The art of making 'parang' is dying, this Sarawakian bladesmith wants to revive it

Zulhi is proud to be one of the last few parang makers in Lawas, Sarawak. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

Like many other traditional crafts in Malaysia, hand-forged parang or machete is a dying trade. In Lawas, Sarawak, there is only a handful of these craftsmen around and bladesmith Zulhi Seali, 45, is proud to be one of them.

“I am the youngest and handsomest parang maker in Kampung Punang, Lawas, ” joked Zulhi, when we met in Nilai, Negri Sembilan in September.