06-08-2025
Malaysia's charcoal workers who risk their health to do what's shunned by most
Mr Mustapa Mustaman has toiled at a charcoal factory in Kota Tinggi, Johor, for over 20 years. At 60, his body bears the marks of daily exposure to heat, smoke and dust.
By: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas
Each day begins at 6am. Wood is stacked into 3m-deep pits, covered in sawdust, and burned for months to produce charcoal. The fumes never cease.
Part of Mr Mustapa's job is to inspect a burning pit to ensure the fire is maintained for charcoal production.
As the charcoal cools, workers sift and sort through the wood, releasing more dust into the air.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), none of us have ever gotten sick, even though we work in a place full of smoke, heat and dust," said Mr Mustapa.
The labour is not the toughest part for the workers. 'It's not the work, it's the distance,' said Mr Nasaruddin Ahmad Rahmad, 64, referring to the emotional burden of being separated from his family in Lombok, Indonesia.
Workers such as Mr Nasaruddin and Mr Sahiruddin Rahman (pictured) continue to endure the job, driven by the desire to give their families a better life.
"I want to see my children succeed. I want them to have good jobs," said Mr Sahiruddin.
At the factory, the charcoal is sorted into sacks and the workers aim to fill between 10 and 15 sacks every day, each weighing around 20kg. Each bag of charcoal sells for around RM25 (US$5.80).
After decades in the heat, Mr Mustapa plans to retire this year. 'I just want to play with my grandchildren and watch them grow,' he said.
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