Kelantan: What began as a pastime has become a mission for a Kelantan craftsman determined to keep the traditional art of making Jebak Puyuh (quail traps) alive, a craft now rarely seen.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, for Mohd Maliki Mohd Rosli, 38, of Kampung Kraftangan, a childhood fascination has grown into a lifelong commitment, turning the humble bird trap into a symbol of Malay heritage and artistry. He expressed his dedication to preserving this tradition, emphasizing that the Jebak Puyuh is more than just a functional item but a representation of cultural artistry.
'Even though times have changed, I want this craft to stay alive and be passed on. It is not just a bird trap, but a heritage symbol full of artistry and detail,' he told Bernama at the Kelantan Malay Textile and Heritage Festival at Istana Balai Besar. The father of three began making Jebak Puyuh six years ago as a hobby, inspired by the intricate design of a trap he purchased in Bachok for RM800.
His first attempt at crafting the trap took nearly three months, and he later refined his skills by attending a specialized course in Kampung Bunohan, Tumpat in 2021. Mohd Maliki highlighted the meticulous nature of the craft, which involves carving floral motifs such as pucuk paku and ketam guri on the base, and using finely shaved bamboo woven with selected woods like arang bunga, setor, and jackfruit.
Each trap, depending on its complexity, can take from one month to nearly a year to complete, with prices ranging from RM2,500 to RM5,500. 'It requires the right mood because of its precision. If a mistake happens, the work has to be redone from the base,' he said, underscoring the precision required in the process.
Currently, Mohd Maliki concentrates on selling his creations within Kelantan, personally delivering them to out-of-state customers to ensure they remain undamaged. Besides his focus on Jebak Puyuh, he also engages with a broader audience by promoting his craft on TikTok under the handle @malikisayapkumbang88. Through this platform, he aims to introduce and share the heritage craft with a wider audience.