Carving a new life: Kelantan man's Quranic wall art finds fans across South-east Asia
That is the story of Muhammad Ali Che Pa, 31, who turned to his artistic talent after being laid off as a health product sales representative during the Movement Control Order in 2020.
'I was desperate for income. That's when I got the idea to create decorative wall pieces featuring Quranic verses using wood I already had at home,' he told Bernama at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas, recently.
Muhammad Ali Che Pa works on a piece of laser-engraved woodcraft ordered by a customer at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic
Relying on self-taught skills from Facebook and YouTube, he spent six months crafting his first piece, which unexpectedly sold for RM150 after being posted online.
Today, the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Islamic Management graduate produces a range of Islamic-themed woodcrafts, including framed calligraphy, wall clocks and home décor items, popular among buyers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore.
'Plywood is ideal because it's easy to cut and shape. I sketch the design on paper, transfer it to the wood, then carve and sand it,' he said.
Initially, manual carving took up to four days per piece, limiting him to 15 items a month.
Muhammad Ali Che Pa inspects the laser engraving process on a woodcraft piece at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic
To improve efficiency, Muhammad Ali adopted laser cutting technology two years ago, which significantly sped up production and improved precision, enabling him to meet rising demand.
He also received a RM10,000 CNC wood router under Kelantan Risda 's entrepreneur mentorship programme, and expects to receive another laser cutter soon.
With upgraded tools, Muhammad Ali now produces over 300 items monthly, priced between RM3 and RM800. His monthly income has since soared to five figures, driven by strong demand for Quranic verse carvings in modern home décor.
Some of the laser-engraved woodcrafts made by Muhammad Ali Che Pa at his workshop in Kampung Pangkal Kalong, Kok Lanas. — Bernama pic
'Each design has its own value. I'm grateful that through this craft, I can share the beauty of Quranic verses while earning a halal, blessed livelihood,' said the artisan, who is assisted by his wife, Nur Hanisah Mohd Zulkifli, 27.
Through his brand, Art Lie Craft, Muhammad Ali has proven that wood carving is not just an artistic pursuit. It can also be a rewarding livelihood when fuelled by dedication and sincerity. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
15 minutes ago
- The Star
MPOB expects palm oil exports to recover in second half of 2025
NEW DELHI: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) expects palm oil exports to recover in the second half of this year due to stronger festival season demand in key markets. "The demand, particularly from India, is due to the need to replenish stock for the festive season, attractive palm oil pricing and lower import duty on crude vegetable oils,' MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir told Bernama. Ahmad Parveez was in New Delhi last week to speak at a conference organised by the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA). In the first half of this year, Malaysian exports of palm oil and palm-based products dipped 7.4 per cent to 11.39 million tonnes compared with the January-June period last year, according to MPOB figures. Palm oil exports were recorded at 6.95 million tonnes during the half-year period, representing a drop of 7.7 per cent over the corresponding period in 2024 as demand weakened in India, China, the European Union, Bangladesh and Egypt. Nonetheless, despite a drop in the overall palm oil exports in the first half of 2025, Malaysia saw a growth in volumes to the Philippines, Iran, Kenya and Nigeria. Ahmad Parveez said that although export tonnage had dropped, Malaysia's earnings from palm oil and palm products during the January-June 2025 period surged 9.3 per cent to RM53.43 billion compared with the same period last year. The value of palm oil exports was almost RM34 billion. Malaysian palm oil has gained in geographical reach in recent years. Malaysia's full-year palm oil exports by volume this year are projected to be 5.3 per cent lower than the 16.9 million tonnes recorded in 2024. On the Indian market, Ahmad Parveez said demand remains particularly strong in the food services, household, and food manufacturing sectors. However, there are certain challenges, and one of them is India's import tax. "A key concern is India's import policy, particularly the frequent adjustments to import duties. The recent hike in effective duties on crude palm oil to 27.5 per cent, and on refined palmolein to 35.75 per cent, has significantly narrowed palm oil's natural price advantage compared to soft oils such as soybean and sunflower," Ahmad Parveez said. "While we acknowledge India's policy objective to strengthen domestic oilseed production under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm, such measures have made palm oil imports increasingly cost-sensitive and less predictable," he said. The price premium of palm oil, along with ample global soybean oil supplies, has led to a drop in palm oil's share in India's vegetable oil imports to 46 per cent this year from 59 per cent in 2023, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said at the same New Delhi industry conference. However, Malaysia's share in Indian palm oil imports reached 35 per cent in the first half of this year compared with 30 per cent in 2023, Sron said in her presentation. - Bernama
