KUALA KANGSAR: It's hard for anyone passing Kampung Padang Ampang in Kota Lama Kiri not to notice the colourful star-shaped festive decorations displayed at the stall along the road.
Known among the locals as Bintang Panjut, this lantern is a favourite decorative item for Hari Raya.
One can place a candle or bulb inside before it is hung.
Lighted Bintang Panjut can be seen in abundance especially from the 27th day of Ramadan.
Many years ago, one could find many stalls selling the item along the road. Today, the lantern is made only by housewives Umi Kelsom Dahalan, 51, and Aminatun Yacob, 47.
Though there is much demand for the lantern, many have shied away from making it.
The frame of the lanterns is made from bamboo and is then covered with colourful glass paper.
Umi Kelsom, fondly known as Kak Chom, and Aminatun have orders from as far as Parit Buntar and Sungkai.
Last year, their stock of 500 lanterns, priced between RM8 and RM30 depending on size, were snapped up as soon as they were completed.
Not to be caught unprepared again, the duo started making the lanterns early this year to ensure orders could be met.
Kak Chom said her customers ranged from motorists passing by the area to dignitaries and even hotels.
"This thing can last. Even if the surface is torn, one can easily have it replaced with paper of their choice."
Kak Chom learned how to make Bintang Panjut from her mother.
"The secret lies in the ability to smoothen the bamboo pieces before they are tied together. If one is not skilled enough, the bamboo will break when pulled to form the frame."
Kak Chom said she was sad that not many people, especially the younger generation, were keen to learn the art.
"It is a tradition and culture that should be kept alive. But unfortunately, the younger generation is not interested. I think they just don't have the patience to sit through the long and tedious process," she said.
Kak Chom, who is willing to teach others the art, admitted to the long hours needed to make the lantern.
In a day, she and Aminatun can only make about 10 lanterns.

(published: 17/10/2006)