BAGAN DATUK, Not only is Bagan Datuk known for its abundance of coconuts in Perak, it is also one of the largest coconut hubs in the country. These have not eluded resident Mad Saril Ahmad, 63, from taking advantage of his surroundings to turn coconut shells and leaves into beautiful, high-grade goods and handicraft.
The ex-private company employee said the idea of ??creating these goods and ornaments was ignited upon his return from the city to his wife’s village in Kampung Sungai Betul here in 2011.
“I have some artistic talent, so upon seeing many coconut sellers burn their discarded coconuts shells, I decided to buy these shells. I shaped them and produced small souvenirs such as keychains,” he said when met at his Saril Kraftani workshop here recently.
After his souvenirs were well-received, he started producing larger items such as coconut tree replicas, flower bouquets and even produced bowls and kitchen items such as spatulas and so on.
The father of three said he also started producing items suc
h as lampshades and ornaments from these coconut shells, and these items could fetch prices of up to RM150.
“Most orders I receive are from restaurant owners who want me to make bowls for them to serve their food, especially for laksa, mee curry and cendol. Besides Perak itself, I get orders from all over the country including Kedah, Johor and Terengganu.
As for souvenirs, I receive a lot of orders from government, corporate and private agencies,” said Mad Saril, who is assisted in his business by his wife Fauziah Abdul Aziz, 58.
Elaborating further, he said most of the handicraft and goods produced use the shells and stems of the Malayan Tall coconut variety which are more durable.
He said initially the coconut shell needs to be smoothened using a ‘grinder’ before being shaped using a special cutting machine, adding that it will be joined using a special glue mixed with wood powder to strengthen it.
For the final process, he said, the handicraft or items will be sprayed with a ‘clear spray’ to make it s
hine before the drying process.
“For kitchen items such as spoons, chopsticks or bowls, there is no need to spray them because it contains chemicals…I only spray jewellery or souvenirs,” he explained.
Mad Saril said he has been in the business for the past 13 years, receiving support from relevant agencies such as Kraftangan Malaysia in terms of promotions and the Department of Agriculture in terms of machinery and equipment.
“Alhamdulillah, so far I can earn up to four figures a month through pre-orders,” he said, adding that he plans to open his own gallery in the future.
Mad Saril also gives lectures and courses on his handicraft to interested participants who hail from around the country
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
