Panjut maker Zainordin Nayan said customers loved the lamps because they were reminiscent of nostalgic kampung-style celebrations.
“There is a demand for panjut. Old-timers just want to preserve Malay culture as panjut evokes memories of our childhood,” he said at his house in Kampung Kechor. Having picked up panjut-making skills when he was a child, Zainordin, 34, said it was meant to decorate his house for Hari Raya back then. But now, he is determined to preserve the artistic heritage.“It’s quite a tedious process and requires patience. I have to first look for bamboo in the village and the surrounding areas.
“Then, I have to cut the bamboo and punch holes onto it. There are two types of pelita panjut – one with four wicks and the other with six. The length is 0.5m or more. We produce about 150 sticks daily with two workers,” he said.Zainordin said each panjut could last for at least three years with proper care, adding that one should rinse it with water before storing it.
Separately, Hanafiza believed they could sell up to 1,500 sticks of panjut this year, having produced 500 sticks so far.“For those living outside Kedah and Perlis, we can deliver via courier,” she said.