Skilled craftsman: Ahmad Kalimolleh working on a wau with the Jalur Gemilang motif on it at his workshop in Kota Baru, Kelantan. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: Despite holding a degree in engineering, Ahmad Kalimolleh Abdul Hadi does not regret switching to a profession that requires him to face bamboo dust every day.
In fact, the kite maker’s decision to change his career from construction to craft art was well worth it as it has become his steady source of income for the past 25 years.
The civil engineering diploma graduate of the Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM) Shah Alam (now UiTM) said that after completing his studies he worked at a construction company involved in projects in several locations in Kelantan and Terengganu.
“However, after a few years of work, my interest changed to producing wau (kite) that is synonymous with Kelantan.
“It was not that difficult to switch careers because I had learned to make wau from several teachers, and even my talent in drawing has not gone to waste as it made it easier for me to adapt to a new career in no time,” the 60-year-old said when met by Bernama recently.
Ahmad Kalimolleh’s switch has not been in vain as he is now one of the wau enthusiasts’ most preferred maker when they want to make bookings, which increases during the National Month celebration.
Operating almost every day in his workshop on Jalan Tok Semian in the centre of Kota Baru, Ahmad Kalimolleh focuses on the production of wau for decoration but does not decline orders for ones used competitively.
Every year leading up to the celebration of the National Month, Ahmad Kalimolleh will have his hands full fulfilling customers’ orders from far and wide, especially wau with the Jalur Gemilang motif on it.
“Usually, if the bookings are for children in kindergarten, I will produce a white wau without a pattern. The children will decorate it themselves with the colours of the Jalur Gemilang,” he said.
