Man inspired by childhood memories to create oil lamps using bamboo sticks

MARANG: Childhood nostalgia during Ramadan have inspired a lorry driver to create oil lamps using bamboo sticks to replace more modern decorative lights to adorn his house and enliven the nights throughout the holy month.

However, Mohamad Azmizan Abdul Ghani, 38, said he did not expect that his creation became the talk of the town where many have asked him to make the oil lamps for them as it was difficult to find in the market.

"I began making my bamboo oil lamps during last year's Ramadan to fill my time following the nationwide enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

"When I uploaded photos and videos of the lamps on Facebook and the Whatsapp application, many commented that the lamps were beautiful and unique. I received orders to make about 500 oil lamps last year and now I am more serious about making these lamps as my second source of income," he told Bernama when met at his house near Kampung Merchang here today.

Mohamad Azmizan is assisted by his wife Rorida Awi, 38, who is managing the orders and his friend Mohd Zulbaidillah Dzulkifli, 36, who accompanies him to look for bamboo stems around the village twice a day and cut them down.

However, according to Mohamad Azmizan unpredictable weather conditions during this fasting month are quite challenging for them, in addition to the dangers posed by venomous animals such as snakes and centipedes that can often be found in the cavities of bamboo stems.

"Normally we will spend two hours looking for bamboo stems, more orders mean longer hours. Some customers buy the oil lamps in bulk to resell them," he said, adding that he had received orders from customers as far as Sarawak.

The father of two said the oil lamps were sold at a reasonable price of between RM10 and RM13 per bamboo stick and each stem has three segments which are fitted with six wicks.

As of today (the sixth day of Ramadan), he has received an order of over 300 bamboo oil lamps.

Mohamad Azmizan said he is selling the bamboo lamps at a low price as bamboos (common bamboos) are very easy to find in the village, adding that he wanted his buyers to feel the joy and excitement of celebrating Ramadan and Aidilfitri with his creation.

"Besides that, I intend to reintroduce the tradition of our ancestors to the younger generation," he said, adding that with care, the oil lamps can be used for up to three years.

-- BERNAMA