RUBBER TAPPER BOOSTS INCOME BY SELLING HOMEMADE FIBREGLASS BOATS, THANKS TO YOUTUBE

PASIR MAS, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Wan Mohd Zain Wan Jaafar, 57, a rubber tapper from Kampung Padang Licin has received a financial windfall by making homemade fibreglass boats thanks to his determination, effort and penchant of watching YouTube.

He related how he learned how to make the boats by watching YouTube videos, and became seriously determined when the rainy season made it hard for him to tap rubber.

“Initially, I just wanted to give it a try and fill up my free time. But when the village was flooded several times since 2022, I realised this skill could help my family financially.

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“It used to be a hobby, but since June this year, I was determined to make and sell boats. Alhamdulillah, the attempt worked and now I’m getting good response, including from nearby flood-prone areas,” he told reporters here today.

Working with his friend, Sukri Zakaria, 53, Wan Mohd Zain can complete an 18-foot boat in five or six days, depending on the weather, or about three boats a month, with each boat able to accommodate two to three people, at a price of RM1,350 including delivery.

“The demand is very high and I’m lucky to have my friend to help. For now, there are five bookings, most of them from villagers here, including a friend from Kuala Lumpur who booked two units to be used in Kelantan,” Wan Mohd Zain said.

One of his buyers, Daud Ismail, 72, from Kampung Gual Mesa said he could no longer put off getting a boat after his home was flooded with chest-high waters last year.

“I have six people at home, including my wife, three children and a grandchild. When the water rises, the boat is the only way to get around. For me, having a boat is a necessity what more if where we stay is low-lying and flood-prone,” he added.

-- BERNAMA