Terengganu Batik would be nothing without the stamp used. The intricacies and unique patterns of the Terengganu batik are really up to how the block is made. In Terengganu currently, Zakaria bin Ismail whom we so affectionately refer to as 'Pok Yah' is the sole block maker in Terengganu.
The Block Master
Zakaria bin Ismail | Seberang Takir | since 1995
Despite rapid development and modernisation, the art of batik-making has gone through the testing times and still remain a hot demand amongst domestic and international tourists alike. With that said, the supply of authentic batik-making has been having a little bit of a hiccup in terms of the deteriorating lineage of block makers, which is very concerning considering the block being the one thing needed to produce this unique stamp-produced patterns. After being in the industry for almost all his life, Pok Yah is currently the sole block maker in Malaysia or the world. And he just well may be the last.
Block-making was passed down, generation by generation in Pok Yah's family. You can say, the art of block-making is infused in his blood. He picked up block-making when he was just 12 years of age and never stopped ever since. Throughout the years of learning the craft, Pok Yah has created and co-created an endless and countless plethora of patterns and visages to cater to the likings of different customers, whilst still preserving the rich, traditional craft which dates back to the 14th century.
A pack of cigarettes, a creative brief of the block pattern and an elaborate array of simple crafting equipments makes the recipe of a good block-making process.On average, Pok Yah explains that it takes approximately three to four days to craft the block, depending on the intricacies of the design. With a quick look into his craftmen workshop, also known as his work table, there were metal solders, hot glue guns, hammers, pieces of metal and a whole of passion one man has for his craft.
"The secret to good Terengganu batik lies in the quality of the block, itself. And the unaniminity between the maker and the customer."
Now, Pok Yah has been going out for exhibitions and special events organized by Tourism Malaysia/. Recently, he was the mastermind behind the team which created the longest piece of Terengganu batik in the world. Pok Yah is a true-blue Malaysian treasure and his block-making legacy will hopefully continue for more generations to come.