On point: Lai making a keris in his workshop in Permas, Kukup. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Blacksmith shows art can be wielded by all Malaysians
PONTIAN: Hidden in an old fashion shophouse in Permas, Kukup here, is a man who has been keeping the Malay art of keris-making alive for decades. What makes it even more special is that he is a Malaysian of Chinese descent.
Lai Kah Foh, 71, said that his interest in forging the traditional Malay dagger started when he was 13-years old while he was helping his blacksmith father.
“I am fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of the keris that is not only historically known as a powerful weapon but also a symbol of the richness of the Malay culture.
“Many may think that it is bizarre for a Chinese man to be the one to make the keris but I feel that it is not a big deal.
“That is the beauty of Malaysia. It does not matter what race you are, as long have you have the passion and desire to learn, you can take part in keeping any culture alive,” he said in an interview.
Lai, who is better known as ‘Ah Lai’ said that while 80% of his customers are Malays, he has also been getting orders from people of other races.
“Those who come here to order the hand-made keris are people who really understand the art.
Lai showing off the completed keris and sheath.
“They do not just get a keris for the sake of it but they understand the culture behind it, including the rules one has to adhere to as an owner of a keris.
“Which is why I am fascinated when I get customers who are Indian or Chinese. This means that interest for the traditional dagger has gone beyond race,” he said, adding that he has Indonesian customers too.
The father of three said that he is, however, worried about the future of the keris as there are not many young ones who are interested to keep the tradition of making handmade keris alive.
“It is such a beautiful and meaningful art that should be preserved. The younger generation is not keen, unfortunately.
“I am more than willing to share my skills and experience with those who are interested as I believe that it is important for us to keep the tradition alive,” he said.
Lai, who is a third-generation blacksmith, said that he learned the craft from his late father, Lai Muy Seng.
“My grandfather was a first generation migrant from China who used to make swords and sickles back in his home.
“He continued the business when the family migrated here and it was later handed over to my father. Initially, my father was making other blades such as parang, sword, sickle and knife.
“One of his customers later asked him to make a keris and my father decided to learn and cultivate the skills needed to fulfil the request.
Lai said he then picked up the skills from his father and spent decades perfecting the craft.
