Craftsman turns coconut shells into showpieces
AN abundance of coconuts is what Bagan Datuk district is known for in Perak as well as around the country.

Making the best of this is Bagan Datuk resident Mad Saril Ahmad, 63, who turns coconut shells and leaves into quality goods and handicrafts.

What inspired the former private sector employee to do so was the sight of sellers burning coconut shells.

This was in 2011 and he had just returned from Kuala Lumpur to his wife’s family home in Kampung Sungai Betul.

“I have some artistic talent and so, upon seeing many sellers burning discarded coconuts shells, I decided to buy these shells and shape them into small souvenirs such as keychains,” he said when met by Bernama at his Saril Kraftani workshop.

These souvenirs were well- received and Mad Saril soon started producing larger items such as coconut tree replicas, flower bouquets and food utensils.

The father of three also started producing items such as lampshades and ornaments that fetched up to RM150.

“Most orders I receive are from restaurant owners who want me to make serving bowls, especially for laksa, mee curry and cendol.

The craftsman using a small grinder to smoothen the surface of a piece of coconut shell. — Bernama

“Besides Perak, I get orders from Kedah, Johor, Terengganu and other parts of the country.

“In terms of souvenirs, I receive a lot of orders from government, corporate and private agencies,” said Mad Saril, who gets help from his wife Fauziah Abdul Aziz, 58.

Most of the Saril Kraftani creations are made from durable shells and stems of the Malayan Tall coconut.

The creative process starts with smoothening the coconut shell using a grinder before it is shaped using a special cutting machine and then joined using a special glue mixed with strengthening wood powder.

Finally, the handicrafts or goods are sprayed with a clear substance that lends the items a shine, and left to dry.

“I only spray jewellery or souvenirs. Food utensils such as spoons, chopsticks or bowls are not sprayed because the spray contains chemicals,” he said.

Mad Saril also expressed his gratitude for government support that had bolstered his business these past 13 years.

Agencies such as Kraftangan Malaysia have assisted him to promote his creations while the state agriculture department ensured that he got the necessary machinery and other equipment.

“So far, I have been able to earn up to four figures a month through pre-orders,” he said, adding that he planned to open his own gallery in the future.

Mad Saril also gives lectures and courses on his handicraft to participants who come from around the country.
Handicraft,coconut shells,Mad Saril Ahmad,Bagan Datuk,Saril Kraftani
AN abundance of coconuts is what Bagan Datuk district is known for in Perak as well as around the country.