14/05/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 14, 2026

23

Wan Noraini receives orders from as far away as Singapore.

Despite losing her mobility, Wan Noraini finds purpose in making stocking flowers. – ALL PICS FROM BERNAMA

Wan Noraini is capable of making around 800 flowers a month.

Birthing beautiful blooms o Spinal tumour survivor finds strength in stocking flower craft

A traditional Malay knife and machete maker is proud to continue the family legacy in producing handcrafted weapons that possess high aesthetic value and fine craftsmanship, admired by weapon enthusiasts. Abdul Rahim Abd Razak, 48, from Kampung Jabur Kubur said he inherited the art of making traditional knives and machetes from his late grandfather and his father. They were once well-known for their expertise in producing these weapons in the Kemaman district. “This craftsmanship for such weapons flows in my blood… I started taking an interest in it since my teenage years, which in turn has driven me to continue the family tradition until today,” he said when met by Bernama recently. Rahim said since he was 15 years old, he often helped his father in the workshop, usually by cutting metal. He said a few years later, his father began teaching him the techniques of making knives and machetes. Rahim said he started pursuing the craft full time at the age of 20 and built his current workshop then. He said his brothers Abdul Halim, 50, and Abdul Aziz, 46, also inherited the same talent from their father and grandfather. B EING paralysed from the waist down due to a spinal tumour was not the end for a woman from Kampung Gual Ipoh, but instead became a turning point that inspired her to transform emotional hardship into strength through the creation of stocking flowers, which are now receiving orders as far as Singapore. Wan Noraini Wan Hassan, 54, fondly known as Kak Long, said her interest in the craft began after she was diagnosed with a spinal tumour in 2015 which limited her mobility and forced her to rely on a wheelchair. She said the sudden transition from being an active person to becoming a person with disabilities had a significant emotional impact on her, prompting her to seek an activity that could serve as self-therapy to avoid stress and depression. “I initially started making stocking flowers just to fill my free time and calm my mind after my life changed in the blink of an eye. It was a huge blow to me, but I did not want to continue grieving and dwelling on my fate. “I never expected what started as a hobby and emotional therapy would eventually become a source of income that helps me sustain my life,” she told Bernama recently. The mother of seven said the stocking

She said the stocking flowers are sold at prices ranging from RM1.20 to RM12, depending on the flower type and arrangement design requested by customers. Apart from stocking flowers, she also produces various other handicraft items such as crochet products, handbags and dolls based on custom orders, priced between RM100 and RM250 depending on size and design. “My condition, which requires me to depend heavily on a wheelchair, means I am unable to work for long hours and can only do craft work for about five to six hours a day. “However, this craft activity helps calm my emotions and gives me the opportunity to remain independent and earn my own income despite my health challenges,” she said, adding she also shares her artwork through her TikTok account.

Wan Noraini said each type of flower carries different levels of difficulty, including hibiscus, roses, frangipani and peonies, which require between five and 13 petals to complete. She said using two layers of stockings helps make the flowers appear more vibrant while producing neater petals that resemble real flowers. “Some customers choose their own colours according to their event themes while others ask for my suggestions because colour combinations play an important role in producing beautiful and exclusive arrangements,” she said. Wan Noraini said she is capable of producing up to 800 stocking flowers a month, especially during the wedding season, with orders received from as far as Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.

He said both of them also have their own workshops in the same village as an effort to preserve the family heritage. Regarding the celebration of Hari Raya Haji this year, he said he received orders for more than 200 knives and machetes. He said among the types of knives most ordered by customers are dauh buluh, kakap, jakar, sembong, sepat, siakap, comel, bokok, lurus, aldin and bullnose. “In a day, I can complete two knives, while a machete takes a day, depending on the size, design and level of difficulty in its making,” he said. He sells knives measuring 12.7cm to 30.48cm without handles and sheaths at prices ranging from RM100 to RM400 each. The price of machetes measuring 30.48cm to 35.56cm go for RM700 to RM900 each. At the same time, he said he also charges for sharpening customers’ knives and machetes. “Leading up to this sacrificial season, I also received around 300 dull, bent and damaged knives and machetes to be repaired and sharpened.” He added the production of his handmade knives and machetes is increasingly thriving as he receives orders from all over the country and even from customers in Thailand and Indonesia. flowers she produces are not only used as decorations for weddings and engagement ceremonies but are also made into gift bouquets and home decor as they are more durable and do not wilt easily. According to her, the process of making stocking flowers requires high precision as each petal is shaped using wire cut to specific measurements before being wrapped with stockings and assembled one by one into flowers. “The wire is shaped into curves before being covered with stockings, then trimmed and combined with accessories such as flower buds and beads to make them more attractive and lifelike. Usually, it takes about five minutes to complete a single flower, while a more intricate stalk with leaves can take up to two hours,” she said.

Trio of sons continue family tradition of knife, machete-making

Rahim is one of three brothers skilled in the art of blade-making.