Bright and sturdy: Hanafiza inspecting a batch of ‘pelita panjut’ before putting them up for sale at her home in Kangar. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
KANGAR: Colourful electric lights may be the choice for some but they can’t beat “pelita panjut” as many people still prefer this traditional bamboo lamp to adorn their homes for Hari Raya.
Panjut maker Zainordin Nayan said customers loved the lamps because they were reminiscent of nostalgic kampung-style celebrations.
“There is a demand for panjut. Old-timers just want to preserve Malay culture as panjut evokes memories of our childhood,” he said at his house in Kampung Kechor.
Having picked up panjut-making skills when he was a child, Zainordin, 34, said it was meant to decorate his house for Hari Raya back then. But now, he is determined to preserve the artistic heritage.
With the help of his wife Hanafiza Hasnan, 33, they have been in the business since 2015.
“It’s quite a tedious process and requires patience. I have to first look for bamboo in the village and the surrounding areas.
“Then, I have to cut the bamboo and punch holes onto it. There are two types of pelita panjut – one with four wicks and the other with six. The length is 0.5m or more. We produce about 150 sticks daily with two workers,” he said.
The father of three said a panjut could stay lit for two days with a litre of kerosene.
Zainordin said each panjut could last for at least three years with proper care, adding that one should rinse it with water before storing it.
Separately, Hanafiza believed they could sell up to 1,500 sticks of panjut this year, having produced 500 sticks so far.
“Our customers come from all over the country, except Sabah and Sarawak.
“For those living outside Kedah and Perlis, we can deliver via courier,” she said.
