Jertih:Entrepreneur Muhammad Atifin Mohd Zain has seen a surge in demand for his solid wood beds, despite having acquired his carpentry skills entirely online. Atifin, 31, from Kampung Bukit Payong, began his woodworking venture in early 2020 after leaving his job as a technician in Penang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, he now receives over 30 bed orders monthly, catering to customers not only in Terengganu but across various states. Atifin's interest in crafting beds from solid wood, combined with self-teaching through the internet, observation, and experimentation, has been key to his success.

Atifin, a graduate in Manufacturing Engineering and Technology from Mara High Skills College Kuantan, acknowledges that his engineering education has aided him in managing machinery used in production. Starting his business six years ago with a capital of RM150,000, sourced through family loans, he initially handled orders alone, focusing on rehals before expanding to beds.

His business witnessed growth from around 10 orders per month in 2024 to over 30 orders currently. The beds' appeal lies in their sturdy structure, traditional craftsmanship, and durability, even in flood conditions. Atifin employs wooden pegs instead of nails or screws, preserving traditional carpentry techniques.

Customers can select from woods like cengal, merbau, and seraya, with various design options such as classic, modern, and Muji available. Bed prices range from RM950 to RM1,950, depending on specifications, with additional costs for custom features like hand carvings.

His wife, Sofiyyah Ismail, contributes to marketing and administration, while Atifin focuses on production and quality with five employees. He expresses hopes to expand his business, offering more job opportunities for local youth, emphasizing that dedication and learning can overcome inexperience.