Located at the end of a row of heritage buildings on Petaling Street, one shop has gained a reputation for welcoming into its premises those trained in weaponry.
Members of the police force come in search of a man called Pak Tai – an 81-year-old with keen eyes and nimble fingers who, to this day, can still aim and shoot with precision.
The shop in question is Pak Tai Photo Studio. And Low Kok Kee, the owner of this 55-year-old business, has been shooting not guns but images, capturing the official photographs of police officers and other armed personnel since the early 1990s.
The location of his shop, just 300m away from the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police Station on Jalan Tun HS Lee, has certainly been a blessing.
So good has he become in editing the photos according to the stringent requirements of the police force that officers and staff of other stations, including Bukit Aman, make the trip here to have their photos taken.
“I’ve memorised the ranks, badges, and insignias worn on the uniforms, so I already know what they want. I have everything stored, so editing is easy,” Low told FMT.
Step into Pak Tai Photo Studio and you’ll be greeted by portraits of police officers lining the walls, like members of one large family.
“Low himself is like part of the police force,” said one officer with a laugh. “We drop by, chat about ranks, and he understands. That’s what makes us comfortable with him.”
The officer, who wishes to be known as Adam, noted that while other photographers can also take beautiful shots, not everyone understands the significance of the police uniform and its accessories.
“If we go to a new shop, they might be able to do it, but we’d have to explain it to them many times over and do several trials first,” Adam said.
“Uncle Low can do it with his eyes closed.”
Humbled by his customers’ loyalty, Low said, “If not for the police officers, I would have closed shop a long time ago.”
‘One or two more years’
Businesses like Pak Tai Photo Studio are hard to come by in today’s world of digital photography. Chatting with Low while looking at the framed photographs on the walls, it’s clear many important names once stood under the lights of this very studio.
Low said he took over the business in 1968 when he was 24. At its busiest, Pak Tai Photo Studio had six photographers.
Now in his twilight years, he is determined to continue running the studio, using modern technology to stay relevant. Many of his peers gave up a long time ago – but he isn’t one to throw in the towel.
“My son bought me a computer and, although it was hard at first, I tried to learn. Now I know how to use it, so things are much easier,” he shared.
Low said he earns just enough to cover his rent and daily expenses. To him, customer satisfaction is his true reward.
“When customers are happy and satisfied with their photos, that makes me happy too,” said the father of two.
Still, he knows that sooner rather than later, he will have to step away from the camera. “I don’t have much time left, I’m already old. Maybe one or two more years and I’ll stop,” he said quietly.
After standing still for the camera as instructed by Low for his photo shoot, Adam was asked how he and his colleagues feel about the studio they have come to love.
“If Pak Tai Photo wasn’t around, we’d be worried because it’s hard to find someone with his skill and knowledge,” Adam said.
“On behalf of my fellow police officers, I’d like to say how much we truly appreciate and are grateful for Low’s service.”
