JERTIH: When Muhammad Atifin Zain left his job as a technician at a medical goods factory in Penang in early 2020, he had no formal training in carpentry. What he did have was some engineering know-how, and a willingness to learn by trial and error.
From his workshop in Kampung Bukit Payon here, the 31-year-old now produces solid-wood beds using techniques he largely picked up online, supplemented by observation and experimentation.
His business has grown to more than 30 orders a month, with customers coming from Terengganu and beyond.
“I had no formal training before starting this business. However, I had a deep interest in producing beds from solid wood. I taught myself solely through the internet, observation and experimentation until I achieved the desired results," he told Bernama.
Atifin, who holds a diploma in manufacturing engineering and technology, said this background proved useful when it came to operating and maintaining the machinery in his workshop.
The actual craft of furniture-making, however, was something he had to build up for himself.
Starting out was not cheap. Atifin invested around RM150,000, including money borrowed from family members, to buy the machinery and equipment he needed.
In the beginning, he worked alone and took orders for rehals, or Quran stands, before gradually moving into beds. Orders were modest, and mistakes became part of the learning process.
“Although the initial orders were not many, I continued to learn from my mistakes and emphasised quality to ensure customer satisfaction and confidence in the products produced,” he said.
By 2024, he was making around 10 beds a month. That figure has since climbed to more than 30, supported by five workers, while his wife, Sofiyyah Ismail, 34, handles much of the marketing and administrative side of the business.
Built the old-fashioned way
What sets Atifin’s beds apart is not simply the solid timber but the way some of the main components are joined together. Instead of relying on nails or iron screws, he uses wooden pegs, drawing on traditional joinery techniques.
The method gives the furniture a more distinctive character while preserving something of the craftsmanship associated with older wooden furniture.
Customers can choose from timbers including cengal, merbau and seraya, with designs ranging from classic styles to cleaner, more contemporary looks.
Sizes can also be customised, while some customers request additional detailing such as hand carving. Prices range from RM950 to RM1,950 depending on the timber, design and specifications.
Atifin pointed out that the beds are sturdy and durable, including when exposed to floodwater. Indeed, the strength of the construction appears to be as important to him as appearance.
For someone who entered the trade without formal carpentry training, that balance between structure and finish has become central to the way he works.
He hopes to continue expanding the workshop and create more job opportunities for young people in the area.
“For me, lack of experience is not a barrier if we are willing to learn, keep striving and not easily give up,” he said.