to the companion who woke him up.
In the logging industry, there are many taboos that everyone avoids breaking to prevent accidents. According to the beliefs passed down by ancestors, when entering the forest, companions can only be called using "hey" or other general terms, and their names should not be directly spoken. This is because if the forest spirits hear the names, they might also call out the companions' names, leading them to lose their way.
"Head Cook - The Leader" In addition, the head cook in the camp holds the greatest authority and is also considered the "Master of the House" in the dormitory. The head cook is responsible for providing three meals a day for the logging workers, and everyone must patiently wait until the head cook announces that it's time to eat, even if they are very hungry. Furthermore, if someone accidentally breaks a bowl during breakfast or if someone sits in another person's seat, it is considered an inauspicious sign, and that person is not allowed to work that day. Therefore, everyone has assigned seating in the dining hall, and the head cook is responsible for ensuring that seats are not swapped. Additionally, after finishing breakfast, the logging workers form a queue and walk from the camp to the forest work site, maintaining silence along the way. No one wants to speak, simply out of fear of violating taboos.
Value of Lunar Calendar Festivals The logging industry places great importance on lunar calendar festivals, often taking days off on these dates, especially on the birth anniversary of Master Lu Ban, which falls on the 13th day of the sixth lunar month (also known as Master's Day). For those involved in the timber industry, this day is even more significant than the New Year, along with other festivals in the seventh lunar month.