KUCHING: Disabled Asyhafiq Bujang started dabbling in the art of modern knitting or ‘tufting’ after attending a Community Rehabilitation Programme (PDK) in 2014.
The 34-year-old who is deaf and mute was encouraged by his teacher to get into the handicraft business.
According to his mother, Melati Julin, 58, he initially learned to crochet carpets with cartoon patterns of his choice such as Garfield and butterflies using only knitting needles.
Then, in order to enable her son’s craft to become tourism products that have the identity of the Bumi Kenyalang community, Melati introduced ethnic motifs of the state to Asyhafiq.
“He copied the patterns from the book I bought and tried to draw them on newspapers. Slowly he crocheted on carpet nets and now loves ethnic motifs.
“Meanwhile, some people became interested in his crocheted carpets. I also promoted my son’s craft products on Facebook, and I didn’t expect a lot of individuals to order,” she told the New Sarawak Tribune.
According to Melati, Asyhafiq was also frequently given the opportunity to feature himself at various state tourism programmes, and he effectively drew the attention of tourists from South Korea and the Philippines.
His handicrafts were also chosen as mementos for dignitaries by agencies and governments.
Melati, a retired nurse, said she never expected her disadvantaged son to achieve the level that he has today and though overwhelmed she never tires of encouraging Asyhafiq.
“He used to wait for me to come back from work even if he wanted to cut yarn. Now as soon as he gets home, he immediately gets the thread and scissors to cut because he wants to complete orders as soon as possible.
“Now he can be independent, I am also retired so I have a lot of time to help,” she said.
Melati in this context advised parents who have children with disabilities to continue supporting them.
She also encouraged parents to seek help from government departments and agencies to help their children financially.
Asyhafiq received a RM5,000 one-off launching grant from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) to start his craft business.
