Norhaiza Noordin is seen with exhibits from his 'living museum' in Kampung Raja, Besut, Terengganu, in February 1999. Photo: Filepic/The Star
Norhaiza Noordin, a master woodcarver with nearly four decades of artistry behind him, passed away this morning at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kota Baru, Kelantan, due to heart complications. He was 61.
His eldest son, Mohammad Othman, 23, said father complained of feeling unwell yesterday, prompting the family to rush him to the hospital.
"Father mentioned feeling short of breath, so we took him to the hospital yesterday afternoon. He was still able to speak until he passed away at 6.13 this morning, with my mother by his side," he told the news agency Bernama.
Throughout his four-decade career, Norhaiza viewed wood carving as a beautiful traditional craft that must be preserved and nurtured to safeguard Malaysia's heritage. Photo: Filepic
Norhaiza, fondly known as "Pak Jah", leaves behind an immense legacy, having contributed to numerous international exhibitions and collaborations that showcased the beauty and diversity of Malaysian woodcraft, while also advocating for improved training and education for the next generation of craftspeople.
In 2022, he was honoured with the prestigious Tokoh Kraf Negara (National Craft Master) award, a testament to his exceptional woodcarving skills that elevated the nation’s reputation on the international stage.
His expertise was particularly evident in crafting keris handles and decorative panels, each adorned with intricate, detailed motifs.
“Woodcarving is a language. It is a way to connect with our ancestors, and to narrate the tales and artistry so that our heritage remains," Norhaiza shared in an interview with The Star in October 2022.
“Winning awards is a humbling recognition of my journey. But the true reward lies in the connection I forge with my craft everyday. It is a journey of dedication and passion," he added.
Born in Kampung Raja, a coastal town in Besut, Terengganu, a young Norhaiza was inspired by the arts and wood carving as a way to preserve cultural heritage.
Norhaiza, on the right, explains the Petala Indera bird carved from angsana wood to then Arts, Culture, and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim during his visit to the craftsman's arts space in Kampung Raja, Terengganu, in April 2005. Photo: Filepic/The Star
After completing his secondary education, he was mentored by Wan Su Othman and his son, Wan Po, before training with renowned woodcrafters like Tengku Ibrahim Tengku Wok, Abdul Rahman, and Latif Long. In 1992, he furthered his studies in Malay traditional arts under the guidance of Nik Rashiddin Nik Hussein.
In the late 1990s, he established a "living museum" in his hometown, and his studio workshop, through the years, became a sought-after destination in Terengganu for wood carving enthusiasts and students.
Norhaiza was recognised as a Fine Woodcarving Master (Adiguru Kraf Ukiran Halus) in 2011 and served as the president of the Malaysian Wood Carving Arts Association.
A passionate cultural and heritage activist, he was also dedicated to reviving "lost art forms," including "telepuk" - the art of textile gilding, where floral motifs are imprinted onto cloth using gold leaf or dust. He was one of the few remaining woodcrafters skilled in carving the intricate motifs onto the wooden stamping blocks used in this delicate process.
In 2022, he partnered with Yayasan Hasanah on a research project, workshops, and a book dedicated to the art of telepuk.
Norhaiza is survived by his wife Che Rohayati Abdullah, 49, and two children, Mohammad Othman and Rabiatul Adawiah, 21.
