January 21, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR – ZAINAB Abu Bakar, 88, remains steadfast in preserving the art of weaving mats using mengkuang leaves, even as the traditional handicraft gradually fades amid modernisation.
Despite her advanced age, Zainab’s fingers never tire as she diligently weaves the leaves with remarkable creativity to fulfil customer orders.
Zainab, from Kampung Bukit Mentok in Chukai, Terengganu, said she learned the skill from her grandfather at 13, having been captivated by the craftsmanship of the Malay community residing there.
“Previously, Kampung Bukit Mentok was renowned as one of the centres for mengkuang mat production in this district, with many villagers involved in the craft.
“Today, I’m the only one actively weaving mengkuang mats, as the younger generation is no longer interested in inheriting this traditional skill,” she told Bernama when met at her home.
Zainab, who has five daughters, 29 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren, said weaving mengkuang mats required perseverance, precision and a high level of patience, as every stage of the process was carried out manually and took considerable time to ensure neatness and quality.
She said the work began with sourcing and selecting suitable mengkuang leaves, followed by splitting, soaking, dyeing, stringing, drying and finally weaving the mats.
Zainab said she performed all the steps herself with occasional help from her children and grandchildren.
Zainab, who enjoys good health, often begins weaving as early as 4am.
“I go to bed early and wake up before dawn to start weaving because it is more comfortable to work in cooler weather.
“However, I do not weave every day unless there are orders to be completed.”
She would take about five days to complete a mat measuring 2.29m x 1.37m.
Each mengkuang mat is sold for between RM60 and RM70, and she continues to receive many orders, including from outside Terengganu.
However, Zainab said none of her five daughters, aged between 52 and 70, was interested in continuing the craft, despite possessing the skills to do so.