16/07/2026

THURSDAY | JULY 16, 2026

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Passion for traditional blades forged over decades

Upgraded jetty set to spur tourism PASIR PUTEH: The Tok Bali Tourism Jetty, previously used mainly for recreational activities and fishing, has been given a new lease of life after being upgraded into a tourism passenger terminal, a move expected to revitalise the tourism sector and stimulate the local economy. Nasrom Holdings (Travel & Tours) director Datin Syazwani Halim said the company initiated the project after submitting a proposal to the Kelantan government about two years ago to transform the jetty into a passenger terminal serving Pulau Perhentian in neighbouring Terengganu. “The collaboration between Kelantan and Terengganu enabled this project to be realised within about two years after all the required approvals were obtained. “Previously, the jetty was mainly a recreational and fishing spot, but it has now been developed into a tourism terminal linking Tok Bali with Pulau Perhentian, as well as Pulau Redang and Pulau Tengah.” Syazwani said the company invested approximately RM5 million to upgrade the jetty infrastructure and passenger facilities, with part of the service charges collected to be channelled to the local authority. She said the first phase of operations will begin with a 35-minute ferry service from Tok Bali to Pulau Perhentian with three cabin boats, each capable of carrying 28 passengers and fully compliant with Malaysian Marine Department safety specifications for interstate travel. The upgraded jetty is expected to improve tourist access to East Coast island resorts while providing an alternative route that complements existing transport services and generates economic spillover benefits for the local community, she added. Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Noor said the project is in line with the state government policy of strengthening collaboration with the private sector to stimulate economic growth and create more employment opportunities. He said the partnership between the Pasir Puteh district council and Nasrom Holdings serves as an example of effective public private collaboration in developing the state tourism industry. – Bernama

Crafted more than a decade ago, the golok , which is similar to a machete, was forged by a renowned local blacksmith celebrated for producing traditional weapons entirely by hand before his death several years ago. Ahmad, 71, said such handcrafted pieces have become increasingly valuable because each carving reflects the maker’s unique identity, making every blade a distinct work of heritage with its own story. “This golok is the one I cherish most because its carving is exceptionally rare. It also reminds me of the person who introduced me to the art of blacksmithing. “To me, whenever a blacksmith passes away, part of that craft and knowledge disappears too, unless it is passed on to the next generation,”

he told Bernama recently. Ahmad said the golok is far more than a traditional weapon. For centuries, it has served as a versatile tool across the Malay Archipelago, particularly for agricultural work, with each region developing its own distinctive design and identity. He said the bird-shaped hilt not only provides a comfortable grip but also carries historical and artistic significance. “The bird motif reminds me of the Petalawali bird figure found on ancient boats of the Kelantan Sultanate that were once used to deliver the Bunga Emas tribute to Siam,” he said, adding that preserving antique weapons requires meticulous care to prevent deterioration and rust. “I keep them in a dedicated cabinet and inspect each piece every three months, applying oil to the blade to protect it.” Despite receiving interest from collectors, Ahmad said he has never considered selling his collection, as many of the pieces were crafted by blacksmiths who have since died and whose workmanship can no longer be replicated. Ahmad’s fascination with traditional blacksmithing began about 20 years ago when he helped a friend, who was a blacksmith, make weapon hilts and scabbards. “What started with a single golok grew into a deep appreciation for the craft, leading me to collect weapons from Malaysia and abroad,” he said. Today, Ahmad owns more than 100 traditional and modern weapons worth an estimated RM20,000. His collection includes machetes, knives, swords and keris acquired from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, England, the United States, Japan, China, Spain and Portugal. Among his prized possessions are a knife with a deer-antler hilt from Sarawak and a keris crafted from black kemuning wood with a golden kemuning wood hilt. Ahmad expressed hope Malaysia’s traditional weapon-making heritage would continue to thrive through innovation while preserving the identity, artistry and cultural values that define the craft, ensuring the legacy of master blacksmiths is not lost to time.

GUA MUSANG: A golok with a bird-shaped hilt is among the most treasured possessions of retired civil servant Ahmad Abdullah. It symbolises the fading legacy of Kelantan’s traditional blacksmithing, as many master craftsmen have passed away with few successors to carry on their skills. o Collector hopeful legacy of master blacksmiths in weapon-making would not be lost to time

Ahmad has amassed a collection of more than 100 bladed weapons, including some from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, England, the United States, Japan, China, Spain and Portugal. – BERNAMAPIC