Perfect fit: Tik helping Muhammad Syafi try on a songkok at his shop in Pontian. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
PONTIAN: It has been a busy week for trader Tik Mohd Aton, with customers flocking to his store for songkok.
“Many wanted to buy songkok for their sons because of the new school term. It is compulsory for boys attending Islamic religious schools to wear songkok,” he said at his shop here.
“Men are also buying songkok as Ramadan is fast approaching.”
Tik, 75, said he usually orders his supply from a songkok maker based in Ulu Tiram near Johor Baru, where each songkok is made using a sewing machine.
“Since the period between the start of school and fasting month is quite short, I ordered three bags. Each bag contains about 20 boxes of songkok.
“I will get another three bags during the fasting month because I expect last-minute customers looking for songkok just days before Hari Raya,” he added.
Tik, who is a retired police officer, said there are two types of songkok – the more common one has a flat top while the other is songkok baldu, which is slightly thicker and usually handmade.
“Songkok baldu is of good quality. Men will wear it for major events such as their wedding day or during Hari Raya. The price is slightly higher than the usual songkok,” he explained.
He said parents, especially those with young boys, will get the normal songkok as it is more affordable.
Tik, who has 13 grandchildren and one great grandson, said the price of songkok at his shop ranges from RM18 to RM21.
Those for children would cost between RM18 and RM20, depending on the size.
One of his customers, 18-year-old Muhammad Syafi Ismail, needed a songkok for school as he will be starting Form 6 today at SM Agama Bugisiah Tampok in Benut, where he is required to wear a songkok.
“I’ve been searching for a songkok and luckily I found this shop,” he said.
