NIBONG TEBAL, When we think of sewing machines, we often associate them with stitching clothes. However, Muhamad Amzar Ariffin, 29, fondly known as 'Abang Jala' among locals, has innovatively created a 'jala kampuh mesin' (machine-made fishing net). For the past 14 years, Muhamad Amzar has been developing this innovative idea, which has significantly increased his income as the sole producer of fishing nets in Sungai Bakap. It all began when he realised that traditional net-making, which involves hand-tying knots and weaving nets entirely by hand, was time-consuming. With his sewing machine invention, Muhamad Amzar explained that a fishing net can now be completed in a day. The process involves sewing together pre-cut pieces of netting according to the desired net pattern. After completing the netting, attaching chains and adding the spoon net (for landing fish), he tests the net's spread in open areas before selling it to customers. "My fishing nets are not entirely handmade. It's called 'jala kampuh me sin' because I use a sewing machine to create the netting, while the attachment of chains and other elements is still done by hand, ensuring the quality remains on par with handmade nets," he told Bernama recently at his shop in Kampung Changkat Dain. Muhamad Amzar further explained that the materials used for making the nets, such as nylon mesh, are usually sourced from online suppliers and are durable enough for rugged conditions. "I usually use nylon mesh starting from 20.28 mm size and above, as it's resilient for rocky areas. The weights or chains used in the nets depend on the type required. For shrimp nets, for instance, I use fine iron sinkers around 19 mm in size, whereas for fish nets, heavier weights like 25 mm and above are preferred," said Muhamad Amzar, who can produce up to 30 nets per month priced between RM180 to RM350. Reflecting his involvement in net-making, the third child among four siblings and still single, said he learned the craft from his father, an expert in the art of netting since the age of 15. "Since a young age, I often saw my father making nets both for personal use and for sale to supplement his income, as he was a teacher at that time. I used to accompany him and his friends on fishing trips by the river, which sparked my interest in helping him expand his net-selling business," he said. Muhamad Amzar considers himself fortunate as in 2018, he was awarded a RM15,000 grant from SME Corporation Malaysia under the Youth Entrepreneurship Fund. He used this grant to purchase a sewing machine, which he modified by removing unnecessary components to adapt it for sewing nylon mesh, the basic material used for stitching cut nets. Despite the increasing demand for his nets among giant prawn enthusiasts and anglers in Sungai Bakap, Muhamad Amzar aspires to do more. He plans to establish classes in the future to teach net spreading techniques to those unfamiliar with the skill. "Based on my research, many people are interested in fishing for both fish and prawns but lack the knowle dge of spreading nets. These classes will encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to learn the art of netting," he explained. Simultaneously, he aims to pass down his net-making knowledge to his children and other interested family members, ensuring this valuable heritage endures and thrives. Sungai Bakap has been in the spotlight recently due to the upcoming by-election on July 6 following the death of assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to complications from stomach inflammation. The Sungai Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan's Dr. Joohari Ariffin and Abidin Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional. Source: BERNAMA News Agency