Sardi uses a thick velvet fabric from Korea to make Dr Mahathir’s ‘Songkok Style Tun’ at his shop in Pekan Rabu Complex, Alor Setar. — Bernama
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s favourite songkok, dubbed ‘Songkok Style Tun’, has become a brand to be reckoned with at the Pekan Rabu Complex in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Inspired to create the headgear in 2002, Sardi Sahar, 60, said he used a thick velvet fabric from Korea to make the songkok, which could be folded by just pressing its sides without damaging the shape.
“Tun (Dr Mahathir) never misses the chance to drop by at Pekan Rabu to buy the songkok here.
“Prior to this, it was just an ordinary songkok until 2002 when I created one that is lighter and foldable.
“Later, I introduced it to Tun and he liked it! In fact, I was touched in 2008 when Tun allowed me to use his picture on the packaging without imposing any payment. He just told me to maintain the quality of the songkok,” he told Bernama at the Pekan Rabu Complex.
Sardi said the songkok, priced at RM120, would be on high demand ahead of the Hari Raya celebration each year as the orders did not only come from people nationwide, but also from many prominent persons.
Interestingly, he said the demand for the songkok has increased by about 30% after the 14th General Election.
“I have prepared 1,000 units in advance for the Raya celebration which will be delivered to several states including Johor as the demand over there has been really good,” said the man who is proud of creating a songkok worn by the prime minister.
One of his customers, Datuk Bahador A Rahaman from Langkawi said he has been a regular buyer at the shop.
“Today, I bought a songkok for my son because I love the workmanship. It’s not warm and would not make you perspire.
“The most important thing is that it would not shrink when you leave it in the car,” he said, adding that he felt so proud when his family members donned songkok of the same brand worn by the premier from Kedah.
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