Ex-footballer now collector of antique coconut graters

Zulyadan Abdullah, 53, now a trader, started collecting old coconut graters over the past four years.

"These coconut graters have served man for a long time and are now being forgotten with the advent of modern coconut-grating machines," he said, giving the reason for taking up the hobby.

Zulyadan, who used to play alongside Marko Kraljevic at one time in the early 1990s, said the antique coconut graters he had collected were made of wood or steel.

The father of four had spent much money buying these coconut graters, looking for them in antique shops and with the help of friends.

"I have never had regrets, only satisfaction, when I am able to own things that I have an interest in," he said.

Zulyadan said he had the desire to hold an exhibition of antique coconut graters once he had collected a sufficient number.

He said the oldest of the coconut graters in his collection, dating back to over 100 years, was unearthed on a piece of land he had bought in Kampung Temelong, Lenggong.

"That coconut grater is unique. It is made of wood and is black," he said.