In Kelantan, a craftswoman preserves the singhora roof tile heritage

Noraini, the fifth-generation member of a family of singhora tile makers, learnt the art of making the tiles from her father. Photo: Bernama

In traditional Malay architecture, one of the most imposing parts of a structure is its roof. In fact, the roof is accorded so much significance that there is even a Malay saying dedicated to it - "Tak dapat tengok orangnya, dapat pandang bumbung rumah pun dah memadai menghilangkan rindu".

It means if one does not get to see the person one is pining for, just the sight of the roof of his/her house is enough to dissipate the longing.