Kampung Talak: What began as a quiet pastime has blossomed into a meaningful livelihood for Diniey Iqbal Che Kar and his wife, Nuur Faraiin Mat Rowi, who took up bamboo weaving as a hobby two years ago. Today, they are constantly at work, fulfilling weekly orders for handcrafted pieces that are not only visually striking but also carry the soul of a tradition slowly fading from the mainstream. Run from their home in Kampung Talak, their small business has since become a go-to for those seeking a touch of heritage for weddings, home d©cor, or cultural events.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the couple started small, initially making a few pieces at home. However, their work quickly gained attention, leading to orders from across the country, including places like Kedah, Sabah, and Sarawak. Diniey, 30, shared that their woven d©cor items are priced between RM10 and RM30, depending on size and design. Popular dimensions include 3×3, 3×4, and 3×5 feet, which continue to see strong demand.
The couple emphasised that weaving is not just about creativity but also involves precision and care. They carefully select black sheath bamboo (buluh kelopak hitam), a local bamboo known for its durability and ease of splitting. Each stalk is cut to specific measurements, shaved into thin strips, and dried naturally or under the sun. Diniey noted that maintaining consistent strip width is crucial, as uneven strips result in messy weaves.
Despite the intricate work involved, the couple agrees that the biggest challenge is continuity. Their hope is that their passion will spark a revival, one strip, one weave at a time. Diniey expressed concern that fewer young people are picking up the craft, with only a handful of elderly artisans actively weaving in Kampung Talak and nearby villages like Jal Kechil and Ana.
Nuur Faraiin, 29, believes that weaving is more than just creating a product; it’s a way of expressing emotion and preserving meaning. To bring that spirit to life, she and her husband now offer venue styling services, complete with custom themes and colour schemes centered around bamboo elements. The couple is excited to see more people appreciating traditional touches again, which motivates them to keep growing the business.
They have plans to expand their reach online and participate in more craft expos organised by government agencies, with hopes of bringing their village-made creations to a wider audience. Diniey is also committed to supporting fellow villagers by helping promote other locally made bamboo crafts such as badang (bamboo trays), baskets, bamboo chimes, food covers, and mats. He believes that traditional crafts can be a source of livelihood and pride if nurtured the right way, and expressed that it would be a shame to let the bamboo in their village go to waste.