Locksmith refuses to give up trade, turns car into mobile workshop
KUALA LUMPUR: When rising rents threatened to put him out of business, locksmith Chia Kwai Meng refused to give up his trade and made the boot of his car his workshop.
Today, his “workshop” is a weathered white Toyota Avanza parked beside the Petronas station in Taman Segar, Cheras, with a giant yellow key sign to help customers spot him.
Inside the boot, key-cutting machines, power sources and rows of key blanks are arranged within easy reach.
A small blue fan runs continuously to offer some relief from the tropical heat as he goes about his work.
For 30 years, Chia has made a living cutting keys, adapting to changing times and finding ways to keep his trade alive.
He had learnt the basics of locksmithing from friends decades ago and operated a conventional shop.
“Rental went up and up until it became impossible to sustain. I had a choice – close down or find another way. I told myself I must keep working, so I moved my entire shop into my car,” said Chia.
His mobile setup now serves customers who have lost their keys or locked themselves out as well as those who need duplicates for houses, padlocks and traditional mechanical locks.
He also cuts keys for older vehicles, although modern car security systems have put some jobs beyond the reach of his roadside workshop.
“Modern car keys are difficult because they rely on chip transponders and electronic remotes.
“It requires digital programming and costly diagnostic software, which aren’t practical for my roadside setup. My machines are built for classic steel keys.”
The shift towards digital security has also transformed how people access their homes, a change Chia has watched with fascination.
“Now, many homes don’t even use physical keys anymore.
“People use thumbprints and Face ID to unlock their doors. It is truly amazing to see how fast technology changes.”
Rather than compete with technology beyond his means, Chia has carved out a niche serving customers who still rely on traditional locks and keys.
“I have my own market. There are still many older cars and traditional locks around, and vintage car owners often come to me because they struggle to get duplicate keys made anywhere else.”
His reasonable charges of between RM5 and RM15 are also another draw for his customers.
At 65, retirement is not on Chia’s mind. He remains committed to a trade he enjoys and believes he can continue practising for as long as his health allows.
“Why retire when I am still healthy and capable? I like what I do,” he said with pride.
“As long as people need keys and can find me here, I will keep working.”
In an age of smart locks and electronic access systems, Chia’s roadside workshop shows how a traditional trade can survive through resourcefulness.