Malaysian makes steampunk figurines from recycled motorcyle parts

Everything old has the potential to be crafted into something new and beautiful. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

Mohamad Kasat Bujang Narawi, 45, collects metal scraps from motorcycle repair shops and he isn’t ashamed to admit it.

“Many parts from the motorcycle that are dismantled can be reused and transformed into new things. There’s a sense of joy in giving a new lease of life to old, unwanted things,” says the Sarawakian steampunk crafter, who was one of the exhibitors at Hari Kraftangan Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur recently.

At the event, he displayed many awe-inspiring creations inspired by characters from award-winning movies like Aliens, Alien vs Predator and Avatar. There were also other designs like dragons, Sarawak’s famous terubok fish, and the space exploration vessel USS Enterprise from the Star Trek TV series.

A figurine of a fish created with motorcycle roller chains.

The sci-fi film lover is talented at creating intricate steampunk figurines from discarded motorbike parts, including sprockets, spark plugs and motorcycle chains.

The father of five has always been fascinated by the beauty and complexity of machines. He enjoys upcycling old things and transforming them into something new and beautiful.

Mohamad Kasat finds satisfaction in knowing that he’s doing his part to make the world slightly greener. He takes pride in creating the meticulously crafted pieces of art that are unique and environmentally friendly.

“Who would ever think discarded motorcycle parts could be transformed into these art pieces? All that is needed is interest, creativity and a desire to look after Mother Earth. It is important to teach others about the importance of sustainability,” he said.

Steampunk figures from movies like 'Predator' (left) and 'Aliens' made from old motorcycle parts. Photo: Mohamad Kasat Bujang Narawi

Trash to cash

Mohamad Kasat spends his weekends driving around motorcycle shops around his neighbourhood in Sadong Jaya and Kota Samarahan to source these unwanted items.

“Many motorcycle mechanics around my housing area know me well.

“They will smile when they see me coming to their shop. I always carry a plastic pail to collect the motorcycle parts.

Never be afraid to venture into something new; what’s most important is having the interest and passion, says Mohamad Kasat. Photo: Mohamad Kasat Bujang Narawi“These mechanics are happy to sell the items at a (discounted rate) because they know they will be reused to create metal figurines,” said the former welder, who quit his job to focus on his passion.

Mohamad Kasat developed an interest in creating art from metal in 2016. He began experimenting with metal scraps, using his knowledge of the inner workings of welding to craft simple items like flowers and animals.

The same year, he participated in the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority’s (Felcra) Sarawak Rural Business Challenge (SRBC), a competition for budding entrepreneurs living on the outskirts of the state.

“For the competition, I browsed the Internet and came across steampunk figurines inspired by sci-fi movies and TV series. I found it intriguing and decided to use my metalworking expertise to create something similar.

“I began experimenting with different motorcycle parts like sprockets, bearings, roller chains, wire spokes and spark plugs to create the figurines.

“At first, I struggled to find my footing, but I was determined to make something beautiful out of discarded items,” said Mohamad Kasat, who emerged as a finalist in the SRBC.

After the competition, he continued to create metal figurines on a part-time basis. As his reputation grew, he became known throughout Sadong Jaya as a metal figurine craftsman.

Mohamad Kasat’s steampunk chopper was inspired by the movie 'Ghost Rider'. Photo: Mohamad Kasat Bujang Narawi

His pieces were highly sought after, and he began to receive orders from collectors in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.

During the pandemic, he decided to take a leap of faith and turn his passion into a full-time business.

“Never be afraid to venture into something new. What’s most important is having the interest and passion.

“So far, business has been good and my income is lucrative,” said Mohamad Kasat, who invested about RM10,000 to launch his home business. He also received some funding from Felcra Berhad Wilayah Sarawak.

Every day, he spends about eight to 10 hours in his workshop perfecting his craft. It takes about a week to complete each elaborate figurine. He says the many scars on his fingers, wrist and stomach are occupational hazards.

“Recently, a metal splinter entered my eye. I cried in pain and thought I’d be blind from the injury.

“Thankfully, the damage wasn’t too severe,” said Mohamad Kasat, who shares photos of his craft on Facebook.

Despite these challenges, he continues to find joy in transforming the most seemingly insignificant objects into extraordinary items.

“Everything old has the potential to be crafted into something new and beautiful. My message is about sustainability, the value of repurposing and the power of art to transform our world,” said Mohamad Kasat.