Inspiring Artisan Couple Preserves Bamboo Weaving Heritage

TUMPAT, June 1 (Bernama) -- What began as a quiet pastime has blossomed into a meaningful livelihood for Diniey Iqbal Che Kar and his wife, Nuur Faraiin Mat Rowi, who took up bamboo weaving as a hobby two years ago.  

Today, they are constantly at work, fulfilling weekly orders for handcrafted pieces that are not only visually striking but also carry the soul of a tradition slowly fading from the mainstream.

Run from their home in Kampung Talak, their small business has since become a go-to for those seeking a touch of heritage for weddings, home décor, or cultural events.

“We started small, just making a few pieces at home. But over time, word spread, and now we’re getting orders from all over the country. Just recently, a customer from Kedah ordered 17 pieces. Before that, we’ve even shipped to Sabah and Sarawak,” shared Diniey, 30.

The woven décor items are priced between RM10 and RM30, depending on size and design. Popular dimensions include 3x3, 3x4, and 3x5 feet, sizes that continue to see strong demand.

The couple emphasised that weaving is not just about creativity, it is about precision and care. The couple carefully selects black sheath bamboo (buluh kelopak hitam), a local bamboo known for its durability and ease of splitting.

Each stalk is cut to specific measurements, then shaved into thin strips and dried, either naturally or under the sun.

But the real test, Diniey says, lies in maintaining consistent strip width, adding that if the strips are not even, the weave becomes uneven and messy.

Yet, for all the intricate work involved, the couple agrees the biggest challenge is not the process, it is continuity. Their hope now is that their passion sparks a revival, one strip, one weave at a time.

“The real worry is that fewer young people are picking up this craft. In Kampung Talak and nearby villages like Jal Kechil and Ana, there are only a handful of elderly artisans left, fewer than ten still actively weaving,” Diniey shared.

Nuur Faraiin, 29, believes that weaving is more than just creating a product — it’s a way of expressing emotion and preserving meaning.

To bring that spirit to life, she and her husband now offer venue styling services as well, complete with custom themes and colour schemes, all centred around bamboo elements.

“We’re excited to see more people appreciating traditional touches again. It really motivates us to keep growing the business,” she said.

The couple has plans to expand their reach online and participate in more craft expos organised by government agencies, with hopes of bringing their village-made creations to a wider audience.

Diniey is also committed to supporting fellow villagers by helping to promote other locally made bamboo crafts such as badang (bamboo trays), baskets, bamboo chimes, food covers and mats.

“To me, traditional crafts aren’t relics of the past. They’re a livelihood if nurtured the right way. If we don’t do it, who will? It’s a shame to let all this bamboo in our village go to waste. It can be a source of income, even pride,” he said.

-- BERNAMA