There are only a handful of bona fide batik blok makers in Terengganu that tirelessly detail their diverse patterns influenced by various cultures to create unique designs for their customers. Here's into the life of a simple, care-free yet hardworking batik maker; M. Rashid bin Jusoh.
The Abstract Specialist
M Rashid Jusoh | Seberang Takir | since 1995
As I descended down in the land of Terengganu that welcomed me with a continuous breeze of hot, humid air, it held a divergent charm and splendour from other states in Malaysia. Despite rapid development and modernisation, it is as if time has stood still as the state retains all rustic and idyllic charms so different from other tourist destination. Terengganu is home to a diverse and close-knit society, where people are friendly and they excise exuberant warmth and grace, strong morals and values. The community of different races share the bonds of neighbourhood, a strong liking for local food and speak the same local dialect.
To my ignorant knowledge beforehand, Terengganu is also known to be home of the foremost batik blok makers in Malaysia. Amongst these batik blok virtuosos lives an abstract specialist name M. Rashid bin Jusoh whom prefers to be called “Pok Rashid” by everyone and anyone who knows him. Pok Rashid has bide in Kuala Terengganu his whole life and dedicated himself into the skilful world of batik bloks. As per the tile, one will already know Pok Rashid’s distinct style; creating abstract batik that is not a norm in traditional batik blok-making.
Pok Rashid’s grounding started when he ended school life in the year 1989. His brother whom he endearingly calls “Abang” which means big brother in the Malay language taught him along with twenty other workers about the skills. When he saw how beautiful the final look of batik looked, he developed a keen interest init. He made a vow to continue the legacy when he grew up. It took him years of hardship in building his experience and saving up the capital to build his own business. What awed me was that all was done before he reached the legal age. He started off by buying one cloth after another as his capital grew. He continued on until he had enough to build a workshop behind his house.
“It is the obligation towards my customers base that have been loyal to my makings. It is the feelings of happiness, excitement and satisfaction to see the demand from them that have motivated to work hard.”
It was all thrived on passion and perseverance as there were no loans requested. The love that he has all for the utensils and equipments to make the blok batik has made him continuously go through the challenges of what he faced. Ten years ago, Pok Rashid wanted to give up and quit because of the competition that included stencil batiks. However, the support an encouragement from his family, friends and even the community and customers motivated him to continue what he loved and do best; making blok batiks.