Pahang seamstress sews batik masks for postal officers, security guards during MCO

Halimatun's kind gesture of distributing face masks goes a long way towards preventing the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Aiman Azahari

A seamstress in Pahang has put her sewing skills to good use during the movement control order (MCO). In the last three weeks, Halimatun Azahari has stitched over 200 batik face masks, and given them out to postal officers, security guards and neighbours.

The Beserah-based woman doesn’t mind going the extra mile to help others as she knows there is a shortage of disposable face masks amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. She spends between two and six hours each day stitching these items.

Postal officers in Kuantan are grateful for Halimatun's face masks. Photo: Pejabat Pos Kuantan

“It feels nice to do a good deed, especially for those in need. Face masks are so hard to find these days."

"I decided to give it to the public, and essential service workers like postmen and garbage collectors so that more medical masks can be channelled to hospitals,” says the 29-year-old in an email interview.

Halimatun says it isn’t difficult to stitch a face mask. She learned how to sew it by watching video tutorials.

“There are so many informative video tutorials on YouTube and social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Face mask video tutorials have been trending on YouTube. My face masks are made with a filter pocket so that people can put in a filter cloth for added protection,” says Halimatun, who learned to sew when she was 16.

The Centres for Disease Control and Protection recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are challenging to maintain. This includes grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmissions.

The Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

CDCP’s website states that cloth face coverings should fit snugly, be secured with ties and ear loops, and include multiple layers of fabric. The face mask should allow for breathing without restriction and be able to be laundered without damage or change in shape.

It was Halimatun’s brother Aiman who inspired her to stitch face masks for the family.

“Face masks at the pharmacies around our neighbourhood are sold out. And my siblings needed to wear them as they usually deliver dry food items to poor villagers in fishing communities. Since I have lots of free time on my hands, I decided to stitch extra and give them out to others in need," says Halimatun, the second of five siblings.

Some of the batik face masks made by Halimatun.

The batik material is from her mother’s collection. “My mother has over 100 pieces of unused batik cloth, which she gives out during a kenduri (feast) or if there is a death in our village. Since there’s a shortage of face masks, ibu willingly gave me her new batik stock to make into facemasks.”

Halimatun has also received cotton material from kind donors. "I've cut out the material to stitch over 100 face masks. Hopefully, these masks can help keep people safe as we battle against Covid-19."

Anyone can learn how to sew a simple face mask as there are many video tutorials on social media.