00:00Nothing captures Chinese New Year like Petaling Street,
00:06where its soul and heartbeat are the long-time vendors who have kept it alive.
00:12FMT Lifestyle took to the streets to hear from the Chinese community safeguarding Chinatown's roots.
00:19This iconic mochi stall has been part of Chinatown's story for over 50 years.
00:33Though Madam Tang is no longer with us, her legacy lives on.
00:40If you've ever roamed this area of KL, you've probably heard the spirited shout of Madam Tang, or Tang Kwok Wong.
00:49Famously known as the Mochi Queen, now her signature call echoes only through this radio.
00:58At 79, Madam Tang passed away in 2023, leaving behind her stall selling this beloved traditional treat.
01:07Today, the business is run by her son and granddaughter, carrying this business legacy into its third generation.
01:15Whenever foreigners come, they will know that they come to Chinatown,
01:20we will have a grandma that's sitting here and shouting, mochi, mochi, come, mochi.
01:27Madam Tang's 53-year-old son, Ben Liu, says they are continuing to run the business to honour her legacy
01:34and for the sake of the customers who loved her mochi.
01:39When Madam Tang was in charge, it was all about the original peanut flavour.
01:44Now, with the younger generation taking over, they've added fun twists like black sesame, raibina, mango and lychee.
01:53And how do they think Madam Tang would feel watching over them now?
02:07Formerly known as Market Street in the 1800s,
02:10Petaling Street became home to Chinese miners during the tin rush.
02:14Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural melting pot and one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations.
02:23While many stalls have closed down, some, like this Air Mata Kucing stall, have endured for over 40 years.
02:31Another long-standing gem, a staple for locals, is Siong Ying Chai Bakery, serving the community since 1935.
02:41When the bakery closed its doors in 2016, Leonard Lee, the founder's grandson, decided to bring it back to life.
02:49He says it was a natural decision as he had been helping the business since he was a child.
03:10Before the night time, before we go to sleep, I and my brother will need to be responsible for tomorrow morning because we need to prepare the dough out.
03:21Famous for their mooncakes and other confectioneries, their top Chinese New Year bestseller is the Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, arguably some of the best in Malaysia.
03:31FMT Lifestyle got a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen where elderly hands carry on the tradition,
03:38using tools like this 70-year-old copper pot to cook the pineapple fillings.
03:44Lee, having grown up in Petaling Street, recalls fond memories of celebrating the festive season.
03:51Chinese New Year in Petaling Street is the noisiest in the whole KL.
03:57The most close lion dance you can have is only in Petaling Street because he will jump here and you are there already.
04:05When he falls, he will fall on you.
04:06Today, Petaling Street is a lively mix of food vendors and revitalized alley.
04:13Titled Missing Stories of Petaling Street, the mural is inspired by real photographs of the iconic area from 1910 to 1950.
04:23The stories of Petaling Street and its oldest vendors embody the true spirit of the Chinese community,
04:30blending tradition with progress and honoring the elders who paved the way.
