Kelantan’s para‑athlete swaps medals for motifs, carving hibiscus dreams into global recognition

KOTA BHARU, May 28 — Despite his physical disability, former Kelantanese para-athlete Mazri Mohamed, 55, never allowed his limitations to stand in the way of his dreams, mastering the delicate art of wood carving through sheer determination and passion, eventually earning recognition on the international stage.

Mazri, who once competed in shot put, discus throw, and javelin events, said he first became involved in wood carving more than four decades ago after learning the intricate craft as a teenager.

Having lost the use of his left leg due to a high fever when he was six years old, he shared that his deep passion for the art of wood carving became the driving force that kept him creating —  while also providing him with a source of income.

“At first, I treated wood carving as nothing more than a hobby. But over time, I began to see its potential to grow much further, especially since very few people are willing to dedicate themselves to preserving this traditional heritage craft.

“After years of refining my skills and deepening my knowledge, I finally gained the confidence to accept commissioned work. My very first order came from villagers who wanted carved wooden designs for a staircase structure,” he said during an interview with Bernama at his workshop near Kampung Pulau Pisang Hilir recently.

The father of five children aged between eight and 26 said he produces a wide range of carvings, including mosque pulpits, Quran rehal (stands), traditional dikir barat musical instruments, doors, and decorative pieces for traditional homes.

He said his craftsmanship not only attracted orders from the local community, but also earned him the honour of contributing wood carvings to the staircase of the Istana Balai Besar about a decade ago.

“I have also received commissions from several prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, as well as members of the royal family.

“Every carving comes with its own challenges, especially as there are times when my physical condition limits my movement. Some pieces can be completed within two or three days, while others may take up to two weeks, depending on the design and level of intricacy,” he said.

He added that among the motifs most favoured by customers are the hibiscus flower, betel leaves, and the tree of life — designs that beautifully reflect the identity and rich heritage of Malay cultural artistry, while also complementing various wooden structures such as staircases, doors, and wall decorations.

He said every carving is crafted with great care through a combination of traditional hand-chiselling techniques and modern machinery to ensure finer, neater, and higher-quality results.

“The prices for my carvings range from RM50 to RM2,000, depending on the size, design, and type of wood used, such as meranti, cengal, seraya, merawan, and raya hitam wood.

“Beyond producing wood carvings, I have also showcased my talent internationally through several carving competitions, including in South Korea in 2000, where I created a bird carving, and in India in 2009, for a sculpture carving competition,” he said.

Mazri also shared that he won third place at the 7th International Abilympics in Shizuoka, Japan, in 2007 for his cherry blossom wood carving.

“That achievement was not only a recognition of my talent and craftsmanship, but it also brought pride to the country on the world stage in the field of wood carving artistry.

“I hope this traditional art of wood carving will continue to be preserved and not fade with time. Instead, it should be passed down to the younger generation as a treasured cultural heritage that deserves to endure,” he said. — Bernama

المصدر: Malay Mail