PATRIOTIC HEADGEAR

Kelantanese sells traditional Malay headdress patterned after national flag

NOT wanting to be left behind in demonstrating his love for the country, a man has made the Mahkota Alam tanjak

(traditional Malay headdress) by borrowing the design elements of Jalur Gemilang.

Mohd Ridzuan Hassan, 37, from Kampung Banggol Nangka, Pasir Mas, said the idea came after seeing Jalur Gemilang-patterned

scarves that received good response and market demand, especially close to the National Day celebration.

“I used the scarves to make the

tanjak,” he said when contacted by Bernama here yesterday.

The Kuala Lumpur-based draughtsman said he started promoting the piece on Facebook early this month, and had now received 20 orders to be completed by Aug 30.

“I am pleased with the encouraging response from customers, which goes to show that the patriotic spirit among the Malaysians remains strong.”

Ridzuan said he started making the tanjak in 2014, initially as a hobby, for his brothers to wear during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, and never thought that anyone would want to buy the piece.

“In 2016, I started getting serious about producing the tanjak by learning from an expert. Even today, I am still learning to improve my skills in the art.

“To ensure what I had learnt did not go to waste, I took the initiative to put it to practice and sell the headdress to supplement my income.”

Ridzuan said there were many types of tanjak worn, especially during the Melaka Sultanate.

To date, he has produced 50 different types of the headdress.

“There are five steps involved in making the headdress, and the Mahkota Alam tanjak uses only one.

“I made this tanjak because it is durable and does not lose its shape easily.

“It is also neither too high nor too low,” he added.

Ridzuan said the Mahkota

Alam tanjak style was historical and was often used by ordinary citizens.

“However, the Dendam Tak Sudah tanjak cannot be used arbitrarily as it is strictly for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The sultans and kings of each state meanwhile, normally wear different types of tanjak such as the Kacang Dua Helai Daun and Sarang Kerengga.”

The father of three said he was able to produce one to two tanjak a day, priced at RM80 a piece but can reach up to RM250, depending on the material and customer demand.

“It takes me three hours to complete a piece, which requires about 30 to 34 inches of cloth depending on the size of the wearer’s head.

“I have also received orders from outside Kelantan, including Pahang, Johor and Perak.”