SANDWICHED between two shop blocks in garish yellow in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, an unassuming wooden shop holds what many said is one of the state’s most valuable treasures – the last traditional copper craftsman.

Wan Yusoff Wan Ismail has managed his Wanisma Craft & Trading shop for decades, like the seven generations of his ancestors before him.

“Yes, this is the ‘the last man standing’,” he said, gesturing at himself with a slight chuckle during an interview with The Malaysian Insight.

The batik and copper-craft shop used to have several neighbours like it, but six years ago, when the Barisan Nasional-led state government took over the land at Kg Ladang for development, the 20 shops were slowly reduced to one.

Wan Yusoff said the area used to house 70 to 100 artisans.

He has held off selling the shop as he believes the art of welding, shaping and engraving copper is unique to the Malay culture.

“This is a tourism product of the state. If the state government doesn’t take care of it, who will?” he said.

State Pakatan Harapan chairman Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the previous government committed cultural genocide when it laid claim on the land but failed to provide alternative locations for the artisans to continue their work, effectively destroying both their art and their legacy.

“The Malays in Terengganu have forsaken our legacy in the name of modern development, which holds no meaning or value for the race,” Raja Kamarul said in a statement prior to the May 9 general election.

Looking for apprentices 

For Zakaria Ismail, 62, the fact that he is one of the last few batik specialists in Kg Ladang is a compelling reason to put off his retirement.

“The others are gone, mostly because of age, because can’t see as well, or because there are no more places to work,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

After his home was acquired by the state government, Zakaria, fondly known as Pok Ya Bunga for the exquisite batik designs he is renowned for, was left without his workshop of many years.

Today, he creates printed batik designs in the living area of his tiny flat measuring under 75sq m.

“At my age, I should be resting, but I am interested, so well, this is how it is.”

Zakaria said others had expressed interest to learn from him but not everyone had what it took to be a batik designer.

“This isn’t pure artistry. It tests your character, you need to be patient.

“But even a student with only half of the required character is good enough.”

After half a century as a batik artist, who has travelled to Indonesia and more to teach his craft, Zakaria is sad that he has no one to which to leave a legacy.

“The government knows this, they are aware. They just don’t care,” he said.

Keeping the past alive

The PAS-led state government is now relooking the effects of the decisions made by the BN government before, said exco Ariffin Deraman.

“The issue of their placement will be reviewed,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“We will ensure that the copper keris and craft industry does not die out,” said Ariffin, who is the exco for tourism, culture and information technology.

The Alor Limbat assemblyman said Terengganu is already in talks with the state entrepreneurial development foundation, Kraftangan Malaysia and museums to develop its crafts and art.

“Even though the copper industry is not big now, we will try to bring back the glory days.

“There have already been several discussions. We will have more serious talks after this.”

Wan Yusoff does not hold out much hope that the state government will keep its word. 

“I don’t expect much. It is enough for me if the state government will just mention Terengganu copperware (in its promotional campaigns).

“I’ll do the rest. As long as I can do this, I will.” – December 23, 2018.