Sape sales went up during the pandemic, says young Sarawakian sape craftsman

"The sape is a beautiful art form of Sarawak. Crafting a sape provides me with freedom of expression." Photos: Hayree Hashim

Sarawakian sape luthier Hayree Hashim, 27, has been busy fulfilling orders for his handcrafted musical instrument since the start of the pandemic.

The award-winning sape maker says that sales have been up since the start of the pandemic and he reckons that it's because music enthusiasts have picked up the sape as a pastime during the months of staying home due to the movement control orders these past 18 months or so.

"Many Malaysians are learning new hobbies to battle boredom since Covid-19. Some have signed up for online courses, or cooking and others are learning a new instrument. There are online sape classes and during MCO, anyone could learn to play the instrument in the safety of their own homes.