The Star
15 minutes ago
- The Star
Bursa pares gains to close lower on cautious sentiment ahead of US tariff deadline
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia pared earlier gains to close lower on Monday, as investors adopted a more cautious posture ahead of the US tariff negotiation deadline on Aug 1. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 4.38 points, or 0.29 per cent, to close at 1,529.38 from Friday's close of 1,533.76. The benchmark index opened 4.29 points firmer at 1,538.05 and moved between 1,528.34 and 1,539.38 throughout the trading session. In the broader market, losers led gainers 554 to 420, while 488 counters were unchanged and 1,091 untraded, with 43 suspended. Turnover improved to three billion units worth RM2.30 billion from 2.86 billion shares worth RM2.16 billion on Friday. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, noted that the FBM KLCI commenced the week's trading on a firm footing, posting early gains during the morning session. However, the momentum proved unsustainable into the afternoon, with the index closing lower as investors adopted a more cautious posture ahead of Thursday's US tariff deadline. "Among the FBM KLCI constituents, plantation and utility counters led the gainers, aligning with our weekly view that investor positioning would favour domestically oriented sectors amidst heightened external uncertainty. "We anticipate markets will continue to consolidate in the near term, awaiting further signals from the Malaysia-US trade talks or any fresh tariff-related announcements from US President Donald Trump,' he told Bernama. Mohd Sedek noted that regional peers delivered a mixed performance on Monday, weighed by profit-taking and concerns over global trade developments. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.68 per cent to close at 25,562.13, South Korea's Kospi garnered 0.42 per cent to 3,209.52, while Singapore's Straits Times Index lost 0.27 per cent to 4,249.48, and Japan's Nikkei 225 shed 1.10 per cent to 40,998.27. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the local benchmark index closed below the 1,530 level due to late selling. He noted that market sentiment was subdued as investors awaited more details from the US-China trade discussions, set to begin in Stockholm later today. Thong said the local bourse remains in consolidation mode, hovering around the 1,530 level due to a lack of fresh catalysts. "For the moment, we expect the FBM KLCI to trend range-bound, hovering within 1,510-1,540 points for the week. We notice crude palm oil (CPO) futures remain above RM4,000 per tonne, and we believe this is an opportunity to accumulate plantation stocks,' he added. Of the heavyweight stocks, Maybank, CIMB and IHH Healthcare were all flat at RM9.54, RM6.75 and RM6.66, respectively. Public Bank fell four sen to RM4.25 and Tenaga Nasional slid 24 sen to RM13.36. Petronas Chemicals jumped eight sen to RM3.61, and Nestle surged RM2.50 to RM88. Among the most active stocks, Ekovest added four sen to 44 sen, NexG inched up half a sen to 53 sen, and Tanco grew one sen to 92.5 sen. Zetrix AI went down 7.5 sen to 83.5 sen and YTL Corporation slipped three sen to RM2.45. Among top gainers and decliners, Sam Engineering and Equipment rallied 13 sen to RM4.20, while Fraser and Neave and Infomina were 10 sen higher each at RM29 and RM1.1, respectively. United Plantations dropped 32 sen to RM21.90, and Petronas Dagangan lost 26 sen to RM21.44 to lead the losers. Across the broader market, the FBM Emas Index dropped 34.62 points to 11,472.20, the FBMT 100 Index slipped 37.27 points to 11,232.45, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index lost 38.94 points to 11,490.04. The FBM 70 Index fell 77.16 points to 16,530.41 while the FBM ACE Index shaved 2.42 points to 4,636.60. By sector, the Plantation Index grew 28.44 points to 7,463.23, the Industrial Products and Services Index inched up 0.25 of a point higher to 157.39, and the Energy Index climbed 0.94 of a point to 740.79. The Financial Services Index sank 45.86 points to 17,408.37. The Main Market volume improved to 1.67 billion units valued at RM2.03 billion from 1.26 billion units valued at RM1.85 billion. Warrant turnover slipped to 1.01 billion units worth RM161.01 million from 1.28 billion units worth RM218.03 million previously. The ACE Market volume rose to 323.13 million units worth RM106.95 million from 313.89 million units worth RM90.97 million. Consumer products and services counters accounted for 236.86 million shares traded on the Main Market; industrial products and services (218.34 million), construction (182.64 million), technology (469.30 million), SPAC (nil), financial services (63.27 million), property (170.58 million), plantation (13.29 million), REITs (15.88 million), closed-end fund (900), energy (110.48 million), healthcare (42.84 million), telecommunications and media (33.72 million), transportation and logistics (39.83 million), utilities (71.07 million), and business trusts (27,000). - Bernama
