‘Songkok Style Tun’ on good demand after GE14
ALOR SETAR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s favourite ‘songkok’, dubbed ‘Songkok Style Tun’, being sold at the Pekan Rabu Complex here has become a brand to be reckoned with.
Inspired to create the headgear in 2002, Sardi Sahar, 60, said he had been using a thick velvet fabric from Korea in making the songkok, which could be folded by just pressing its sides without damaging the shape.
“Tun (Dr Mahathir) has indeed never missed to drop by at Pekan Rabu to buy the songkok here.
“Prior to this, it was just an ordinary songkok until 2002 where I have created one (with a difference) so that it is lighter and foldable.
“Later, I introduced it to Tun and he liked it! In fact, I was touched in 2008 when Tun allowed me to use his picture on the packaging without imposing any payment.
“He just told me to maintain the quality of this songkok,” he told Bernama at the Pekan Rabu Complex here yesterday.
Sardi said the songkok, priced at RM120, would be on a high demand ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration each year as the orders did not only come from people nationwide, but also from many prominent persons.
Interestingly, he said the demand for the songkok had increased by about 30 per cent after the 14th general election and that Dr Mahathir was appointed as prime minister for the second time.
“In fact, I have prepared 1,000 units in advance for the (Hari Raya) celebration, which were delivered to several states such as Johor, as the demand over there has been really good,” said the man who is now proud of creating a songkok being worn by the prime minister.
Meanwhile, one of his customers, Datuk Bahador A Rahaman from Langkawi said he had been a regular buyer at the shop and very keen on Sardi’s fine product.
“Today I bought a songkok for my son because I love the workmanship. It’s not warm and would not make you perspire.”