17/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 17, 2026

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Raya ready, whiskers and all

KUALA LUMPUR: As preparations for Hari Raya enter the final stretch, some cat owners are going the extra mile to ensure their furry companions are just as stylish on the first day of Syawal. From miniature baju Melayu complete with samping and songkok to colourful baju kurung , the trend of dressing cats in festive outfits is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among those who consider their pets part of the family. For some owners, the tiny and adorable outfits are not merely accessories but a way to share the joy of Aidilfitri with their beloved pets while adding cheer to family photo sessions. Cat owner Raziellia Nor Saafri, 35, said the idea of dressing up her pets in Raya outfits started out as a fun experiment before becoming a yearly tradition since 2023. o Festive outfits for feline companions gain popularity as owners include pets in Aidilfitri celebrations

Raya outfit. So I make sure all of them have a new outfit so none will be left out. Buying new outfits for them would be quite expensive because the price is almost the same as clothing for humans.” Raziellia usually buys 30m of cotton fabric at RM3 per metre, which is then cut and sewn into free-size outfits. “Cotton is more suitable because it can withstand the cats’ claws and does not get damaged as easily with fabrics such as satin or chiffon.” Despite looking cute in their Raya wear, the cats only wear them briefly for photo or video shoots to avoid discomfort. “Once the photos are done, we remove the clothes immediately because the cats may feel too warm. I don’t force my cats to wear them – if any of them seem stressed, they’ll go without the outfits,” she said, adding that she also produces Raya outfits for cats on a small scale for sale at about RM10 per pair. Another cat owner Athirah Lope, 28, said she enjoys dressing up her pet cat in festive attire. Last year she said her cat was dressed in an outfit costing around RM20 to RM30, complete with a miniature songkok . “My cat looked a little confused at first, but the outfit didn’t restrict his movement.”

Raziellia with her clowder of cats dressed in matching purple-themed outfits for this Raya season. – PIC COURTESY OF RAZIELLIA NOR SAAFRI

referred to as her “bosses” – and their festive outfits are sewn by her mother, who takes about five months to complete them, Bernama reported. “I felt it wouldn’t be fair if only one cat had a

“At the time, I saw many people on TikTok dressing their cats in Raya clothes. I found it interesting and thought of doing the same for all my cats,” she said. Raziellia owns 58 cats – affectionately

Preserving traditional silversmithing across five decades TUMPAT: The rhythmic clang of metal in a modest workshop in Kampung Morak stands as testament to the dedication of Mohd Ariffin Wok, 76, who has faithfully practised traditional silversmithing for over 50 years. design), and bunga tanjung (a fragrant star shaped yellow flower), combined with the unique design of a single larat (meandering) cloud pattern. completing just one part takes an entire day. A mistake means starting over,” he explains, adding that his vision has been affected by age and a stroke suffered last year.

Despite rising challenges, including a dramatic increase in silver prices from around RM3,000 per kg to between RM14,000 and RM15,000, Mohd Ariffin continues his craft. His works remain highly sought after by prominent individuals and royal institutions. “Throughout my career, I have received orders from Istana Negara to produce glass lids, liners, traditional rice containers and special tiered bowls.” Determined to ensure this heritage art does not fade, Mohd Ariffin is now assisted by two workers, including his son-in-law, Adnan Ismail, 56. He hopes Adnan will inherit his knowledge and skills, ensuring traditional silversmithing continues to thrive for future generations. – Bernama

His expertise has earned him recognition, including the Master Craftsman title from Kraftangan Malaysia in 2024 and the Sanggar Mestika Award from the Malaysian Craft Council in 2020. He notes that most contemporary silversmiths focus on rings, while the skills required for traditional silver items like brooches and ceremonial tools are becoming increasingly rare due to their precision demands. A single silver keris, for instance, requires about 500gms of silver and carefully selected wood for certain parts, processed through traditional melting, thinning and carving techniques. “The work requires high precision, especially during carving and gold-chrome finishing to enhance the silver’s shine. Sometimes,

Mohd Ariffin, affectionately known as Pokwi, continues to craft exquisite silver items with high cultural and heritage value, including maces, silver keris, tepak sireh (betel nut container) and various ornate decorations. Born on Nov 16, 1949, the Kampung Morak native began his silversmithing journey in 1969 as a teenager, honing his craft over decades to become a master of the art. “I have been doing this work for more than 50 years. In the 1970s, silverware was very popular and many craftsmen were involved in this field, but now it is decreasing.” Mohd Ariffin employs traditional techniques such as sand and flower chiselling, piercing and spinning to create intricate floral motifs, like hibiscus, bunga ketumbit (traditional Malay

Mohd Ariffin said a single silver keris requires about 500g of silver and carefully selected wood, processed through traditional melting, thinning and carving techniques. – BERNAMAPIC