Compiled by FAZLEENA AZIZ, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
A FATHER-AND-SON team in Kampung Gong Ubi Keling in Besut, Terengganu, is keeping alive a three-generation tradition of handcrafting rebana drums, even as they warn the skill faces extinction due to a lack of young successors, Utusan Malaysia reported.
Hapizi Hussin, 44, said making the traditional drums is more than just a livelihood – it is a passion ingrained in him since childhood while assisting his father, Hussin A. Ghani, 67, and late grandfather, A. Ghani Yusof.
“At first, I just helped, but over time, I developed an interest and started making my own,” Hapizi said.
He said the family initially made rebana for their own use in dikir performances and silat, but later spotted strong market demand and began producing instruments for customers nationwide.
While his father learned the craft at age nine, Hapizi began making rebana seriously at 18.
Today, the workshop produces various types, including dikir rebana, silat drums, rebana ubi and miniature souvenir versions sold at markets such as Bazar Buluh Kubu in Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Despite growing demand, Hapizi stressed that quality cannot be rushed.
Each drum is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal acoustics, with careful attention paid to both material selection and tonal quality.
The workshop utilises mango, jackfruit and cempedak timber, prized for their distinct grain patterns and acoustic resonance.
However, Hapizi cautioned that the family’s legacy could fade away if younger artisans do not step forward to master the craft.
> Actress Fasha Sandha has confirmed that her public dispute with a fellow actress over persistent lateness on set has been resolved, Harian Metro reported.
Fasha, 42, said the actress in question approached her personally to apologise and promised not to repeat the behaviour.
“We have reconciled, and she has said sorry and will not repeat it again,” said Fasha.
She added that she refrained from naming the individual to protect her privacy, expressing hope that the incident serves as a reminder for industry peers to respect production schedules.
Fasha had previously taken to Instagram to voice her frustration over habitual lateness on set, which she said left cast and crew waiting for hours almost daily.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