Barnama
17 minutes ago
- Barnama
Bursa Pares Gains To Close Lower On Cautious Sentiment Ahead Of US Tariff Deadline
At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 4.38 points, or 0.29 per cent, to close at 1,529.38 from Friday's close of 1,533.76. KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia pared earlier gains to close lower on Monday, as investors adopted a more cautious posture ahead of the US tariff negotiation deadline on Aug 1. Turnover improved to three billion units worth RM2.30 billion from 2.86 billion shares worth RM2.16 billion on Friday. In the broader market, losers led gainers 554 to 420, while 488 counters were unchanged and 1,091 untraded, with 43 suspended. The benchmark index opened 4.29 points firmer at 1,538.05 and moved between 1,528.34 and 1,539.38 throughout the trading session. 'Among the FBM KLCI constituents, plantation and utility counters led the gainers, aligning with our weekly view that investor positioning would favour domestically oriented sectors amidst heightened external uncertainty. However, the momentum proved unsustainable into the afternoon, with the index closing lower as investors adopted a more cautious posture ahead of Thursday's US tariff deadline. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, noted that the FBM KLCI commenced the week's trading on a firm footing, posting early gains during the morning session. 'We anticipate markets will continue to consolidate in the near term, awaiting further signals from the Malaysia-US trade talks or any fresh tariff-related announcements from US President Donald Trump,' he told Bernama. Mohd Sedek noted that regional peers delivered a mixed performance on Monday, weighed by profit-taking and concerns over global trade developments. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.68 per cent to close at 25,562.13, South Korea's Kospi garnered 0.42 per cent to 3,209.52, while Singapore's Straits Times Index lost 0.27 per cent to 4,249.48, and Japan's Nikkei 225 shed 1.10 per cent to 40,998.27. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the local benchmark index closed below the 1,530 level due to late selling. He noted that market sentiment was subdued as investors awaited more details from the US-China trade discussions, set to begin in Stockholm later today. Thong said the local bourse remains in consolidation mode, hovering around the 1,530 level due to a lack of fresh catalysts. 'For the moment, we expect the FBM KLCI to trend range-bound, hovering within 1,510-1,540 points for the week. We notice crude palm oil (CPO) futures remain above RM4,000 per tonne, and we believe this is an opportunity to accumulate plantation stocks,' he added. Of the heavyweight stocks, Maybank, CIMB and IHH Healthcare were all flat at RM9.54, RM6.75 and RM6.66, respectively. Public Bank fell four sen to RM4.25 and Tenaga Nasional slid 24 sen to RM13.36. Petronas Chemicals jumped eight sen to RM3.61, and Nestle surged RM2.50 to RM88. Among the most active stocks, Ekovest added four sen to 44 sen, NexG inched up half a sen to 53 sen, and Tanco grew one sen to 92.5 sen. Zetrix AI went down 7.5 sen to 83.5 sen and YTL Corporation slipped three sen to RM2.45. Among top gainers and decliners, SAM Engineering and Equipment rallied 13 sen to RM4.20, while Fraser and Neave and Infomina were 10 sen higher each at RM29 and RM1.1, respectively. United Plantations dropped 32 sen to RM21.90, and Petronas Dagangan lost 26 sen to RM21.44 to lead the losers. Across the broader market, the FBM Emas Index dropped 34.62 points to 11,472.20, the FBMT 100 Index slipped 37.27 points to 11,232.45, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index lost 38.94 points to 11,490.04. The FBM 70 Index fell 77.16 points to 16,530.41 while the FBM ACE Index shaved 2.42 points to 4,636.60. By sector, the Plantation Index grew 28.44 points to 7,463.23, the Industrial Products and Services Index inched up 0.25 of a point higher to 157.39, and the Energy Index climbed 0.94 of a point to 740.79. The Financial Services Index sank 45.86 points to 17,408.37. The Main Market volume improved to 1.67 billion units valued at RM2.03 billion from 1.26 billion units valued at RM1.85 billion. Warrant turnover slipped to 1.01 billion units worth RM161.01 million from 1.28 billion units worth RM218.03 million previously. The ACE Market volume rose to 323.13 million units worth RM106.95 million from 313.89 million units worth RM90.97 million. Consumer products and services counters accounted for 236.86 million shares traded on the Main Market; industrial products and services (218.34 million), construction (182.64 million), technology (469.30 million), SPAC (nil), financial services (63.27 million), property (170.58 million), plantation (13.29 million), REITs (15.88 million), closed-end fund (900), energy (110.48 million), healthcare (42.84 million), telecommunications and media (33.72 million), transportation and logistics (39.83 million), utilities (71.07 million), and business trusts (27,000). -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
