MALACCA: The heat of the global economic slowdown does not seem to have any effect for An Yang Sdn Bhd in Cheng whose locally made Chinese New Year decorative items continue to remain popular.

Instead of seeing orders drop, the company, located in the Cheng Industrial Zone, had increased production by 10% following good demand for their items, in particular Chinese red lanterns.

Factory owner and wholesaler Wong Liang Fatt, 60, said he was confident that sales would remain brisk despite much talk about economic slowdown.

Quality items: Wong's younger brother, Liang Sing,55,showing some of the lanterns made at their factory sold at their retail outlet in Jalan Bunga Raya.

“For the Chinese community, Chinese New Year is a major event which is celebrated in a grand manner.

“Most families do not mind spending because it is a time for family reunion. The dinner on the eve of the New Year is an important gathering to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead,” he said in an interview.

Wong, who has been in the family business for more than 30 years, said the company sold more than 100,000 lanterns last year and he expected sales to improve this year. “We used to import the lanterns from several neighbouring countries.

“However, shortages and breakages owing to poor production quality prompted us to start producing our own lanterns eight years ago,” he said.

Besides lanterns, he said the company also produced other decorative items such as printed Chinese spring couplets and other non-seasonal items.

Source: The Star, http://thestar.com.my

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