Devotion of a Johor 'hadramaut' gambus maker

The Johor gambus used to feature motifs bearing Arab influence but Halidan wants to change this. He said he wants to bring the traditional instrument closer to this country by adorning it with designs of Malaysian fauna and flora, as well as black pepper which reflects Johor's identity. Photo: Bernama

No one is more excited than Halidan Ithnin following the recognition of the Johor gambus as a unique product of the district of Batu Pahat by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

Halidan, 54, who is well known here for the Johor "hadramaut" gambus that he makes, is confident the recent inclusion of Batu Pahat district in MyIPO's geographical indications (GI) register would augur well for the local gambus making industry.